Baby deedee Blog

Are your children struggling to sleep? Here are some common sleep challenges and ways to overcome them.

Having a newborn can be a wild ride, and if you've been struggling to better understand why your little one is sleeping certain amounts at certain times, this article will explain the science behind it all. From circadian rhythms to melatonin production and more, we’re here to help you sort out each part of the puzzle. The Importance of Good Newborn Sleep Habits As any parent knows, good sleep habits are invaluable for newborn babies. Not only does it keep your infant happy and healthy, but it also helps them develop and grow. One of the most important things to know is that newborns follow a very different sleep pattern than adults. Newborns tend to sleep between 16-18 hours per day, often alternating between periods of deep sleep and light sleep. These cycles are due to the baby's developmental stage – as they get older, their sleeping patterns will become more like an adult's. Understanding your baby's unique sleep pattern is crucial for establishing healthy and consistent sleeping habits. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to cues such as yawning, eye rubbing, and changes in body temperature— all signs that signal it might be time for a nap! What You Need to Know About Newborn Sleep Cycles Being aware of your little one's sleep needs will help you provide them with the best possible care. First, it's important to understand that new babies cannot regulate their own sleep-wake cycles, which means they have no concept of day or night. In fact, a newborn's sleeping schedule may range from 2 hours to 4 hours awake at a time – and each child is unique and different. Additionally, expect your baby to cycle through four distinct stages of sleep: active sleep, quiet sleep, drowsiness, and deep sleep. As they get older, they will naturally transition to longer stretches of nighttime rest as their brain matures and grows. How Much Sleep Your Baby Needs According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, newborns need somewhere between 14-17 hours of sleep per day.  During the day, your baby will take several short naps of about 30 minutes each. These typically happen around 4-5 times during the day. At night, you should expect your newborn to sleep for a few hours at a time. In fact, some may actually go on marathon 4-8 hour sessions! This is ideal since it allows babies to get the deep REM sleep they need for physical and mental development in their early stages of life. Remember: not all newborns are alike when it comes to their sleeping patterns - but knowing how much rest they need can help you make sure they're staying happy and healthy! The Role of Melatonin and Cortisol in Newborn Sleeping Patterns Have you ever wondered why newborns have such irregular and unpredictable sleeping patterns? It's largely thanks to two hormones—melatonin and cortisol. These hormones have an important role in setting the rhythm of a newborn child's sleep, helping to define when their body is ready for rest and when it should get ready for the day. Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone released by the pineal gland in our brains. It is responsible for helping regulate our circadian rhythms which determine when we are awake, and when we are asleep. In newborns, melatonin levels begin to increase as the day progresses, eventually reaching its peak at night - signaling for our bodies to prepare for sleep. For newborns though, this process can be disrupted if they are kept up past sunset or if their exposure to light changes during the night. Cortisol is another hormone produced by our bodies that plays a vital role in regulating sleep patterns. This hormone helps us respond appropriately when exposed to external stimuli - like bright lights or loud noises - which can help wake people up if they’re sleeping too much. In newborns, however, cortisol levels do not peak until after several weeks of life - meaning they will have difficulty waking up even with external stimuli present. These two hormones act together to create regular and consistent sleep patterns in newborns as they grow and develop, allowing them to get the restful sleep they need.  Developmental Changes in Sleep Patterns as Your Baby Grows Newborns can't differentiate between day and night yet. That's why the first few months of your baby's life can be pretty tricky when it comes to sleep. But over time, your little one will go through developmental changes that will eventually lead to a more predictable sleep schedule. Here are a few things to look out for: Sleep Cycle Length: As your baby grows, their sleep cycles will also become longer. And we're not just talking by the hour - you'll see regular shifts in when they stay awake and when they need to sleep. Generally, these sleep cycles will even out as they get older. Sleep Consolidation: As well as the length of their sleep cycle changing, during the first two years of life your child's sleeping patterns will also become more consolidated. This means that more time will be spent in one 'block' rather than being divided up throughout the day - making it easier for them (and you!) to get into a routine. Feeding Patterns: Expect your little one's dietary needs to change over time too! You may find that they end up eating fewer meals during the day and switching them around so that they finish eating earlier in the evening. Supporting Healthy Sleep Habits in Newborns Day and Night Cycles: Newborns will typically sleep for short periods throughout the day and night in the first few months of life. Their circadian rhythm (which regulates sleep-wake cycles) is still maturing, so they’ll need help differentiating between day and night. That’s why exposing them to bright lights during the day and keeping their sleeping environment dark at night is important. Napping Habits: Newborns need frequent naps—around 16-18 hours a day! Naps should be spread out evenly throughout the day ideally and should be prioritized since they’re key for development. Try creating a nap routine that works with your baby’s natural nap needs—you can do this with soothing activities like singing or reading stories. Establishing Sleep Patterns: One of the best ways to establish healthy sleeping patterns in babies is through a consistent pre-sleep routine. This helps them wind down for the night by getting ready for bed at roughly the same time each evening. Going through soothing rituals cuddling up for a story or changing to their Sleep Nest can help signal that it's time for bed and can make going to sleep feel more natural and less intimidating. All in all, understanding newborn sleep cycles can help you become more informed, and feel more prepared, to navigate your newborn's sleep patterns. When you understand the science behind how newborns sleep, it can help you create a more realistic plan for your baby's sleep needs, and adjust their expectations accordingly.

