Tag Archive for: Infant

Several critical child development success factors are solidified during the first six to eight weeks of life, so having your bundle of joy at home for at least that amount of time is important.
But what about when you decide to return to work?

Regardless of when your child begins daycare, research has consistently shown its positive effects on reaching child development milestones, such as social skills, school readiness, communication, and confidence. With that said, you will need to choose a daycare that best meets your needs and the needs of your child.

While the decision to place your child in daycare is an easy one, actually getting them into a good facility is another thing. Daycare centers tend to always be at capacity, so it would do you well if you start looking for the right one even before you give birth. Keep reading to know when to start looking for daycare during pregnancy.

How Early Should You Start Looking for Daycare?

Selecting the right daycare for your child is an important decision that takes time. Many daycare centers have waitlists, especially the best ones with the highest ratings. So when should you start looking for a daycare? The earlier you start looking, the better.

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), high-quality programs for infants use developmentally appropriate practices and have specific environmental elements to promote healthy development. Examining such elements takes time when narrowing down your daycare options.

If you’re wondering when to look for daycare when pregnant, consider these four questions before beginning your search.

3 Key Questions to Answer When Deciding When to Enroll

Preparing for the arrival of your baby takes a great deal of work. These are three questions to consider when beginning your search for quality daycare.

1. When are you returning to work?

Maternity leave is typically six to eight weeks, but some families have the flexibility to be home with their baby for much longer. Your situation will be unique depending on your employer’s internal policies and your eligibility under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Determining when you will return to work has a large influence on when your infant will begin daycare. Talk to your employer early in your pregnancy — typically after the second trimester begins — and select a one- to two-week window to provide flexibility for unexpected challenges.

2. How does your due date align with daycare enrollment?

Your due date and your planned time at home prior to returning to work should be the first factors to consider.

Some daycare centers have hard enrollment deadlines, while others have rolling deadlines. Knowing all of these dates and time frames ahead of time will help you be better prepared for a smooth transition for you and your child.

3. Do you have other kids that are in daycare?

Location, location, location. If you have other kids in daycare and are happy with that service, continuing with the same provider is ideal.

If this is your first child, consider the location of your work and the proximity of a daycare center to your work and home. Even something as small as traffic patterns in your city is worth considering when choosing a daycare.

What to Look for in a Quality Daycare Provider

When you finally have your options narrowed down to two or three daycares based on timing, location, and enrollment deadlines, what should you look for when you finally visit each daycare center? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes important developmental milestones during the first year.

To ensure these milestones are met, look for:

  • A soothing, low-lit environment
  • Defined areas for different activities
  • Secure, open spaces inside and outside
  • Developmentally and age-appropriate toys
  • Child-size furniture
  • Small physical challenges for coordination development
  • Diverse books

Be sure to look at more than just the infant program because it’s best to keep as much consistency in your child’s life as possible. Most infant care centers also have preschool programs, so the responsibility of choosing a quality daycare extends to choosing a preschool.

Many more benefits of daycare can be identified and observed during your visits, so have an extensive list of what to look for and questions to ask.

Give Your Little One a Great Start With Cadence Education

While the benefits of daycare are undeniable, not all facilities are created equal. That’s why it’s important to find the best daycare for your child.

At Cadence Education, we strive for excellence and are committed to providing an unparalleled level of quality childcare and early education — and have done so for the last 20 years. We pride ourselves in offering an engaging curriculum customized to each child’s needs in a safe and stimulating environment — all while providing the comforts of home.

With an emphasis on the social development of our entire community, we strive to support your child’s growth in every stage of development, every step of the way. Find a Cadence facility near you to enjoy the benefits of daycare for your entire family as you grow together and watch your child thrive.

Without a well-developed language and vocabulary, it’s difficult to communicate our needs and moods to others.

The same goes for babies and toddlers. Crying, whining, and fussiness are all ways babies and toddlers tell their caregivers what they need or feel using the only language they know: sounds. 

