Have you ever watched your peacefully sleeping baby suddenly fling their arms out wide, then pull them back in with a jerk—only to wake themselves up in the process? That’s the startle reflex, a completely normal part of infancy that often disrupts sleep, leaving both babies and parents frustrated and exhausted.
But what exactly is the startle reflex, and what can you do about it? Let’s explore the science behind it, why it happens, and how you can help your baby sleep more soundly despite it.
Helping a baby fall asleep—and stay asleep—can feel like one of the biggest challenges of early parenthood. But before babies can drift into dreamland, they first need to feel relaxed, calm, and safe. Creating a soothing, stress-free environment is key to promoting better sleep, and it begins with encouraging relaxation throughout the day and especially before bedtime.
Here’s how to help your baby relax naturally, so they can fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly.
One of the classic debates among new parents is whether to rock a baby to sleep or to let them learn to fall asleep on their own. Both approaches have passionate supporters—and for good reason. Understanding the benefits and potential downsides of each can help you find the best fit for your family and baby’s temperament.
Here’s a balanced look at rocking vs. self-soothing to help you decide how to approach those precious bedtime moments.
Flying with little ones can be intimidating, especially when it comes to sleep. Airplanes are noisy, cramped, and full of distractions—not exactly the ideal sleep environment. But with the right strategies, it is possible to help babies and toddlers nap (or even sleep through the flight), making the journey more pleasant for everyone on board.
Whether you're heading home for the holidays or jetting off on vacation, here are some tried-and-true tips to help your baby or toddler sleep on the plane.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is every new parent’s worst fear. It’s the unexplained death of a healthy baby, usually during sleep, and while its exact causes remain unclear, decades of research have identified several ways to reduce the risk. One surprising—and simple—tool that has emerged from this research? The pacifier.
Yes, that little silicone soother can do more than calm cries. Sleeping with a pacifier has been shown to significantly lower the risk of SIDS. Here's what every parent should know.
When bedtime rolls around and your baby is tired and fussy, the bottle can feel like a magic wand. A few sips, some quiet sucking, and—bam—they’re out like a light. It’s a common routine in many households. But is letting your baby fall asleep while feeding a bottle a good idea?
Like most parenting decisions, there are pros and cons to this bedtime shortcut. Let’s break it down so you can make an informed choice for your baby’s sleep and overall health.
Swaddling is one of the oldest and most trusted ways to help newborns feel calm and secure. But walk down the baby aisle or search online, and you’ll quickly discover that there’s more than one way to wrap a baby—and more than one type of fabric to use.
From traditional blankets to modern zip-up sacks, and from cotton muslin to stretchy bamboo, choosing the right swaddling method and material can make a big difference in how well your baby sleeps.
Here’s a guide to different swaddling techniques and materials to help you find what works best for your little one.
Swaddling has been used for centuries—and for good reason. A well-wrapped baby often sleeps longer and more soundly, leading many tired parents to call swaddling a “sleep secret.” But why does wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket have such a powerful effect on their ability to rest?
The answer lies in biology, comfort, and the need for security in the earliest days of life. Let’s explore how swaddling works and why it can be such a powerful tool in helping babies (and their caregivers) get better sleep.
Ask any seasoned parent and they’ll tell you—when in doubt, move. Whether it’s a gentle sway in your arms, a walk around the block, or a slow rock in a chair, motion has long been one of the most effective tools for soothing babies to sleep.
But what is it about motion that makes babies yawn and drift off? And how can parents use this sleep-inducing power safely and effectively?
Let’s take a closer look at the science behind motion and baby sleep—and how you can make the most of this age-old strategy.
In the early weeks and months of parenthood, getting your baby to sleep can feel like solving a puzzle blindfolded. Many tired parents find themselves turning to baby swings for relief—after all, the gentle motion seems to work like magic. But while swings can be soothing tools for fussy babies, it’s important to know the risks and safety guidelines when it comes to letting babies sleep in them.
Let’s break down what the research and pediatricians say about babies sleeping in swings—and how you can use them safely and effectively.