Tucking their infants into bed is a special time for both the baby and the new parents. However, your baby may still fight sleep even after a soothing hot bath, one last feeding, and your signature lullaby.

Read on for some of the background on this conflict and some suggestions for bringing peace to your bedroom.

Why Do Babies Fight Sleep?

Babies may fight sleep for a variety of reasons. Some common ones include:

1. They Are Not Yet On A Consistent Sleep Schedule.

Babies may not yet have a consistent sleep schedule, and their natural sleep rhythms may not align with the times when we expect them to sleep. This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep at the desired time. It’s important to establish a consistent bedtime routine and to be patient as your baby’s schedule develops.

Over time, your baby will become more in sync with their natural rhythms and will be better able to fall asleep at the desired time.

2. They Are Over-Stimulated And Have A Hard Time Calming Down.

Over-stimulation can make it difficult for babies to calm down and fall asleep. They may be excited or have difficulty transitioning from playtime to bedtime. The key to avoiding over-stimulation is to create a calm and soothing bedtime routine that helps the baby to relax and wind down. This may include activities such as a warm bath, reading a book, singing a lullaby, or giving a gentle massage.

Also, it’s important to avoid stimulating activities before bedtime like playing with toys, watching TV, or using electronic devices. Creating a dark, quiet and cozy bedroom with a comfortable temperature could also help.

3. They Are Experiencing Discomfort.

Babies may experience discomfort from various physical conditions such as teething, an ear infection, colic, reflux, and others. These can make it difficult for them to fall asleep or to stay asleep. The symptoms associated with these conditions can vary, but they may include crying, fussiness, trouble sleeping, and difficulty eating.

If you suspect that your baby is experiencing discomfort from a physical condition, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician to determine the cause and to receive appropriate treatment. In the meantime, you can try to make your baby more comfortable by providing pain relief medication, giving them a warm bath, or using a pacifier. Also, providing a soothing and comfortable environment for the baby to sleep in could help.

4. They Are Going Through A Developmental Leap Or Growth Spurt And Are More Active And Alert.

Babies can experience developmental leaps or growth spurts that can affect their sleep patterns. During these times, babies can be more active and alert and may have a harder time settling down to sleep. This is because their brains are rapidly developing, and they are taking in and processing a lot of new information.

These developmental leaps can also cause changes in appetite, as babies may be hungrier, or they may eat less as they are too busy exploring the world. As a parent, it’s important to be patient during these periods and to understand that they are a normal part of a baby’s development.

To help your baby sleep better during these times, you can keep a consistent bedtime routine, provide a comfortable and soothing environment, and be responsive to your baby’s needs.

5. They Have Not Yet Learned How To Self-Soothe.

Babies have not yet learned how to self-soothe, so they rely on external sources of comfort, such as rocking, nursing, or being held to fall asleep. This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep on their own and to stay asleep when they are placed in their cribs.

To help babies learn how to self-soothe, parents can establish a bedtime routine that includes soothing activities such as a warm bath, reading a book, singing a lullaby, or giving a gentle massage.

Gradually, you can start to implement strategies that will help your baby learn to soothe themselves, like giving them a pacifier, a soft toy, or a blanket that has your scent on it, to help them feel more secure. It’s also important to be responsive to your baby’s needs, but also to start teaching them to rely on themselves for comfort.

Gradual withdrawal from external sources of comfort can help them learn to self-soothe and eventually sleep through the night.

You can help your baby feel more secure and settle into sleep by establishing a regular bedtime routine, addressing any physical discomforts, and providing a calming environment.

How Do I Get My Newborn To Stop Fighting Sleep?

Getting a newborn to stop fighting sleep can be challenging, but there are several strategies that you can try:

1. Establish A Consistent Bedtime Routine: 

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is an important step in getting your newborn to stop fighting sleep. A consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Your bedtime routine should include a series of soothing activities that you do in the same order each night.

This can include things like a warm bath, a change of diaper, reading a book, singing a lullaby, or giving a gentle massage. This can help your baby understand that it’s time to sleep and help them relax and prepare for sleep.

It’s also important to start the routine at the same time each night, so your baby can learn the schedule. Consistency and routine are key to helping your baby feel secure and understand when it’s time for sleep.