Welcoming a newborn into the world can be an exciting and joyful experience, but it can also be a challenging one, especially for first-time parents. One of the biggest challenges new parents face is understanding their newborn's sleep patterns. Babies spend most of their time sleeping during their first few weeks of life, but their sleep cycle can be quite different from what adults are used to. Understanding your newborn's sleep cycle is essential for ensuring they get the rest they need and helping them establish healthy sleep habits.  Here, we will explore what new parents should expect from their newborn's sleep cycle, including how much sleep they need and what their sleep patterns may look like. Definition of a Newborn Sleep Cycle If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably heard of the dreaded “newborn sleep cycle.” It all sounds so intimidating, and the idea of trying to navigate your infant’s sleeping patterns can be overwhelming. But what exactly is a newborn sleep cycle? A newborn sleep cycle is simply an organized pattern of sleeping and waking throughout the day. Babies in their first few months typically have a sleep cycle that usually lasts 2-4 hours at a time, during which they will move back and forth between states of light and deep sleep. They may wake briefly during each sleep episode, but they don't stay awake for long—unless something external disturbs them (like hunger or an uncomfortable temperature).  Explanation of the Different Stages of Sleep As your baby grows and develops, their sleep patterns will begin to resemble those of older children and adults. During the first few months of life, your baby's sleep patterns can be broken down into three stages: active, quiet, and deep sleep. During active sleep, your baby's eyes move rapidly underneath their eyelids while their arms and legs move involuntarily. This is the most easily disturbed stage of sleep and babies are often easily awakened during it. In quiet sleep, your baby's eyes do not move and they settle into a deeper sleep, but they are still relatively easy to awaken. This is the stage where most dreams occur. The third stage is deep sleep—or as some parents call it, “Rem Sleep” or “Delta Sleep”— when your baby is totally relaxed and hard to rouse. Babies in this state produce rare movements or sounds except for the occasional startle reflex. This is when their bodies are able to do most of its physical growth and development. Typical Sleep Patterns for Newborns Here's what you should expect during the first few months: Daytime Sleep: Newborn babies usually have their days and nights mixed up during the early weeks—they may take short naps throughout the day and then be awake for many hours at night. This is normal! As you start to establish a daily routine for your baby, you'll see that they start taking longer naps during the day. Nighttime Sleep: At night, it's best to put your baby down when they are drowsy but still awake. Most newborns will wake up often during the night—usually every two to three hours—as this is how their bodies are programmed to develop. If you notice that your baby has difficulty sleeping or has dramatically different sleeping times each night, talk to your pediatrician. Challenges That Can Disrupt Sleeping Patterns It's not all smooth sailing when it comes to baby sleep, unfortunately. During the first few months, you can expect some challenges which might disrupt baby’s sleeping pattern. Let’s take a look: Teething Pain: It happens to the best of us — a teething baby is an uncomfortable one and this can manifest itself in disrupted sleep patterns both at night and during the day. The good news is that this only lasts for a few days or weeks until your baby’s teeth poke through and the pain subsides. Growth Spurts: Babies go through several growth spurts in the first year of their life, with the initial one happening around 3-4 weeks old. During these growth spurts, your baby might need to feed more often than usual as their bodies are working extra hard to get bigger and stronger. As a result, you might find there are more wake ups at night during such times. Sleep Regressions: Sleep regressions generally occur around 4 months of age, 8 months old and then again at 12 months old - when babies are going through major developmental milestones like learning how to roll over or crawl. If your little one is going through a regression phase, don't worry - it won't last forever! Just focus on establishing good sleep habits and weathering out the storm until things get back on track. Tips for Keeping Your Baby Asleep Through the Night Establish a bedtime routine: Creating a consistent and predictable bedtime routine helps cue your baby that it's time to sleep, and they begin to associate specific steps with going to bed.  Make sure they're comfortable: Make sure that all external factors are considered before putting them in their crib: noise levels should be low, temperature should be cool, they are wearing comfy clothes, and light should be dimmed as much as possible. Sleep training when necessary: Sleep training, or teaching your little one how to self-soothe, can be tough for parents—but sometimes necessary for healthy sleep habits too. It requires patience, consistency and correct timing; but when done correctly it can help your baby learn how to put themselves back to sleep without involving you every time they wake up during the night. As a new parent, understanding your baby's sleep basics can help to reduce your anxiety and stress as you adjust to parenthood. Although the first few months of infancy can be a challenging time for your sleep schedule, you will be surprised at how quickly your little one will progress in their sleep patterns and cycles. Embrace this time, enjoy the process of getting to know your baby, and get ready for more peaceful rest in the days ahead!

