Ep. 4 | Let's Talk About Bad Sleepers!

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In the world of parenting, one of the most common and often challenging topics is baby sleep. Every parent experiences their own unique journey when it comes to their baby's sleep patterns. In this podcast episode, we delve into the often overlooked aspect of baby sleep – “bad sleepers” or temperament, and how it can significantly influence a baby's sleeping habits. Let's explore the impact of temperament on baby sleep and discuss positive parenting techniques that can assist parents in navigating the complexities of their baby's sleep patterns.

Understanding Baby Sleep Temperament

In my personal experience with my two children, there is a stark contrast in their sleep habits based on their individual temperaments. It brings to light the significance of recognizing that every baby possesses their own unique temperament, which invariably influences their sleep patterns. This introduces the concept of sensitive sleepers, emphasizing that these babies require a different approach rather than being labeled as "bad sleepers" or "nightmare babies."

The Nine Dimensions of Temperament

To truly understand the impact of a baby's temperament on their sleep, it's important to delve into the nine dimensions of temperament. These dimensions include activity level, regularity of bodily functions, adaptability to change, approach, physical sensitivity, distractibility, mood, persistence, and intensity of reaction. By recognizing and acknowledging these dimensions, parents can gain a deeper insight into their baby's individual temperament and understand how it affects their sleep patterns.

The Nature and Nurture of Baby Sleep

Apart from temperament, baby sleep behavior is influenced by a combination of nature and nurture. The role of external factors such as the sleep environment and parenting practices shapes a baby's sleep habits. This insight empowers parents to create conducive sleep environments and incorporate age-appropriate bedtime routines, which play a pivotal role in encouraging quality sleep for their little ones.

Positive Parenting and Sleep Teaching Techniques

In the episode, I go into the importance of positive parenting and sleep teaching techniques in addressing the challenges associated with a baby's temperament and sleep patterns. I advocate evidence-based positive parenting approaches that enable parents to understand and tune into their babies, facilitating better sleep while nurturing a strong parent-child bond. It is important to note that sleep teaching methods are versatile and can be tailored to suit each family's unique dynamics.

Breaking the Vicious Cycle

The podcast sheds light on the cyclical relationship between a baby's temperament, parental response, and sleep patterns. By recognizing how a challenging temperament can lead to heightened parenting stress, and in turn impact the baby's behavior, parents can strive to break this cycle. The significance of nurturing a positive environment that promotes healthy sleep and cultivates supportive parental responses is paramount in fostering healthy sleep habits for babies with diverse temperaments.

Understanding a baby's sleep temperament transcends merely categorizing them as "good" or "bad" sleepers. It involves recognizing the intricacies of their individual characteristics and responding with empathy and positive parenting techniques. By embracing the concept of sensitive sleepers and acknowledging the impact of temperament on sleep, parents can navigate their baby's sleep journey with resilience and compassion. The comprehensive insights provided in this podcast empower parents to approach their baby's sleep patterns with an informed and nurturing mindset.

Resources/Blog Posts

• Free Night Waking Guide
• Temperament + Baby Sleep Blog Post
• Free Sleep Help Resources

Connect with Alice:

• Instagram - @cozybabysleep
• Facebook - @cozybabysleep
• TikTok - @cozybabysleep
• Cozy Baby Sleep Links
• Website - www.cozybabysleep.com

Previous Blog Posts:

• 1. Our Baby Sleep Story
• 2. Practical Tips for Managing Separation Anxiety in Babies and Toddlers
• 3. Get 86 Minutes More Sleep With This One Tip

Citations: 

Atkinson, E., Vetere, A., & Grayson, K. (1995). Sleep disruption in young children. The influence of temperament on the sleep patterns of pre‐school children. Child: care, health and development, 21(4), 233-246.

Gilissen, R., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., van IJzendoorn, M. H., & van der Veer, R. (2008). Parent–child relationship, temperament, and physiological reactions to fear-inducing film clips: Further evidence for differential susceptibility. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 99(3), 182-195.

Goyal, D., Gay, C., & Lee, K. (2009). Fragmented maternal sleep is more strongly correlated with depressive symptoms than infant temperament at three months postpartum. Archives of women's mental health, 12(4), 229-237.

