Kids and Catnapping– What you need to know
Why do babies catnap?
One of the primary reasons is that babies spend more time in a light stage of sleep called REM, which means that they wake up easily and may also find it difficult to go back to sleep. As kids pass through that light sleep stage, they wake up. As they grow older, they learn to put themselves back to sleep, however newborns do not have that ability. Kids who are put to sleep by bouncing or rocking, bottle or breast feeding, they will always look for the thing that helps them fall asleep.
Babies and newborns take time to establish a routine which allows their bodies to understand the difference between day and night, therefore in the first few months, babies’ sleep is very unpredictable.
Catnap and inconsolable babies
A cause of concern would be if the baby wakes up early from his or her nap and is inconsolable, even after feeding, changing diaper and rocking. It is always recommended to go to the doctor since there are chances of an underlying problem with the baby.
Ultimately if the baby is growing and generally healthy, catnapping is not a concern. Whether they take catnaps or extended naps, it means that they are getting appropriate sleep they require for their age.
The entire process becomes tiring for the parents especially mothers as she has to wake up at night to feed and even during day she does not get sufficient time to rest resulting in stress.
How can you help your baby extend its sleep time?
Try to look for cues when the little one is tired: yawning, suckling their fingers etc. Put them down in their cot and let them lull themselves to sleep without you rocking or feeding
If they sleep on their own they are more likely to pacify themselves to sleep when their sleep enters the light phase rather than needing you.
If they wake up, try not picking them up immediately instead try patting them back to sleep
Try to maintain a routine and a constant environment around the baby; light, noises etc.
Parents while trying to do their best for the child must not ignore themselves and must get enough rest. Try to get out for a walk each day, accept any helping hand for either sitting with your little one or with household chores. Get some sleep as time permits.
Catnapping is an activity every baby does at some point. It is simply a routine that babies go through during a particular point of time. It is important for parents to get familiar and adjust to this and remember that it will pass. Then the entire process becomes easier and you can sail through this stage without much trouble.

By Dr. Suruchi Goyal, Consultant - Paediatrics and Paediatric Endocrinology, Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield
No comments