When it comes to parenting, few things are as essential (and often as elusive) as a good night’s sleep. That’s because having a baby often means sacrificing quality sleep for the next several years. Or does it? That’s where creating a good sleep routine comes in. Establishing a consistent and calming routine before bedtime can do wonders for your little one and you. Sleep routines not only help babies relax and prepare for sleep, but they also give parents back some of those much-needed precious hours of shut-eye. Here are some helpful tips on designing routines that work best for your family and some suggestions to help you get started and maintain your new habit! Understanding Baby’s Sleep Patterns Here are some of the basics that you need to know about your baby's sleep patterns: Babies typically require 16 hours of sleep a day in relatively long stretches. Typically, babies cycle through four stages of sleep, starting off with light non-REM (NREM) sleep, then transitioning into deep NREM, then REM. Babies are more easily woken up during deep NREM than they are during REM. Newborns usually wake up every 3-4 hours due to hunger and their need to be changed. As they grow, however, babies become able to go nearly 10 hours between feedings. Developing a Consistent Sleep Routine You know the saying: consistency is key. To help you and your baby fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer, it’s important to develop a consistent sleep routine. This should include set times for things like: Getting ready for bed (i.e. brushing teeth, changing into pajamas) Calm activities (i.e. reading stories, gentle massage) Dimming lights/turning off electronics Having a defined routine won’t only teach your little one to relax when it's time for bed, but it will also help their body recognize cues that it's time to rest and get ready for sleep. As the parent, the repetition of this routine will help you stay on schedule and keep from succumbing to late nights out of exhaustion or boredom. Adjusting Your Lifestyle to Optimize Sleep It’s not just your baby’s sleep routine that matters. It’s important for you too—the more you get, the better you can handle the daily routine of parenting. Here are some ideas to help adjust your lifestyle to optimize sleep: Establish a Routine: Reading, soothing sounds or even taking a warm shower are all ways to help you relax and start drifting off. Make sure the room is comfortable, dark and quiet—set reminders throughout the day if needed, so you don’t forget! Get Support: From grandparents stepping in for a few hours to online parenting forums where you can ask questions and share stories with other parents worldwide—make sure to take advantage of them so you don’t get overwhelmed! Prioritize Self-Care: Be sure to find small moments (even if they’re fleeting) where you can do something just for yourself. Whether that means meditating during lunch break or exercising when your little one takes their nap. Creating a Nightly Bedtime Routine for Baby Creating a nightly bedtime routine for your baby can be a great way to help both of you get the sleep that you need. You may be surprised by how much toddlers respond to routine, and it can save you from having to deal with an overtired baby not wanting to go to bed! Introduce routines like singing nursery rhymes or reading a book every night before they go to bed. It doesn't have to take too long—just a few minutes will do. Bedtime is also the perfect time for some special bonding between parent and child; try activities like giving them gentle massage or hugs and kisses that make them feel safe and secure. That way, when it’s finally time for them (and you!) to drift off into dreamland, you’ll both be feeling relaxed and ready for sleep! Combining Sensory Activities to Relax Babies Just like adults, babies need to wind down before they can drift off into dreamland. One way to help them get relaxed is to combine a few sensory activities. This helps your baby learn to self-soothe and form their own sleep routines. For instance, try dimming the lights and reading stories or singing softly. If your baby is feeling fussy, try performing some gentle massage techniques on their arms, legs, and back. You can also use a warm oil or cream for an extra calming effect. If your little one is still having trouble chilling out, you might want to try sensory play that encourages tactile exploration, like playing with textured fabrics such as fur and silk like this Furry Blankie, or exploring activities like wooden stacking toys that make noises when banged together. Another idea is white noise—it’s a proven technique that soothes babies (and parents) alike!    Finding a sleep routine that works for your baby and you is all about trial and error. The key is to create a predictable and consistent routine that is also flexible and adaptable so it can change and evolve with your growing baby's needs. With some thoughtful scheduling and consistency, you may just find that getting more – and better quality – sleep isn't just possible but a reality. Sweet dreams!