Hafstad, G. S., Abebe, D. S., Torgersen, L., & von Soest, T. (2013). Picky eating in preschool children: The predictive role of the child's temperament and mother's negative affectivity. Eating behaviors, 14(3), 274-277.

Halpern, L. F., Anders, T. F., Coll, C. G., & Hua, J. (1994). Infant temperament: Is there a relation to sleep-wake states and maternal nighttime behavior?. Infant Behavior and Development, 17(3), 255-263.

Mesman, J., Stoel, R., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., van IJzendoorn, M. H., Juffer, F., Koot, H. M., & Alink, L. R. (2009). Predicting growth curves of early childhood externalizing problems: Differential susceptibility of children with difficult temperament. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 37(5), 625-636.

Moore, M., Slane, J., Mindell, J. A., Burt, S. A., & Klump, K. L. (2011). Sleep problems and temperament in adolescents. Child: care, health and development, 37(4), 559-562.

Karreman, A., de Haas, S., van Tuijl, C., van Aken, M. A., & Deković, M. (2010). Relations among temperament, parenting and problem behavior in young children. Infant behavior and development, 33(1), 39-49.

Keener, M. A., Zeanah, C. H., & Anders, T. F. (1988). Infant temperament, sleep organization, and nighttime parental interventions. Pediatrics, 81(6), 762-771.

Putnam, S. P., Sanson, A. V., & Rothbart, M. K. (2002). Child temperament and parenting. In M. H. Bornstein (Ed.), Handbook of parenting: Children and parenting (p. 255–277). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.

Rettew, D. C., Stanger, C., McKee, L., Doyle, A., & Hudziak, J. J. (2006). Interactions between child and parent temperament and child behavior problems. Comprehensive psychiatry, 47(5), 412-420.

Rothbart, M. K., Derryberry, D., & Hershey, K. (2000). Stability of temperament in childhood: Laboratory infant assessment to parent report at seven years. Temperament and personality development across the lifespan, 85-119.

Sadeh, A., & Anders, T. F. (1993). Infant sleep problems: Origins, assessment, interventions. Infant mental health Journal, 14(1), 17-34.

Spruyt, K., Aitken, R. J., So, K., Charlton, M., Adamson, T. M., & Horne, R. S. (2008). Relationship between sleep/wake patterns, temperament and overall development in term infants over the first year of life. Early human development, 84(5), 289-296.

Stams, G. J. J., Juffer, F., & Van IJzendoorn, M. H. (2002). Maternal sensitivity, infant attachment, and temperament in early childhood predict adjustment in middle childhood: The case of adopted children and their biologically unrelated parents. Developmental psychology, 38(5), 806.

Vitaro, F., Barker, E. D., Boivin, M., Brendgen, M., & Tremblay, R. E. (2006). Do early difficult temperament and harsh parenting differentially predict reactive and proactive aggression?. Journal of abnormal child psychology, 34(5), 681-691.

Yaman, A., Mesman, J., van IJzendoorn, M. H., & Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J. (2010). Parenting and toddler aggression in second-generation immigrant families: The moderating role of child temperament. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(2), 208.

Zentner, M., & Bates, J. E. (2008). Child temperament: An integrative review of concepts, research programs, and measures. International Journal of Developmental Science, 2(1-2), 7-37.

Van IJzendoorn, M. H. V., & Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J. (2012). Integrating temperament and attachment: The differential susceptibility paradigm. In M. Zentner & R. L. Shiner (Eds.), Handbook of temperament (p. 403–424). The Guilford Press.

WELCOME TO COZY LITTLE CONVOS

Have you ever stressed out over your baby or toddler's sleep? Are you tired of feeling like you are doing everything wrong?

Well you're in the right place. In this podcast you will not only learn tangible tips and tricks to help your little one sleep better, but also how to do it with balance and confidence in yourself as the parent.

Hi! I'm Alice, Mum of 2 and certified sleep consultant. My sleep philosophy revolves around safe, loving, and research based sleep techniques while also holding space for real life.

This is a zero judgment community of moms who want to get the best sleep for the whole family, in a way that makes them feel good!