Some babies take a long time to sleep. Parents can find it difficult to put their babies to sleep. However, babies need to sleep soundly for their spiritual development and strengthening their immune systems. There are some methods to facilitate the transition to sleep. Dr. Instructor Member Nicel Yıldız Silahlı said, “A warm bath with sufficient time before sleep, telling a quiet tale, reading a book, singing a lullaby and kissing good night can facilitate the transition to sleep. By creating a viable and reproducible sleep activity, the quality of parent sleep increases as well as child sleep.
SLEEP TIME CHANGES AS THE CHILD GREATER
From the Department of Pediatrics and Diseases of Medipol Mega University Hospital, Dr. Instructor Its member, Nicel Yıldız Silahlı, warned families about what needs to be considered in the development of a healthy sleep in babies and children. Dr. Instructor Stating that the most important part of a healthy physical and spiritual development is sleep, Yıldız Armed Member, Yıldız Armed, said, “Sleep contributes to the growth, development and learning of children, while helping to strengthen immunity. As the child grows, the duration and shape of sleep changes. Nocturnal awakenings are considered normal in the first years of life. The important thing is that they are calm and comfortable during their sleeping hours. However, if parents have concerns about the child’s sleep, support should be sought.
SLEEP CONSISTS OF TWO DIFFERENT STAGES
Sleep consists of two different phases, light and deep sleep. In light sleep, dreams are seen, the information learned during the day is processed and recorded, and awakening due to external factors can be seen. Deep sleep is the stage of growth and development and it is difficult to wake up. A cycle of light and deep sleep occurs each night. Babies have short sleep cycles of 30-50 minutes. While one-hour cycles are seen towards 12 months, the cycle times get longer as the age gets older. An adult awakened between light and deep sleep cycles can easily resume sleep. However, when babies and children wake up, they may need parental help or nutrition to continue sleeping.
PERFORMING A SLEEP RITUAL HELPS YOU SLEEP
Mentioning that children need relaxing activities before sleep at night, Dr. Instructor Yıldız Silahlı, its member, continued as follows: “A quiet and calm dark environment can help children sleep. Having a sleep ritual reminds children that it’s time to sleep. A warm bath with sufficient time before sleep, telling a quiet tale, reading a book, singing a lullaby. and a good night kiss can facilitate the transition to sleep. The creation of a viable and repeatable sleep activity increases the quality of parental sleep as well as child sleep. Babies need to be safe while sleeping. Since the covers and toys on the bed can block babies’ trachea, care should be taken to avoid such materials on the bed. From birth, the baby should be laid on a flat surface on his back, the cover that covers him is fixed under his arms, smoking is not allowed in the house, especially in the room where the baby sleeps, the width of the cradle bars is not wide enough to pass the child’s head, providing a safe sleeping environment for the baby. It can prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is likely to occur in young infants”.
DO NOT SLEEP IN THE SAME BED WITH THE BABY
Explaining what can be done for safe sleep, Dr. Instructor Member Yıldız Armed, drew attention to the fact that the baby should not be slept in the same bed. Dr. Instructor Member Yıldız Armed, “Sleeping baby should not be left in soft places such as sofas, small pieces of toys or items such as easily breakable bags that may block the airway should not be left. Clothes with a ribbon at the end should be careful as they can get around the baby’s neck. The sleeping bag used should be suitable for the room temperature and the size of the child. Children under the age of 2 should be laid on a flat surface, pillows should not be used. It is recommended that the baby stay in the same room with the parents until the 12th month. You can sleep in a mother’s bed next to your bed for 12 months, which provides suitable conditions. This helps you to meet the needs of nutrition and love at night. It is ensured that the baby is safe when you are tired and during deep sleep. Breastfeeding is the most basic element of sleep safety. You can get advice on your questions. You need to make sure that the people who care for your baby also know the safe sleep elements.
ONLY ARM CAN BE STOCKED
Touching on traditional swaddling practices, Dr. Instructor Member Yıldız Silahlı said, “Although this method is not recommended as it may cause hip dislocation in infants, only swaddling of the arms can help babies calm down. Some babies like to be hugged and some may not, so it will be more beneficial to act according to the baby’s signs. With a light cotton cover, the baby can be wrapped loosely over the arms and under the neck, leaving the legs and hips free. Swaddling should be stopped for babies who are starting to turn (4-6 months). Again, bag-shaped sleeping bags, where the baby’s arms are out, can also be a good option.