Night Waking in Babies

While newborns wake frequently at night for the feedings, diaper changes, and comfort necessary for their own survival, some babies have persistent difficulty sleeping. There are emotional, developmental, and physical causes of night waking in infants and toddlers, all of which should be carefully considered by both parents and pediatricians.

When A Good Baby Wakes Suddenly

Assess for the following:

• Infection or illness, in which case you should check for fever over 101 F
• Teething pain; soothe with Tylenol or Motrin or a cold teething ring
• If recently going through a developmental patch like crawling or walking, he may wake to unconsciously practice new skills

When Baby Hasn't Slept Since Birth

Consider any of the following:

• Gastritis, esophageal reflux, or food or milk allergies
• Sleep apnea
• Enlarged adenoids or tonsils, which obstruct breathing passages and interfere with sleep

If parents are concerned by the frequency of their child’s night waking, they should make an appointment with their pediatrician. He or she will assist in making a proper diagnosis and rule out many of the less medically significant causes of night waking, such as teething.

If a child suffers from a gastrointestinal disorder, doctors can prescribe one of many safe medications available to help reduce gas and acid in the stomach. He or she may also recommend a dairy-free, wheat-free diet. Pediatricians may refer parents to an ears, nose and throat specialist to assess their child’s adenoids and tonsils. If a child still has significant night waking after eighteen months with no obvious causes, a pediatrician may order a neurological sleep study.

Lastly, babies may also wake frequently because they enjoy reassurance from the breast, bottle or pacifier, or from mom and dad. In this case parents can either patiently wait it out, or allow baby to cry herself to sleep using the Ferber method, a process intended to teach a baby to self-soothe.

Infants and toddlers wake frequently at night for a variety of reasons, including illness, teething, emotional need, and certain health conditions. If parents are concerned about their child’s sleeping habits, they should ask their pediatrician for help in making a proper diagnosis. Remember: It can’t last forever. If one parent feels frustrated and dangerously sleep-deprived, they can ask someone to take over for a bit so they can rest. Those few hours of sleep just might grant them enough patience to deal with the real world.

Related Articles:

Insomnia in Toddlers and Children

Vitamin D Deficiency and Insomnia

Dr. Ferber versus Dr. Sears

Crying Baby

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