As a parent, you want the best for your little one—and when it comes to sleep, that means a restful night for both of you. But with so much conflicting advice out there, how do you know which methods will work best for your family? The answer lies in understanding which common baby sleep mistakes parents make—and how to avoid them. From overthinking nap times to shying away from a bedtime routine, here are some tips on how to avoid these mistakes and nurture healthy sleep habits in your baby.  What are these parents doing wrong? If you’re a new parent, it's important to understand the common sleep mistakes parents make before the baby arrives. That way, you're armed with the information you need to make informed decisions and create healthy sleep habits from the start. First, not creating a consistent routine. Some parents may not realize how important hormones are in regulating a baby's sleep cycle, and that physical cues help establish their internal clock. Therefore, establishing a consistent bedtime routine can be invaluable for your little one's ability to sleep through the night. Second, giving in to too many nighttime comforts. If a new parent gives their baby too many "sleep props"—such as bottle feeding them or rocking them to sleep—they can become dependent on those comforts in order to fall asleep and stay asleep. Over time, this leads to difficulty self-soothing when they wake during the night. For both of these mistakes it's essential that parents start early and stay consistent—establishing healthy routines right away will ensure better quality (and quantity) of sleep in the long run! How to avoid these mistakes Nobody wants to put their little one through more than necessary, and sleep training often makes parents feel uncomfortable. So what can you do? There are a few ways to avoid controversial sleep training practices while still helping your baby learn healthy sleep habits: Gradual extinction: This method can be great for parents who want to provide comfort while still helping baby learn self-soothing skills. It involves gradually decreasing your involvement in the middle of the night, so that your child can fall asleep without you present. You can start by cutting down the amount of time you spend with them, or the amount of physical contact you make. Routine Adjustment: Try adjusting your daily routine so that your child is less overtired when it’s time for bed. This may involve reducing screen time or any activities that are too stimulating close to bedtime, or staggering meals and naps throughout the day so that baby has plenty of energy for bedtime. Gentle Connections: Aim for a balance between providing reassurance and allowing room for independence - try setting up short times during the day where you cuddle and sing songs with them, and make sure they have their own security items like stuffed animals or blankets like this Baby Dee Dee Blanket that they can use when they have difficulty falling asleep on their own. Safe Sleep Environment: Keep your baby's room at a comfortable temperature. Moreover, as simple as choosing the mattress and sheets can affect their sleeping patterns. Opt only for fitted sheets made specifically for baby mattresses as these are designed with safety in mind and fit firmly around your baby’s mattress. From trying to rush the process to giving in and allowing too much independence, it’s essential to take the time and effort to get your child’s sleep schedule right. After all, good sleep habits are essential for a healthy baby and a happy family. With the right approach and gentle guidance, you’ll soon enjoy a blissful night’s sleep.

