Science of Infant Sleep & Baby Massage by Thomson Parentcraft Centre
Babies wake up at night. A lot.
In fact, newborns spend about 50% of their sleep in the lighter REM stage, making frequent wake-ups completely normal.
But for exhausted parents, “normal” doesn’t always feel sustainable. Why do babies wake so often? And what can you do to make sleep easier for everyone in your home?
In this article, we interviewed Ms. Chen Liqin, a Senior Lactation Consultant at Thomson Parentcraft Centre, to answer some of our burning questions about why babies keep waking up.
Her colleague, Ms. Li Shuhan, a Lactation Consultant, also demonstrated how to massage your little ones to help them settle more easily and become calm, happy babies. Let’s dive into it.
Q: What are the common challenges parents face with infant sleep and what are the recommended sleeping hours for them?
A: Below are some common sleep challenges and their causes:
• Newborn day-night confusion
• Irregular sleep patterns due to short sleep cycles and an immature circadian rhythm
• Frequent feeding, including night feeds because of an infant’s tiny stomach
• Sleep associations, such as needing to be rocked, carried, or fed to fall asleep
• Growth spurts and developmental milestones that disrupt established sleep patterns
• Environmental factors, including noise, light, and room temperature
• Separation anxiety, typically emerging around 6 to 8 months of age
• Health issues, such as colic, reflux, teething, or other discomforts
The recommended sleep hours follow the AAP guidelines. Do remember every baby is different.
Diagram provided by Thomson Parentcraft Centre
Q. Why do infants wake up frequently during the night, and are there strategies to reduce these wake-ups?
A: Infants often wake up during the night for many reasons, as their sleep cycles and needs are still developing.
Here are some reasons why they wake up frequently and the strategies to help you to reduce these disruptions and encourage better sleep:
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Newborn day-night confusion: Establish a feeding routine, keep the day bright and active, and make the night dim and quiet to help babies differentiate between day and night.
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Hunger and nutritional needs: Ensure your baby drinks enough during the day and gradually wean night feeds as they grow.
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Physical needs like wet or dirty diapers or windy stomach: Address their physical discomfort by changing diapers and relieving gas or tummy discomfort.
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Environmental disturbances: Create a comfortable, safe sleep environment by controlling noise, light, and temperature.
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Immature sleep cycles: Use a consistent bedtime routine, including a warm bath, comfortable pajamas, feeding, baby massage, or lullabies, to signal it’s time to wind down.
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Promote self-soothing: Lay babies down when they are drowsy but awake, so they learn to fall asleep without relying on rocking or feeding.
Q: How can baby massage help with sleep and colic?
A: Sleep troubles and colic. They are two of the most common challenges parents face in the first year, leaving both babies and parents exhausted.
But here’s something that might surprise you: baby massage can help with both. Let's explore how baby massages can help you:
For Sleep (leg, feet, face, chest strokes)
• Promotes relaxation through soothing massage
• Regulates the nervous system, aiding in falling asleep
• Establishes a routine, signaling to your baby that it’s time to wind down
For Colic (tummy, back strokes)
• Relieves gas and discomfort through targeted massage strokes
• Reduces muscle tension caused by crying and discomfort
• Stimulates the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in digestion
Now, let's watch our baby massage video demonstrated by my colleague, Ms. Li Shuhan, with her 5-month-old baby.
Safety Precautions:
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Always consult a paediatrician for any medical issues.
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Avoid massage immediately after feeding or if the baby shows signs of pain.
Thank you, Liqin, for answering our questions and Shuhan for demonstrating baby massages on her little one. You may consider making baby massage a part of your baby’s bedtime or daily routine. We hope you have a calmer, more restful experience for both you and your baby.
Ms. Chen Liqin is a Senior Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Certified International Infant Massage Instructor at Thomson ParentCraft Centre, Thomson Medical Centre. She leads regular baby massage and bonding classes designed for parents and their little ones.
Ready to master baby massage techniques in depth that can improve your baby’s sleep, ease colic, and create precious bonding moments? Discover more here: https://bit.ly/TMBMassage
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