Throughout my work with babies and their sleep habits, I’ve heard it all. There are some common misconceptions floating around about how babies sleep and how parents should respond. Hopefully this clears some of them up!

1. Myth: My baby doesn’t need her pacifier because she spits it out.

Truth: Losing the pacifier has nothing to do with needing it. Don’t get rid of the pacifiers too soon or your baby might not have any way to self-soothe.

2. Myth: My first baby slept through the night early, so my next baby will too.

Truth: All children are different, even siblings, especially when it comes to sleep patterns.

3. Myth: Teething is waking my baby up at night.

Truth: Teething is only painful in the days before a new tooth breaks through the gums. The general movement downward doesn’t have a sensation. When a baby wakes up frequently, it’s because he or she can’t soothe themselves back to sleep.

4. Myth: Babies should be sleeping through the night by four months.

Truth: While some babies may be capable of sleeping through by four months, that generally isn’t the case. Don’t be alarmed if you’re feeding once at night up to a year.

5. Myth: We can worry about our child’s sleep habits when she’s a toddler.

Truth: Sleep associations come easy, so it’s better for your baby’s health and your sanity to begin helping them sleep independently soon.

6. Myth: My baby wakes often because she’s hungry.

Truth: After six months, your baby should be getting enough food during the day to sustain herself at night. She’s waking up because she lacks the tools to fall asleep on her own.

7. Myth: My baby is just a poor sleeper. I can’t do anything about it.

Truth: Children’s sleep is influenced by their natural makeup and how we respond to their behavior. This means we have a big influence and can help them learn.

8. Myth: A baby should never cry at night.

Truth: While you shouldn’t accept persistent crying, a little fussing is normal as your baby changes between sleep cycles. With gentle coaching, they can learn to seamlessly transition.

9. Myth: If I keep my baby up and make him tired, he’ll sleep through the night.

Truth: Overtiredness actually makes sleep more elusive, causes more wakeups, and a higher likelihood of waking up early in the morning. Here’s a good mantra: “sleep begets sleep.” A rested baby sleeps best.

10. Myth: Babies learn to sleep through the night when they reach a certain weight. (The actual number is always different.)

Truth: Long sleeping spells happen when the nervous system has developed to the proper point and baby has learned how to independently fall back asleep. The weight is irrelevant.

11. Myth: My baby doesn’t like sleeping in the crib.

Truth: If you give your baby the option (maybe you allow her to sleep in your bed or in your arms), she will always prefer to be with you. The trick is to make the crib a safe, comfortable space that they associate with sleep.

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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