Unfortunately, though, these sounds can cause parental sleeplessness, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, or depression. These symptoms may compound with career or relationship stressors.

From 2019 to 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that among parents who have children under the age of 3, the unemployment rate doubled from 4.1% to 8%. This is, no doubt, because families needed to keep their children at home due to the pandemic.

But why do babies cry in their sleep? How can I soothe an infant or toddler crying in its sleep? How can I take care of myself as a parent of a constantly crying baby or toddler? We answer the whys and provide the hows below.

Why Do Some Babies and Toddlers Cry in Their Sleep?

For a newborn, it may take three to six months to get into a regular sleep pattern because they are accustomed to sleeping during the day in the womb. 

Toddlers might be on a more regular sleep schedule. However, some children experience night terrors that bring distress and cause them to lose sleep and get fussy.

What Parents of Babies Can Do

Do babies have different types of cries? Research says no. But scientists were able to standardize the definition of colic as a rule of threes.

  1. The baby is healthy and well-fed.
  2. The crying lasts for more than three hours a day.
  3. The crying happens more than three days a week.

Most infants reach their crying peak at around one or two months of age, but this usually subsides by the time the baby is three months old.

Beyond three months is when the colic is of concern to the baby’s pediatrician. 

What Parents of Toddlers Can Do

For toddlers, two-year-old sleep regression is common due to sensory overload and night terrors. Toddlers learn with their senses, and their brains are firing off millions upon millions more neurons than the adult brain. With brain activity on hyperdrive, many toddlers become prone to having night terrors. 

Trying to answer the question ”Why do babies cry in their sleep?” as a new parent takes trial and error. You can start by going through this check-list of questions when a baby won’t stop crying:

  • Is the baby hungry? Newborns eat frequently. A pacifier might also help.
  • Is the diaper wet or dirty?
  • Is the room too hot or too cold? Perhaps the baby is underdressed or overdressed.
  • Is the baby overstimulated? Dim the lights, and play soothing music.
  • Is the baby sick? Take the baby’s temperature. 
  • Is the baby lonely or afraid? Hold and rock the baby.

In the meantime, here are some tips to soothe a crying baby or toddler crying in sleep.

How Do You Put a Baby To Sleep?

Baby care specialists and moms recommend these tips to put a baby to sleep.

  • Use a blanket to swaddle the baby.
  • Sing or hum to the baby.
  • Use a swing, rocking chair, or your body movements.
  • Motion helps babies fall asleep. Go for a ride in the car or stroller.
  • Give the baby a warm and relaxing bath.
  • Use a sound machine or another kind of white noise equipment.

Now that your little one is — hopefully — asleep, here are ways to take care of yourself during this phase of your child’s life.

Do’s and Don’ts for Parents Dealing With Sleep Concerns in Children

It is incredibly debilitating for new parents to have a colicky baby for three months. Parents might develop conditions such as postpartum syndrome, insomnia, and fatigue. To help struggling parents cope, here are some do’s and don’ts of parenting a child with sleep problems:

Do: Take care of yourself, so you can care for the baby.

Do: Create a support system of friends and family for respite.

Do: Keep your child’s pediatrician informed of any changes, improvements, or digressions.

Don’t: Don’t panic. Babies and toddlers crying in sleep are more common than you think during the first three months.

Don’t: Wait too long to consult with your doctor about the state of your mental health. If you feel fatigued or disoriented, it’s best to speak to a professional who can help. 

See Your Little Ones Adjust and Thrive With Cadence Education

Dealing with a baby or toddler who frequently cries in their sleep is, no doubt, stressful. But you can take comfort in knowing that help is available when you need to take a break and focus on caring for yourself. 

