The truth about babies and sleep

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Dang Thi Ngoc Chuong - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatal Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Infant sleep has many characteristics that are different from that of adults. Therefore, imposing adult thoughts on children's sleep can have negative effects such as reducing sleep quality and restricting growth. Some myths about babies and sleep are listed in the following article.

1. Myth <br/>1: Newborns don't need a bedtime routine

"Children who are taught good sleep habits at a young age learn to sleep better through the night as they get older," says sleep consultant and author of "The Sleep Lady's Good Night, Sleep Tight" Kim West. ".

2. Myth <br/>2: Newborns can sleep through the night

Similar to adults, babies wake up 4-5 times per night. The problem is that adults know how to get back to sleep on their own, and babies don't. Mary Ann LoFrumento, author of "Simply Parenting: Understanding Your Newborn & Infant," says most babies don't get back to sleep on a regular basis until they're 6 months or older.

3. Myth <br/>3: You can make your baby sleep through the night by giving them solid foods early

Many families believe that adding cereal to milk helps children eat fuller and go to sleep more deeply. However, under 6 months of age is not a good idea, because at this time, the infant's digestive system is not mature enough to process cereals. In addition, eating foods in snacks can cause hazards such as choking or breathing in the lungs.

4. Myth 4: You can let your baby sleep in a moving chair or swing

A few minutes in a rocking chair or rocking chair can help reduce fussiness. However, the family should not abuse it because in the long run it can make the child depend on movement to fall asleep and stay asleep. Light sleep can make babies not relax enough and limit the brain's release of growth hormones.

5. Myth <br/>5: Children who don't nap during the day will sleep longer at night

Skipping naps during the day can make your child feel tired and make it harder to fall asleep at night. Children often sleep erratically and wake up earlier the next morning. Therefore, you should give your child enough sleep during the day to create a good night's sleep.
Children's daily sleep time will decrease over time. When the baby is 15 - 18 months old, in the afternoon, two naps will turn into a nap and stop when the child is 5 years old.

6. Myth <br/>6: Some kids simply have trouble sleeping

All children can be taught to sleep well. Teaching an older child to sleep well can take more time and effort, but every child can learn to fall asleep on their own.
Taking care of babies and young children is never easy, especially for first-time parents. Children not only need to be provided with adequate nutrition but also have to ensure scientific sleep for comprehensive development.
In addition to taking care of children's sleep, parents should pay attention to nutrition to improve children's resistance. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Why do you need to supplement Lysine for your baby?
The role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation
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Reference source: babycenter.com