Baby Sleep

by | Jul 17, 2024 | Doula Support, Family Photography, Los Angeles Birth Photographer

Baby-sleeps-arms-up-under-blanket

Object Permanence and Baby Sleep: What You Need to Know!

Ever wondered why your baby wakes up crying when you leave the room? It all comes down to a fascinating concept called object permanence!

What is Object Permanence? Object permanence is a term coined by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. It refers to a child’s understanding that objects continue to exist even when they can’t be seen, heard, or touched. This cognitive milestone typically develops between 4-7 months of age.

Piaget’s Insight: Piaget’s studies revealed that before this concept is fully developed, babies believe that when something (or someone) disappears from their sight, it’s gone forever. This is why peek-a-boo is such a thrilling game for them—out of sight, out of mind!

Baby-sleeps-arms-up-under-blanket

Sleep and Object Permanence: As babies grow and begin to understand object permanence, they start to realize that when their parents leave the room, they’re not gone forever. This awareness can be a double-edged sword. Initially, it might cause more nighttime waking as babies check to see if their parents are still around. However, as they grow older and this concept is solidified, they can learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep knowing their parents are nearby even if they can’t see them.

Helping Your Baby Sleep:

  1. Consistent Bedtime Routine: Establish a calming and predictable routine to help your baby feel secure and improve your baby sleep.
  2. Transitional Objects: Introduce a comfort object like a blanket or stuffed animal to provide a sense of security. Please make sure ‘the lovey’ is placed in a safe spot in order to avoid compromising your baby sleep safety.
  3. Reassurance: If your baby wakes up, reassure them with your voice or a gentle pat to help them understand you’re still around.
  4. Sing! When in doubt, channel the Mary Poppins in you ans sing away. This will not only calm your nervous system -especially if you has a full day and you are ready for some alone time- but it will also translate to your baby. Babies do not care if you are singing in tune, so don’t worry if you don’t sound exactly like Adele. Think of this moment as an opportunity to bond with your baby, share your favorite lullabies and establish an healthy rhythm through your baby sleep learning curve.

Remember, every baby is unique, and developing the ability to fall asleep on their own takes time and patience.

Parents, you’re doing amazing! Understanding these developmental milestones can help you navigate the sleep journey with more confidence and compassion.

If you wish to hire me as your Doula or birth photographer, please be in touch. You can also hire me for body work and energy work before, during and after your birth at www.sacredhold.com

#ParentingTips #BabySleep #ObjectPermanence #JeanPiaget #BabyDevelopment #SleepTraining #ParentingHacks #NewParents #BabyMilestones

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