ParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gifParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Lack of Sleep May Contribute to ADHDhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/lack-of-sleep-adhd/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/lack-of-sleep-adhd/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/lack-of-sleep-adhd/#commentsFiled under: , ,


lack of sleep ADHD

Researchers found that preschoolers who don't get enough sleep often develop attention problems. Credit: Getty Images

Lack of sleep can cause ... uh ...

It can cause something. What was it? This is silly. There was just a story about it somewhere. Think!

Oh, right! It can cause attention deficit disorder.

According to a press release on ScienceDaily.com, researchers found preschoolers who don't get enough sleep often develop attention problems and hyperactivity once they hit kindergarten. Strangely, the reverse was not true.

Kids who already had attention problems in preschool didn't lose any sleep over it in kindergarten.

Researchers for SRI International, a nonprofit research institute in Menlo Park, Calif., looked at the sleep habits of 6,860 children -- compensating for such factors as gender, ethnicity and family income.

"Children who were reported to sleep less in preschool were rated by their parents as more hyperactive and less attentive compared to their peers at kindergarten," lead researcher Erika Gaylor says in the release. "These findings suggest that some children who are not getting adequate sleep may be at risk for developing behavioral problems manifested by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and problems sitting still and paying attention."

Gaylor adds that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (or ADHD) is not usually diagnosed until kids start going to school. However, symptoms can crop up much earlier.

Sleep problems such as trouble falling asleep and staying asleep could be warning signs. Gaylor says a direct link has been hard to establish, and more long-term studies are needed.

According to Gaylor, having a regular, early bedtime was the single biggest sleep-related factor in avoiding attention problems.

So Benjamin Franklin was right. "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." It also helps him pay attention in preschool.

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]]>adhdattention deficit disorderlack of sleep ADHDsleepsleep problemsTom HendersonWed, 15 Jun 2011 16:00:00 ESTBassinet vs. Crib: Where to Put the Babyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/bassinet-vs-crib/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/bassinet-vs-crib/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/bassinet-vs-crib/#commentsFiled under: , ,

crib

Over the years, the baby bassinet or cradle has come to be considered less of a nursery necessity. Credit: Getty Images

So, you're planning for a new baby. You know you'll need a crib for at least a couple of years, until it's time for a "big kid" bed -- but what about when the baby is brand new? Over the years, the baby bassinet or cradle has come to be considered less of a nursery necessity; because it only gets use for a few weeks, many parents choose to go straight to a full-sized crib. That's fine, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, as long as you place the baby to sleep on her back wearing a sleeper, with no heavy blankets, pillows or crib bumpers. Still, there are reasons why using a bassinet might be a good choice for you.


A bassinet's small size allows it to be easily placed next to a bed. Unless you have a huge bedroom, chances are adding a full-sized crib by the bed is out of the question. It's recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents for the first few weeks -- about the same amount of time a bassinet or baby cradle is useful as a baby bed -- especially if the mother is nursing. This allows for the baby to be checked on frequently during the night, and just having the baby in the same room early on can help give parents peace of mind.

It's easier to place a newborn into a bassinet. The high sides of a crib mean you may have to lean over them if the sides don't come down. You can place the baby in the bassinet from a sitting position on a chair or bed, if necessary, which is a benefit while the mother is recovering from the delivery, especially if she had a C-section.

There is little room for the baby to move around. Although, truthfully, a swaddled newborn isn't going to be any more mobile in a crib than a baby bassinet, psychologically you may prefer the small size of a bassinet or baby cradle.

Bassinets can be portable, unlike most cribs, allowing you to move the baby's bed to any part of the house for nap time. Portable bassinets are also convenient for visiting friends and family those first few weeks. To get the most out of your baby bassinet, look for a model such as a Badger Basket Portable Bassinet 'n Cradle, which converts to a toy box after the baby outgrows it.

You may have inherited an heirloom cradle or bassinet, or found an antique baby cradle you've fallen in love with. In most cases, the beautiful old cradle is safe to use. Be sure the mattress pad fits snugly; in addition, an old-fashioned wooden cradle shouldn't have hazards such as protruding hardware or legs that might give out, and check to make sure that any paint is not lead-based. If you do use an older bassinet, make sure it meets the current safety guidelines.