It's true that being a new parent is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be incredibly exhausting. One of the biggest problems that new parents face is how to get their baby to sleep at night. So, here are some useful tips new parents can do to easily get their baby to sleep. Dim the lights Dimming the lights helps baby feel more secure and more relaxed in their surroundings. Turn off bright lights like ceiling fans or lamps that are too bright for their eyesight. If possible, cover any windows with blackout curtains so that no light comes through at night.  Keeping them warm also helps. Designed in a comforting cocoon-like shape to help babies feel cozy and secure, this Sleep Nest Fleece will keep your little one comfy white they sleep. Keep the noise down  If you're new to parenting, keep noise down by closing doors and windows. You might find it helpful to put on some music during their nap or bed time. Avoid feeding your baby right before bedtime Feeding your baby right before bedtime can cause them to wake up a lot during the night. If you do feed your baby right before bedtime, make sure they are not hungry and that they are still full from their last feeding. You should also avoid feeding your baby if they are already full or have had enough food for the day. Limit screen time Both parents and children can be affected by the effects of TV, tablet, or smartphone use. Television can lead to poor quality sleep, excessive sleeping at night, a decrease in overall sleep duration, and an increase in daytime fatigue.  Let them cry it out This method is often the most effective, but it's also one of the hardest to do. The idea is that you let your baby cry for a few minutes, then go in and comfort them until they fall asleep on their own. Don't pick them up right away if they start crying. If you rush into their room when they start crying and try to put them down again right away, this could lead to more intense crying fit. After they’ve calm down, lift them up and wrap them up in a cozy blanket like this Furry Blankie to make them feel secured. Create a bedtime routine A good bedtime routine ensures that your baby's sleeping pattern is consistent and predictable, which makes it easier for them to fall asleep on their own. Being consistent is the key. Try your best to stick to your routine and schedule as changing things up now and then could cause anxiety or confusion for you and your baby.  With these tips, you’ll have more ideas to work with in terms of getting your baby to sleep better. Of course, this is not a "one size fits all" solution for all parents, babies or situations. Nonetheless, these suggestions is a good springboard for exploring alternative approaches and identifying what works best for you and your baby.

