Does your baby struggle to fall asleep? Stay asleep? Put themselves back to sleep independently?
Sleep is probably the most common reason for me seeing mums of little ones in my practice.
Good news – you will sleep again, one day…
A baby’s sleeping pattern is SO closely linked to the way in which they modulate and react to sensory input, because our sensory information goes directly through the part of our brain responsible for our sleep/wake cycles AND our emotional regulation.
To make it more complicated, every baby processes sensory information differently, but for a mum, to be AWARE of your baby’s sensory processing patterns can be SO helpful in managing SO many aspects of development, including sleep.
Some babies are sensitive in some sensory areas (not necessarily in all) and too much sensory input can overstimulate them, and other babies are less sensitive and need MORE input in order to be regulated. Regulation is necessary for sleep. Babies, in general, have a more sensitive sensory system, due to lack of exposure.
Identifying sensory processing patterns in babies may help parents and caregivers to understand “difficult” behaviours in infants, and find ways to help them thrive.
An Occupational Therapist will be able to give you insight into your baby’s individual sensory patterns and provide you with strategies to help your baby not only sleep, but develop optimally.
If you are interested in learning more about sensory processing in babies, you can access our free webinars by emailing emma@littlelivesoccupationaltherapy.com.
By Emma Wijnberg , Occupational Therapist and Parenting Mentor at Little Lives Occupational Therapy, emma@littlelivesoccupationaltherapy.com, www.littlelivesoccupationaltherapy.com.