If you decide against purchasing a bassinet for your baby, don't feel guilty. Bassinets are not recommended by most pediatric experts in lieu of cribs -- it's the parents' choice. What is really important is that you don't put hazards like pillows and blankets in with the baby, that you make sure that the bassinet or crib you use is not under recall and/or meets safety requirements and that you keep an eye on your baby as much as you can while she sleeps.

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]]>bassinetcribthe editors at ParentDishFri, 10 Jun 2011 11:00:00 ESTTV Not to Blame for Teens' Sleepless Nightshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/17/tv-not-to-blame-for-teens-sleepless-night/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/17/tv-not-to-blame-for-teens-sleepless-night/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/17/tv-not-to-blame-for-teens-sleepless-night/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

tv and sleeping

Teenagers are not staying up late at night to watch television. Credit: Corbis

The good news is that your teenager daughter is not spending the night with Jimmy Fallon. The bad news your son might be losing sleep over a fourth-level nymph.


The Orange County Register reports teenagers are not staying up late at night to watch television. Playing video games and messing around on the Internet? Yes. But television? No.

This was the conclusion of a study presented at the American Psychiatric Association's annual meeting in Honolulu, the newspaper reports. Researchers looked at high schoolers and found only 10 percent them got enough sleep at night.

Round up the usual suspects? Hold on, Louie.

Researchers found no link between TV and sleep deprivation. The Internet and video games were the real time bandits.

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]]>sleepsleepingteensteens sleepTelevision Internet Video Games Sleep Deprivation Teenagerstv and sleepingTom HendersonTue, 17 May 2011 13:55:00 ESTMarital Discord Disrupts Baby's Sleep, Study Findshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/12/marital-discord-babys-sleep-study/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/12/marital-discord-babys-sleep-study/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/12/marital-discord-babys-sleep-study/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Marital Discord

Babies exposed to marital discord have more trouble sleeping. Credit: Getty Images

Talk about your vicious cycles.

Your infant has trouble sleeping, so you're up half the night. This makes you cranky, irritable and short-tempered with your spouse.

And guess what? Researchers say babies exposed to marital discord have more trouble sleeping.

Face it. You can't win. You may now whimper pitifully if you wish. Researchers at Oregon State University would understand.

They studied more than 350 families with adopted babies ages 9 to 18 months. They stuck with adopted babies to make sure parents and children didn't share any genetic behaviors or personality traits.

"Our findings suggest that the effects of marital instability on children's sleep problems emerge earlier in development than has been demonstrated previously," researcher Anne Mannering, an instructor of human development at Oregon State University, says in a press release. "Parents should be aware that marital stress may affect the well-being of their children even in the first year or two of life."

Researchers wanted to confirm that marital problems, such as parents thinking about divorce, affected children's sleep later in their infancy. They found parental bickering when a child is 9 months old can affect his or her sleep nine months later.

And Manning says problems can manifest themselves much later than that. They can "correlate with problems in school, inattention and behavioral issues," she says in the release.

Marital instability was measured with such survey questions as, "Has the thought of separating or getting a divorce crossed your mind?" (If the answer is yes, by the way, don't worry. That just means you're married.)

Researchers also found no link between sleepless infants and parents' relationship problems. Then again, they probably reached that conclusion after a good night's sleep.

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]]>baby sleepdivorceMarital Discordsleeping babiesTom HendersonThu, 12 May 2011 13:00:00 ESTMore Sleep Linked to Growth Spurts in Babies, Study Findshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/03/sleep-in-babies/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/03/sleep-in-babies/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/03/sleep-in-babies/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Watch a video on baby sleep patterns.
sleep in babies

More sleep for babies means more growth, study shows. Credit: Getty Images

Wonder why your newborn is suddenly sleeping longer? No big deal -- she's just busy growing.

A new study, published this week in the journal Sleep, looked at records kept by 23 parents noting their infants' sleep patterns, HealthDay reports. The growth of the newborns -- 12 days old when the study began -- was also measured, the news service adds.

The findings: The babies experienced "uneven bursts of sleep," HealthDay reports, and sleep increased at irregular intervals -- an average of 4 1/2 hours per day for two days. The infants also slept more often -- adding an average of three extra naps a day for two days, the researchers found.

Here's where the growing part comes in -- HealthDay reports the extra sleep was significantly linked to growth spurts in body length. They also gained weight around the belly, Time adds.

