The Baby Sleep Myth by Birgit Berndt, Bakk.

The loss of this contact exposed them to danger from dangerous animals, hypothermia or being forgotten. Babies therefore instinctively and constantly search for physical closeness. This tendency is deeply rooted in our genes.

If we were to swap our babies with Stone Age babies today, there would be hardly any noticeable difference in their behaviour. A baby sleeping alone in a cot will therefore feel unsafe. The baby is not aware that they are safe in bed and that there is no danger. For many centuries, babies were always carried by parents or close carers. Today's practice of leaving babies alone in a cot for hours on end is an effect of the industrialisation era.

We all have sleep cycles. Adults alternate between deep sleep and light sleep every 2 hours or so. Babies, on the other hand, change their sleep cycles every 30 to 45 minutes. As a result, some babies wake up after half an hour and need support to transition to a new sleep cycle.

You can recognise that a baby is tired by paying attention to their individual signs. It can sometimes be difficult to recognise the exact moment this occurs. If sleep support is started too early, the baby often needs a lot of time to fall asleep. If you start too late, the baby is already overtired and will also find it difficult to fall asleep. However, close observation can reveal a number of signs that may indicate that the baby is tired. These include, for example, rubbing the eyes, touching the ears, whining, yawning, a glazed look, staring into space, overstretching or an increased need for closeness.

Sleep behaviour in the first few months of life varies greatly. Some babies sleep quite long and a lot at this age, while some babies have short sleep phases. Between the 6th and 12th month, sleep behaviour changes considerably. During this time, many babies wake up more frequently. Possible reasons for this could be a change in sleep behaviour, motor development, teething, illness, stranger danger or separation anxiety. Waking up at night is often perceived as stressful at this age.

There are various myths surrounding baby sleep that are worth reconsidering. A common misconception is that babies no longer need food from 6 months onwards. In reality, babies' hunger and thirst requirements are highly individualised. Needs can vary from child to child, so it is important to pay attention to the baby's individual signals.

Another myth is that a child should be laid down awake so that it learns to fall asleep on its own. This assumption is incorrect. The ability to fall asleep alone develops as the child's sleep development matures. It is important to respect the baby's needs and not to exert unnecessary pressure.

Likewise, it is often suggested that naps should be skipped so that babies sleep better at night. This myth is also untrue. Overtired babies often have difficulty falling asleep and wake up more often. The afternoon nap is important for the baby's recovery, and sufficient sleep during the day can help the baby to sleep better at night. It is therefore advisable not to be misled by this myth and instead respond to the baby's natural needs.

It is important to recognise the baby's needs and respond to them. The baby's crying signals a need that should be attended to. Meeting these needs can promote trust between parent and child and has a positive influence on the child's development.

The fear that a child who sleeps in the family bed will not make the transition to their own bed turns out to be a myth. The sleeping arrangements can change over time and it is possible to get the child used to sleeping in an independent bed later on. It is important to create gentle transitions and respond to the child's needs. The type of sleeping can vary from family to family without there being a set rule for everyone. Ultimately, it is crucial that the sleeping environment is safe and cosy for all family members.

It is essential to respond to the individual needs of each baby and not to follow rigid rules or myths. Every child is unique and parents should focus their attention on their baby's individual signals and needs.

by Birgit Berndt, Bakk.

Translated from the original German into English by Rebecca Holloway