When it comes to buying your baby clothing, sleepwear, and everything in between, it can be difficult to know what to choose. Babies are delicate and have very sensitive skin during their early years of development. The type of clothing and fabrics you buy for your little one is really important for keeping them cozy, comfortable and safe. Using the right materials can make all the difference when it comes to your baby getting restful, sound sleep, and of course, letting you enjoy your restful nights, too. Here’s more on why it’s necessary to remember that your baby deserves high-quality clothing only. Doesn’t Irritate Sensitive Skin As mentioned, babies have very sensitive skin in comparison to us adults. So any harsh or irritating fabrics like wool can make them uncomfortable, itchy, and even cause rashes or skin conditions to flare up like eczema. That’s why it’s always necessary to pay attention to the types of fabrics that you’re selecting when shopping for baby gear. Try to avoid common irritants like tags placed along the necklines which can be itchy, or metal buttons which can cause allergic reactions. It’s More Convenient Another common reason why your baby deserves high-quality clothing is the convenience factor. Quality clothing designs usually take into account the type of functionality that’s necessary for making your life a little easier as a parent. For example, footed, easy-zip pajamas made with grip pads on the bottom are designed to get your little one in and out of their PJs in a synch, while giving that extra safe grip on their feet to prevent any slipping. Parents usually have to change their baby’s clothing several times throughout the day, so having those extra fasteners and easy, thoughtful designs can make a world of difference when your baby is fussing. It Helps Them Sleep Better Cotton is one of the most common fabrics that’s used for baby clothing thanks to its breathability. Since babies are unable to regulate temperature, having some lightweight materials that encourage good airflow is crucial. Cotton is always a great choice for this reason — it won’t irritate or stifle your little one while they sleep. Here at baby deedee, we’re parents too. We understand the type of fabrics and designs that are necessary to help keep your baby cozy while making your life easier too. That’s why all of our products, from our pajamas to our sleeping bags, are made with soft, high-quality cotton or fleece to keep your baby fuss-free and comfortable. Browse through our online store to find what you need to keep your little one swaddled in the best quality for their sensitive skin.

Sleep is so key for a family with a newborn, but it is often a great source of concern due to the existence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Here are some key ways any parent can create a safe sleeping environment for baby so that everyone in the house sleeps soundly! Keep the Crib in Your Room for 6 Months to a Year Studies have shown that keeping baby in your room with you but not in your bed reduces the risk of SIDS. You’ll also sleep better knowing that your little one is just a few feet away! Place baby to sleep on her back and always in her crib Never place your baby to sleep on her stomach, even though she may seem to sleep better. Sleeping on their stomach increases the risk of SIDS for babies. Also a crib with a firm mattress in the only way to go, babies can suffocate in your bed or on a couch. Avoid Loose Objects or Bumpers To make sure your baby is safe when she sleeps, it’s important to ask yourself whether they have any objects in their crib that could endanger them. Examples include loose blankets, toys, and similar items. Bumpers pose a suffocation risk. Use a Baby Sleeping Bag Consider tucking them into a baby sleeping bag, a warm substitute for a loose blanket. Snug and comfortable, baby can sleep on her back in the crib without any danger of getting tangled in sheets or getting cold. We have all sorts of different baby sleeping bags available in different Tog ratings, from our quilted winter-weight to fleece mid-weight and cotton light-weight versions, ensuring baby has the best and safest night’s sleep ever! When it comes to keeping your baby comfy and snug while they slumber away, you can’t forget about safety. With these essential proactive tips, mommy and daddy can rest easy knowing that their little one is better safeguarded against safety risks. For super-soft, snuggly, and protective baby bedding and sleep accessories, check out our products today!

Many new and not-so-new parents find themselves checking on their newborn babies multiple times a night - making sure they are breathing safely.  Here is a quick reminder of important safe sleeping guidelines for your baby. Always in the crib! No matter how tempting it is and how tired you are, it is not recommended to share a bed with your baby or let her sleep on a sofa or other soft type of bedding. The safest place for your baby is her crib. Keep the Crib in Your Room for 6 Months to a Year The American Academy of Pediatrics’ new safe sleep guidelines recommend keeping your baby’s crib in your room for 6 months at least. Room sharing leads to a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). You’ll also sleep better knowing that your little one is just a few feet away! Place baby to sleep on her back All babies should be placed on their backs to sleep. They may have a lighter sleep in this position, but it may also be this lighter sleep that makes sleeping on their back safer. If you feel like your baby would be comforted by having some form of covers while sleeping on her back, a baby sleep bag is the perfect and safest solution. Avoid Loose Objects or Bumpers To make sure your baby is safe when she sleeps, it’s important to ask yourself whether they have any objects in their crib that could endanger them. Examples include loose blankets, toys, and similar items. Bumpers, while designed to protect your baby, actually pose a safety risk as they can topple over and increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Use a Baby Sleeping Bag Since loose blankets are deemed unsafe, consider tucking them into a baby sleeping bag! Snug and comfortable, they can rest on their back in the crib without the danger of getting tangled or waking up cold. We have all sorts of different baby sleeping bags available in different Tog ratings, from our quilted winter-weight to fleece mid-weight and cotton light-weight versions, ensuring baby has the best and safest night’s sleep ever! When it comes to keeping your baby comfy and snug while they slumber away, you can’t forget about safety. With these essential proactive tips, mommy and daddy can rest easy knowing that their little one is better safeguarded against safety risks. For super-soft, snuggly, and protective baby bedding and sleep accessories, check out our products today!