The magazine reports that the infants were 43 percent more apt to experience a growth spurt for each extra nap they took, and 20 percent more likely to grow for each extra hour of sleep they got during the bursts of sleep.

"The results demonstrate empirically that growth spurts not only occur during sleep but are significantly influenced by sleep," lead investigator Dr. Michelle Lampl, an anthropology professor at Emory University, says in an American Academy of Sleep Medicine news release. "Longer sleep corresponds with greater growth in body length."

So, why does extra sleep affect growth in newborns? Lampl says it's not clear, HealthDay reports, but that growth hormone secretion increases during sleep.

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]]>sleepsleep in babiesLesley KennedyTue, 03 May 2011 12:00:00 ESTChronic Fatigue Syndrome Rare in Teens, but When it Hits, it Hits Hard, Study Showshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/20/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/20/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/20/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Watch a video related to chronic fatigue.
chronic fatigue syndrome

Only a small fraction of teens end up with chronic fatigue syndrome. Credit: Getty Images

With the late-night hours they keep, it's hard to believe more teens aren't chronically knocked off their feet with exhaustion.

But a new study confirms that only a small fraction of teens end up with chronic fatigue syndrome. But when it hits, it hits hard. It also uncovers what parents who struggle to stay awake in the wee hours of the morning to enforce curfews for this nocturnal breed have intuitively known: A lack of sleep wipes out the parents, Reuters Health reports.

A survey of Dutch adolescents suggests only one in 900 teens suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), defined by the Centers for Disease Control as "a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity."

Sounds just like what they say strikes the parents of teens, especially those who have to miss work to care for their teen offspring afflicted with chronic fatigue, Reuters says the researchers suggest.

Among those teens diagnosed with CFS, more than 90 percent had at least missed "considerable" school in the last six months; with some saying they had not attended school at all during that time. The study was published recently in the journal Pediatrics.

The researchers say the findings are significant because CFS has "severe implications for school participation, etc., necessitating adequate diagnosis and treatment," Sanne Nijhof of the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands tells Reuters.

The impact is felt by many more people than the patient, Katharine Rimes of King's College in London, tells the news service.

"Missing substantial amounts of school can potentially have profound effects on their educational, social and emotional development," Rimes tells Reuters. "It also has potentially serious impact on the family. If the child is off school, one parent -- usually the mother -- usually has to stay at home to care for them, and often give up their job altogether. This can obviously have adverse financial and psychological effects."

There is no cure for CFS and scientists don't know what causes it, the researchers tell Reuters.

Of potential concern, the authors note, is that the condition appears to be "under-recognized" by primary care physicians. Only half of all general practitioners who agreed to participate in the study said they accepted CFS as a distinct diagnosis, versus 96 percent of the pediatricians consulted during the study.

And nearly 75 percent of teens with CFS were not diagnosed by their general practitioners. This lack of awareness probably stems from the condition's infrequency, Nijhof tells the news service.

"Adolescents with severe and long-lasting fatigue should be referred to a pediatrician," Rimes tells Reuters.

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]]>chronic fatiguechronic fatigue syndromesleepteensMary Beth SammonsWed, 20 Apr 2011 15:00:00 ESTParents Bribe Kids to Put the Bedtime Battle to Rest, Study Showshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/19/bedtime-bribes/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/19/bedtime-bribes/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/19/bedtime-bribes/#commentsFiled under: ,

bribing kids

Bribing really works in matters of bedtime. Credit: Getty Images

Getting kids to bed at night often requires the tactical negotiating skills of a SWAT team on an anti-terrorism bust. You're the enemy of the state, and your own sleep is being held hostage by your 8-year-old tethered to his Nintendo DS.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, so leave it to the Brits to come up with a secret weapon for parents to win the bedtime battle: Bribe the little brats.

The British company Munch Bunch recently released a study of 3,000 British parents, showing that more than one in five moms and dads resort to bribing their kids to go to bed, London's Daily Mail reports.

Parents surveyed say it takes them more than an hour to haggle and negotiate with their kids before turning the lights off, an evening ritual more than one third of the parents say is more stressful than their daily commute to and from work, according to the newspaper.

"'Bedtime can be a real nightmare, a constant battle of wills," Kate Evans, a mother of two sons, ages 4 and 8, tells the Daily Mail. "I work all day in the office and come back home tired, but putting the boys to bed is the hardest part of my day."

