
We all want our babies to sleep – but can you have too much of a good thing when it comes to baby sleep? We’ve written before about babies sleeping too much, but what if your baby suddenly starts sleeping more than usual? What if you’re seeing marathon naps, later-than-usual morning wake-up times, and/or finding that you need to bump up to an earlier bedtime?
This can make many parents worry.
So what’s behind this sudden onset of sleepiness? Why is your baby sleeping so much? We’re sharing 3 common reasons. Keep reading for details!
3 Reasons Your Baby Is Sleeping More Than Usual
If your baby suddenly starts seeming extra-sleepy, it’s likely that one of the following three reasons is to blame:
1. Your baby is extra sleepy due to a growth spurt.
Growth spurts are typically the number one reason a baby or toddler suddenly starts taking extra-long naps and sleeping later in the morning. This is especially true for newborns. Lots of parents find that in the first few months of their newborns’ lives, their babies go through a number of sleepy spells when they seem to sleep around the clock!
To learn more, read this article about growth spurts and sleep.
2. Your baby is super sleepy due to a bout of teething.
Teething – it’s high on the list of most parents’ least favorite things! So many clients have told us that just when it seems like sleep is going well, a new tooth begins to pop through. Bam – everything falls apart! Now, while it’s true that teething can lead to increased night waking and shortened naps, a particularly nasty bout of teething can work almost like a bad cold virus. This too can cause your baby to need more sleep than usual. Some parents find that their babies even run low-grade fevers and are especially mucus-y during teething too. All of these factors can make baby feel lousy and extra sleepy.
To learn more, read this article about teething and sleep.
3. Your baby is extra sleepy due to illness.
Similar to teething, illness often causes your baby to feel lousy and extra sleepy. Yes, she may also wake more than usual at night, and wake early from naps too. However, your little one will likely need more total sleep throughout the day when she’s sick. Her body will need lots of extra rest as it works to fight off the illness.
To learn more, read this article about how illness affects your baby’s sleep.
What To Do If Baby is Sleeping More Than Usual
1. Rule Out Medical Concerns!
While the three reasons listed above tend to be the most common causes of extra sleepiness, it’s important to rule out any medical concerns that could be causing lethargy and higher-than-average sleep. For instance, sleep apnea can affect children, and can cause a baby or toddler to seem extra-sleepy. If you have concerns about your child’s tiredness, please see your healthcare provider.
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2. Engage Your Baby While Awake
Are you concerned that because your baby is sleeping a lot they won’t learn enough new skills? Engage them! Consider more one-on-one playtime and educational toys.
3. Nothing!
It’s possible you don’t have to do anything about your baby sleeping more than usual. Some children will need more sleep than the average compared to their peers. And, there’s nothing wrong with that! If your baby is happy, healthy, and thriving, there’s no need to wake your baby.
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