With that said, when it’s time to choose a daycare for your toddler, consider a provider that truly cares about your and your child’s well-being. Cadence Education has trained teaching professionals who are equipped with all the skills and resources needed to help your baby or toddler acclimate into a new environment and succeed. In this way, your child grows in a positive learning environment that’s an extension of your loving home, eventually helping to reduce sleep issues. Contact Cadence Education to find a school near you.

Although listening to your child crying is a normal part of parenthood, it can be incredibly challenging when your baby is crying before sleeping. It can be confusing, frustrating, and downright exhausting when your baby cries when you put them down to sleep—or if the resistance begins even before you enter the bedroom. You’re likely left with questions like, “Why does my baby fight sleep? How can I get them to stop fighting sleep?”

To help you navigate the nighttime protests, we’ve compiled a list of many reasons to help you understand: why do babies fight sleep? Next, we’ll explore how to get a baby to stop fighting sleep with strategies to help you solve your sleep struggles.

Why Does My Baby Fight Sleep?

As you sit there exhausted, wondering yet again, “Why does my baby fight sleep?” you may feel at a loss for knowing what to do. But learning about the potential reasons why your baby cries when put down to sleep is the first step. If you’ve crossed off hunger, illness, and a dirty diaper, it’s time to evaluate what other factors could be at play.

Here are five common causes for bedtime battles:

Overtired

The more tired your baby is, the harder it can be to fall asleep. When your baby is past the point of no return, they may begin to act overly fussy or hard to console. Whether they had a jam-packed exhausting day or you missed the window of opportunity for them to go down, the outcome can be a fatiguing fight to overcome their sleepiness.

Undertired

Your baby’s sleep needs are continually changing—and sometimes their resistance means that they genuinely aren’t tired. If you find yourself exasperated and wondering, “Why does my baby fight sleep?” be sure to reflect on their age and development when considering what the cause could be. While it could be situational (such as today’s unusually long nap), it may also be a developmental shift in sleep patterns, such as being ready to ditch the morning nap.

Overstimulation

Bright lights, loud noises, and exciting play right before bedtime are familiar sources of overstimulation. It’s not easy for babies to calm down and mellow out after heightened sensory stimulation. Without the self-regulatory skills to realize they are tired, they may linger in the state of being wired.

Separation Anxiety

“Why does my baby fight sleep when I know they’re tired? Is it because they are sad?” This is a common question many parents ask themselves, and sometimes the answer can be yes.

Separation anxiety tends to crop up around 8–18 months old, and although it is very common and workable, it can be tough for parents. It’s not easy when your baby just wants to be with you every waking (and sleeping) moment.

Hitting a Milestone

From babbling and talking to rolling and sitting up, babies are learning new skills left and right. Some babies will experience a sleep setback when they reach a new development milestone because what better place to practice their new talents than in their own bedroom?

why does my baby fight sleep

How to Get Your Baby to Stop Fighting Sleep

Now that we’ve explored the many reasons why babies fight sleep, you can use the process of elimination to come to a conclusion and start implementing some strategies.
Here are some tried and true techniques daycare professionals who are well-versed in the realm of how to get a baby to stop fighting sleep.

Establish a Restful Routine

Having a consistent and relaxing routine is a strategy that many daycare providers use to help babies fall asleep. Dimming the lights and playing relaxing music before bathtime or cuddly storytime are all great ways to gently guide your baby towards their sleep cycle—setting you both up for sleeping success.

Spot the Sleepy Signs

Rubbing eyes, yawning, thumb sucking, and ear pulling are all tell-tale signs that your baby is tired and ready to sleep—whether they agree with you or not. Daycare providers are trained to spot these cues and may even memorize each baby’s unique signals to determine who is ready for naptime.

If you can put your baby down within minutes of noticing one of their sleepy signs, you can hopefully avoid the overtired point of no return.

Daytime Equals Playtime

The importance of play in child development is significant, and the extent of your baby’s activities during the day can also play a role in their willingness to sleep.

