Patient's question:
Recently, my baby has started having trouble sleeping. Previously, he would fall asleep easily during the day with a little (comforting), but now he needs to cry for a long time before he's willing to sleep, both during the day and at night.Past Treatment and Effects:
- Took fish oil supplements for a month.
What Help Is Needed:
- What are some good ways to help a baby who is having trouble sleeping?
- He doesn't sleep well when lying on his back and often jerks awake. Every time he closes his eyes, he jolts awake.
- I always have to turn him onto his side to sleep.
Doctor's answer:
A child who "won't sleep" refers to a child who is always crying and fussing before going to sleep, and quickly falls asleep once an adult picks them up and rocks or swings them gently. Even some older children need to be rocked or suck on a pacifier to fall asleep. A child who "won't sleep" often frustrates some parents to the point where they even lose their patience with the child. However, they may not realize that the problem of a child "not sleeping" is often caused by the adults themselves.A newborn's brain is not yet fully developed, and after birth, they spend almost most of their time sleeping. They sleep for about 18-22 hours a day, with only short periods of wakefulness. Once awake, they quickly feel tired, and at this time, they often cry to express their fatigue. If the environment is quiet and comfortable, the child will naturally fall asleep instinctively shortly after.
However, many parents are afraid of their child crying and often pick them up the moment they start fussing. In reality, "crying" is a natural instinct for newborns.