In this day and age, it’s hard not to take advantage of the many benefits of technology. When it comes to settling the kids or keeping them busy so that you can relax and enjoy a peaceful moment to yourself, those devices that grab their attention in an instant seem like a blessing. But too much screen time is not without drawbacks, especially as we begin to rely on it more excessively. In fact, sleep specialists are starting to see a noticeable connection between increased screen time – whether it’s the computer, iPad, smartphone, or TV – and poor quality of sleep. To learn more about how screen time affects sleep quality for your children, read on. Excessive Use of Electronics Ask any parent these days and they’ll tell you that some form of electronic device is an important part of their parenting arsenal. These devices have become so helpful in calming the kids and keeping them distracted that they’ve become almost too much of a crutch. The use of technology and screen time has become so widespread that studies are showing how this increased exposure to screens is impacting the quality of sleep for both adults and children. Studies have shown in particular that excessive screen time leads to shortened sleep duration and a delay in the timing of sleep.  With the almost addictive nature of electronic use, it’s cutting into the duration available to get that full amount of rest we all need. Bright Lights Stimulate Brain & Disrupt Circadian Rhythm In addition, there are more severe impacts than merely cutting into bedtime. The constant long exposure to bright light emitted from the screen suppresses the release of melatonin, which is largely responsible for maintaining our circadian sleep rhythm. This in combination with the content being viewed stimulates the brain enough to release adrenaline. Once this hormone is activated, it makes it hard to get to sleep. If you keep electronic devices in your child’s bedroom, these can also disrupt sleep. It’s not unusual for an iPad screen to turn on with no prompting in the middle of the night, or for a smartphone to buzz with an alert. This interruption can cause your child to wake up and struggle to fall back to sleep. Limit Screen Time to Improve Sleep Understandably, screen time before bed has the biggest noticeable impact on the quality of your children’s sleep. Sleep needs to remain as a priority and establishing healthy habits early is essential. This is why Department of Health guidelines recommend creating limits for children under 13 years of age to two hours of screen time per day and children under 5 with less than one hour per day, avoiding usage at least three hours before bedtime. Also keep screens out of the bedroom to prevent unwanted interruptions or distractions throughout the night. With the widespread use and growing dependence on electronic devices, problems associated with excessive screen time are only bound to get worse. But by creating limitations for your children now, they can hopefully develop better habits that don’t allow technology to take precedence over their wellbeing and quality of sleep.

Cry it out? No-cry sleep training? Baby deedee founder and mother of three offers a personal approach to what worked for her.

Sleep is not always the easiest thing for babies. Some babies have a very difficult time falling asleep while others are happy falling asleep in their crib from day one.

Bedtime can be both an exciting and dreaded time for parents with babies and young children. While the prospect of bedtime means that parents will finally have at least a few hours of quiet time...

When you tuck your baby down, it’s natural to worry and check in to ensure that everything is okay – especially during those first months. After all, worry is an inevitable part of the parenting equation. 

Parents often find themselves dreaming of the day when their child will finally be able to sleep soundly through the night, undisturbed.