The first few months of a baby's life can be exhilarating for parents as they watch him learn to crawl, talk and play. But at the end of the day, everyone needs their rest, so when your baby struggles to go to sleep at night, it can cause problems for the whole family. There are several reasons why a baby may have difficulty sleeping, such as teething, colic and over-stimulation.
Teething
Many babies struggle to get to sleep at night because of the pain caused by teething. Teething can start as early as three months for some infants and can continue until 3 years of age, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Look for signs that your baby is teething, such as swollen or inflamed gums, drooling and a slightly elevated temperature. If teething is keeping your baby up at night, consult with your doctor about giving her pain relievers to ease the inflammation and hopefully help him go back to sleep.
Colic
If you notice your baby crying for hours at a time and nothing seems to comfort her, the problem might be colic. The condition causes babies to cry for hours at a time, usually at the same time of day or night. If you notice patterns in your baby's crying fits, and she seems inconsolable no matter what you do, consult your doctor.
Over-Stimulation
Babies go through much learning and developing during their first year of life. Their minds constantly collect information and process new things, which can cause
over-stimulation before bedtime. Try doing a few activities to calm your baby down before putting him to bed, such as giving him a warm bottle in a dark room while you sing or hum to him. Try reading a quiet book or just gently rocking him until he appears tired. Avoid putting your baby to bed when he is already asleep, as this can interfere with his ability to get to sleep on a regular basis.