Bribing tactics include, according to the Daily Mail:

  • 17 percent of parents say they promised a later weekend bedtime
  • 28 percent let the kids watch TV "a bit more"
  • 6 percent bribed the little tykes with brownies, cookies and other sweets

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]]>bedtimebedtime bribesbribing kidssleepMary Beth SammonsTue, 19 Apr 2011 14:30:00 ESTMadii & Dyl Mini Me Cozy Kids Pillowhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/19/madii-and-dyl-mini-me-cozy-kids-pillow/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/19/madii-and-dyl-mini-me-cozy-kids-pillow/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/19/madii-and-dyl-mini-me-cozy-kids-pillow/#commentsFiled under: ,

cozy kids pillow

Your kids will rest easy with Madii & Dyl pillows. Credit: Madiidylan.com




It may seem like no big deal, but once you've found the perfect pillow, it can take you from restless nights to sleeping like a baby.

So, why shouldn't your kids get the same great pillow treatment?

Madii & Dyl, an Australian line of natural children's products, is now available for U.S. customers, and we're loving the Mini Me Cozy Kids Pillow for kids 3 and older. You will also find the Teenii Tot, for kids older than 18 months, and the Sooki Babe, a newborn daytime pillow designed for infants that cradles the head and prevents roll overs.

Made from 100 percent pure latex, Madii & Dyl pillows are hypo-allergenic and chemical-free, naturally inhibiting the growth of dust mites, mildew and bacteria. Plus, each pillow is designed with specific age ranges in mind, so your little one will get great neck support.

The Madii & Dyl Mini Me pillow is $59 at madiidylan.com.

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]]>baby pillowkids pillowmadii dylpillowsLesley KennedyTue, 19 Apr 2011 14:00:00 ESTCo-Sleeping: Is a Family Bed Worth the Safety Concerns?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/11/co-sleeping/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/11/co-sleeping/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/11/co-sleeping/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Watch a video on co-sleeping.
samantha van vleet cosleeping with baby picture

Samantha Van Vleet cuddles with her 6-week-old baby, Averly. Credit: Samantha Van Vleet

Sleeping is a group activity for the Van Vleet family -- all five of them.

Nothing can match the sense of security children Madison,4, Daniel, 2, and 6-week-old Averly feel when they cuddle with Mom, Dad and each other all night, every night, mom Samantha Van Vleet tells ParentDish.

"It places less stress on the baby because I'm able to hear her stir and wake up and can feed her before she cries," Van Vleet of Sterling, Alaska, says.

Van Vleet says Madison and Daniel now have their own beds, but most nights they only start there and race to the family bed, or often to each other's.

The Van Vleets are among a growing number of families aligning themselves on the family bed side of a heated controversy over whether young kids should sleep with Mom and Dad or in their own beds or cribs.

Those who support babies sleeping separately believe sleep is a regimen that needs to be taught to kids on the other side of the bedroom wall, maintaining that kids need to learn to soothe themselves to sleep. Family bed parents, meanwhile, feel co-sleeping will engender a sense of security in the child.

Co-sleeping has gotten a bad rap these days, due, in part, to the number of infants who have been injured or killed when a parent rolls over on them or they become entrapped or suffocated. Major organizations have spoken out against co-sleeping, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which says in a warning to parents that the practice should be avoided to reduce the number of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases.

"We strongly frown upon co-sleeping," the group states, recommending babies sleep in cribs.

And many experts say the risks surrounding co-sleeping far outweigh any emotional benefits.

"Co-sleeping is not recommended," Candace Smith-King, a pediatrician at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., tells ParentDish."There are multiple risks and reasons it's not a safe practice. Many advocates for co-sleeping say it increases and supports breast-feeding. While breast-feeding is beneficial, co-sleeping is not a way to promote breast-feeding. Mothers are likely to fall asleep while feeding their baby and roll over on the newborn. It's just not worth the convenience."

Still, many parents and health care experts continue to support co-sleeping.

Children who sleep with their parents may experience less stress, Dr, Margot Sunderland, director of education and training at the Centre for Child Mental Health in London, states in her book "The Science of Parenting." She recommends kids sleep with their parents until they are 5.

Yvonne Quiones Syto co-slept with both of her children -- now 3 and 5, until they were 1, and credits co-sleeping for breast-feeding success and helping her get more sleep while she was nursing.