2. Create A Soothing Environment: 

Creating a soothing environment is also an important step in getting your newborn to stop fighting sleep. A comfortable and calm sleep environment can help your baby feel safe and secure, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep. Some things you can do to create a soothing environment include:

• Keeping the room dark and quiet: Use curtains or blinds to block out any outside light and use a white noise machine or a fan to create a soothing background sound.
• Keeping the room at a comfortable temperature: Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold for your baby. Keep in mind that newborns are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as older babies and adults.
• Using soft, comfortable bedding: Use a firm mattress and a fitted sheet that is made of a soft, breathable fabric.
• Creating a cozy sleep space: Add a soft blanket or a stuffed animal to your baby’s crib to make it feel more inviting and comforting.
• Using appropriate lighting: Keep the room dimly lit during the bedtime routine, this will help to stimulate the release of melatonin, which helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

By creating a comfortable and soothing environment, you can help your baby feel more at ease and more likely to fall asleep.

3. Attend To Your Baby’s Needs:

Attending to your baby’s needs is an important step in getting them to stop fighting sleep. A full stomach and a clean diaper can make a big difference in how easily your baby falls asleep. Before putting your baby to bed, make sure they have been fed and have a clean diaper.

It’s also a good idea to burp your baby after feeding to release any trapped air that could make them uncomfortable. If you suspect that your baby is in pain or discomfort from teething, an ear infection or other physical conditions, talk to your pediatrician to determine the cause and to receive appropriate treatment.

Additionally, it’s important to observe your baby’s cues, such as yawning, rubbing their eyes, or becoming fussy, as they can indicate that they are ready for sleep. By attending to your baby’s needs, you can help create an environment that is conducive to sleep, which will make it easier for them to fall asleep.

4. Use Soothing Techniques: 

Using soothing techniques can help get a newborn to stop fighting sleep. Some techniques that can be helpful include:

• Rocking: Rocking your baby gently in your arms can help them feel calm and secure, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep. You can use a rocking chair or a baby swing to gently rock your baby.
• Nursing or bottle-feeding: Nursing or bottle-feeding your baby can help them feel full and content, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep.
• Holding: Holding your baby close to your chest can help them feel secure and comforted, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep.
• Pacifiers: pacifiers can be very helpful for soothing babies and helping them fall asleep.
• Swaddling: Swaddling your baby can help them feel secure and comforted, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep.
• Massage: Giving your baby a gentle massage can help them relax and feel comforted, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep.

It’s important to note that as your baby gets older, they’ll learn to soothe themselves, and you’ll be able to gradually withdraw these external sources of comfort. Gradual withdrawal will help them learn to self-soothe and eventually sleep through the night.

It’s worth trying different soothing techniques to see what works best for your baby. Some babies may be more responsive to certain techniques than others, and it can take time to find the best approach for your baby.

5. Be Patient: 

Being patient is an important aspect of getting a newborn to stop fighting sleep. Newborns are still learning how to sleep, and it may take some time for them to develop a consistent sleep schedule. It’s normal for newborns to wake up frequently during the night and it’s important to remember that each baby is different, and what works for one baby may not work for another.

It’s also important to remember that as your baby grows and develops, their sleep patterns will change, and what worked for them one month may not work the next. Be prepared to adapt your strategies as your baby grows and changes.

Additionally, it’s important to take care of yourself as a parent, as lack of sleep can affect your mood and energy levels. Make sure to take breaks when you need them and to ask for help from family and friends.

Be patient and understand that it’s normal for babies to wake up frequently during the night. With time, consistency and patience, your baby will learn to sleep better, and the whole family will have a more restful night.

Bear in mind that no two infants are exactly alike and that what works for one infant may not be appropriate for another. Finding out what works best for your baby may require some experimentation. If you’re worried, or if your baby’s sleep habits seem out of the ordinary, it’s best to talk to a pediatrician.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting a newborn to stop fighting sleep can be challenging, but there are several strategies that you can try. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a soothing environment, attending to your baby’s needs, using soothing techniques, and being patient are all important steps in helping your newborn to sleep better.

Each baby is different, and it may take some trial and error to find the best approach for your baby. It’s important to be patient and to understand that it’s normal for newborns to wake up frequently during the night. With time and consistency, your baby will learn to sleep better and the whole family will have a more restful night.

Don’t hesitate to seek help from your pediatrician if you have any concerns or if your baby’s sleep patterns seem unusual.

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