If your child is falling asleep in the car, it’s probably messing with their naps 😬
🚨 Spoiler alert, this all has to do with sleep pressure 🚨
As you navigate the world of caregiving, understanding a
concept like "infant sleep pressure" can be crucial for ensuring
both the infant's well-being and your sanity. I want to review what
infant sleep pressure is, its significance, and practical tips for managing it.
What is Infant Sleep Pressure?
Infant sleep pressure refers to the natural drive or inclination
for a baby to fall asleep. Like adults, infants experience fluctuations
in their sleep-wake cycles regulated by circadian rhythms, but their
sleep pressure builds up much faster due to their rapid growth
and development. This pressure is influenced by factors such
as hunger, physical activity, environmental stimuli, and
the need for comfort.
Understanding the Significance:
Recognizing and responding to infant sleep pressure is crucial
for promoting healthy sleep habits and overall development.
*Ignoring signs of sleep pressure can lead to overtiredness,
which not only affects the baby's mood and behavior but also
disrupts their sleep patterns, making it harder for them to
fall asleep and stay asleep.* Overtiredness can
also negatively impact cognitive development and
emotional regulation in infants.
🚙 This is where those sneaky car naps come into play.
(This also applied to falling asleep while eating)
Let’s say your infant’s wake windows are around 1.5 hours…
That means, in order for them to fall asleep and stay asleep at nap time
they need to be stimulated and awake for 1.5 hours so all that
sleep pressure builds up!
—> but what happens to their sleep pressure if within that 1.5 hours
they pass out for 5-10 mins in the car? poof... GONE
Then you try to put them down at what should be their usual nap time,
and they will. not. go. down. 🙅🏻♀️
Now I know what you’re thinking…
“I can’t help when he falls asleep on the boob”
or
“I’m driving… how do I stop him from falling asleep?”
So that’s where we get into
Managing Infant Sleep Pressure:
Your child can do their full nap in the car.
Just be aware that if they do pass out, you will need to
push that upcoming nap to make up for some of that
lost sleep pressure!
You can try to keep them awake, when it’s safe 🚘
While eating: tickle their feet, engage them
Driving: gentle touch, environment changes, breaks.
In general, having some flexible in their wake windows can be helpful,
to allow for a little wiggle room, depending how your day goes.
Understanding infant sleep pressure is essential for promoting
healthy sleep habits and fostering optimal development.
~By being aware of how your child’s sleep pressure is building
throughout the day, you can help them get all that rest they
need for growth and well-being. Remember, every baby is unique,
so be patient and adaptable as you navigate their sleep.
If you have a question about your child’s sleep, I invite you
to book a free call with me today! I will help you feel
more confident in supporting your child’s sleep.
Your Paediatric Sleep Consultant
-Marina Godard-Simon💚