Your baby is reaching a new milestone seemingly every other minute, so it’s no wonder they’re excited to test out their new skills! By providing plenty of opportunities for your baby to strengthen their skills during the day, your baby may feel less inclined to practice them at night.

High-quality daycares and preschools will provide an environment with endless opportunities for play that stimulate each baby’s senses during the day, so they are satisfied and ready to retire when the sun goes down.

Associating the sunlight and daytime with activity and playtime can also help your baby develop a natural sleep cycle. Studies show that exposure to sunlight during the day and darkness at night supports babies in establishing their circadian rhythm. Many daycares will use blackout curtains to mimic the night’s darkness for naptime during the day, which is easy to implement at home.

By guiding your baby to understand that the light of day means it’s time to play, they will naturally associate the darkness of night with the time to sleep tight!

Celebrate Your Child’s Individuality at Cadence Education

While there are many tactics to try at home, listening to your baby crying before sleeping can be challenging as a parent. For many, a simple shift in schedule or environment can do the trick.

A quality childcare program like Cadence Education offers many families just that—the peace of mind knowing that their baby is in an environment with qualified professionals who know the ins and outs of sleeping babies. Whether your baby cries when put down to sleep or could simply benefit from some social stimulation outside of home, Cadence Education is equipped with all the tools to support your family.

As one of the top childcare providers in the nation for the last twenty years, Cadence facilities provide high-quality programs for every child to feel safe and secure in their home away from home.

Find a facility near you to learn how you and your family can engage, grow, and thrive with your local Cadence community.

Is your baby staring at people, objects, or seemingly nothing at all?

Perhaps you’ve thought it was weird that your baby won’t look away from a stranger’s face. Or perhaps a little creepy that your baby stares at one corner of your room all the time, like s/he sees something you don’t.

There is a perfectly good reason why your little one is staring so much! In fact, it’s a sign his/her brain is developing well!

So why do babies stare? Here’s the answer!

Why Do Babies Stare at You?

You’re Beautiful

A study done by a group of university professors showed that babies often stare at people because they think they are attractive.

In the study, babies were shown two pictures: one of a person considered beautiful and one of an individual who wasn’t considered attractive. Instinctually, the babies were drawn to the beautiful faces.

It has nothing to do with society’s standards of beauty. Instead, it showed that even infants are drawn to people they found interesting to look at.

So if you catch a baby staring at you, it just may be because s/he thinks there’s something special about the way you look.

You’re Different

Do you have eyeglasses? A beard? Purple hair?

Remember that babies are new to the world. They are still learning about the world around them.

A baby might be staring at you because you have a feature s/he has never seen before! You could be fascinating to the little one.

Why do Babies Stare at Objects?

It’s Moving

Babies’ eyes are drawn to movement. That’s why they might be staring at your spinning ceiling fan or that toy you animatedly play with to make your baby smile.

In contrast, if your baby turns away from moving objects, it’s probably because s/he is processing a lot at the moment and needs to regroup.

If you are playing with your baby and s/he looks away from the moving object you are playing with, don’t force his/her attention back on the toy. Give your baby some time to regroup.

There are Contrasting Colors

Babies’ eyes are drawn to stark contrasts. If there are two contrasting colors side by side, your baby’s eyes will probably be drawn to it. It may even be something as simple as where a piece of furniture meets a wall. That may be why your baby is staring at what looks like nothing. S/He is still learning about the world, so even simple things can fascinate your infant.

Why Do Babies Stare into Space?

Their Little Brains are Developing

Just in the first ninety days of a baby’s life, their brains will grow by 64%! This means your baby is making many new connections and understanding lots of new things. Thus, if your baby is staring into space, it’s probably because s/he’s working overtime on developing his/her mind.

Some parents worry if their baby is staring at seemingly nothing. Nonetheless, it may be a sign of their brain working extra hard!

It’s All About Development

The main reason babies stare is that their brains are developing and growing at an exponential rate. In fact, the more you play with your baby and engage with him/her, the better his/her brain will develop.