"I slept better when they were nursing than when they were weaned," Syto tells ParentDish. "My children now sleep in their own beds without any difficulty and have good, quality sleep, yet know they can come to us if needed."

Family therapist Barbara Chamberlin warns, however, that co-sleeping can have prolonged negative effects on a child's ability to soothe himself to sleep.

"While it can be a great bonding experience for parent and infant, I see many moms in my practice who cannot get their 9- and 10-year-olds out of their beds," Chamberlin tells ParentDish. "For these parents, every bedtime is a prolonged nightmare with kids refusing to go to bed without Mom or Dad lying down with them."

Denaye Barahona, a clinical psychologist, tells ParentDish although it is vital to provide a significant amount of interaction, touch and attention to your baby, it's by no means necessary to do so via co-sleeping.

"Parents often become consumed with the idea that they need to have a child in their arms every minute of the day to have a healthy bond, and this simply is not true," she says. "I caution parents to reflect on whether they are satisfying a need of their child, or satisfying their own needs and anxieties by co-sleeping."

Barahona also cautions that co-sleeping can cause issues in a marriage.

"I have seen many cases where a couple is experiencing marital strife, and placing a child in the bed creates an avenue to avoid intimacy and facing current issues," she tells ParentDish.

For those who really want to give co-sleeping a try, however, tips to minimize the risks include:

  • Using an arms-reach co-sleeper or bassinet placed next to the bed
  • Keeping the baby in a bed with just a light sheet, no pillows and a firm top mattress
  • Abstaining from drugs, sleeping pills or alcohol before retiring with baby
  • Not allowing other adults to sleep next to the baby
  • Keeping other children and pets out of the bed
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]]>co-sleepingfamily bedfamily sleepsleepMary Beth SammonsMon, 11 Apr 2011 13:00:00 ESTSweet Dreams for Baby Just a Click Awayhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/05/baby-sleep-study/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/05/baby-sleep-study/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/05/baby-sleep-study/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

baby sleep study

A new baby sleep study is opening eyes for parents -- while baby's eyes close. Credit: Getty Images

"Sleep, baby, sleep" is a mantra for many moms and dads who share one thing in common: They aren't getting any sleep, themselves.

If you've tried feedings on demand, pre-bed bath rituals, massages, two-hour drives around the neighborhood and the "crying it out" technique -- all to no avail -- you are not alone.

But take a tip from the nocturnal teen crowd and head to your laptop in the wee hours of the morning. You just may find the secret to sweet dreams for your baby -- and you.

A new study and online-based program is opening parents' eyes, and closing those of their babies, offering advice on getting infants and young children to sleep through the night, Time magazine reports.

Johnsonsbaby.com promises its three-step nightly routine is clinically tested to promote better sleep for babies and children, according to the Johnson & Johnson website.

The sleep intervention program is the brainchild of researchers in the United States and Israel who report in the journal Sleep that it can effectively reduce sleep disturbances in the 20 to 30 percent of infants and young children who are restless at night.

Based on research with almost 5,000 infants and toddlers, Jodi Mindell, associate director of the Sleep Center at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, and her colleagues created an interactive database of the children's sleeping habits. That information went into creating the Customized Sleep Profile used on the Johnson's site, which includes what parents and infants did in the minutes and hours before going to sleep, coupled with studies on the most effective practices for inducing sleep.

Here's how it works: Plug in our baby's name and age and you'll be guided through a series of questions about the child's sleeping habits. Do you rock the baby to sleep, or give her a bath? Read a book? Feed her or drive her around in the car trying to lull her to sleep?

In just a few seconds, a personalized, just-what-the-experts ordered customized program appears on your screen tailored to address specific sleep behaviors for you and your baby.

"One thing that I was astonished about, in just one week, we saw dramatic improvements," Mindell tells Time.

Previously fussy babies reduced the number of times they awoke at night and the length of time they were awake by up to 50 percent and also took less time to fall asleep, she adds.

"Whatever the parent inputs, the recommendations provided are based on that input," Mindell tells Time.

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]]>baby sleepbaby slingsjohnson controlssleeping babyMary Beth SammonsTue, 05 Apr 2011 14:30:00 ESTTry This: How Do You Deal With Nightmares and Monsters Under the Bed?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/14/try-this-how-do-you-deal-with-nightmares-and-monsters-under-the/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/14/try-this-how-do-you-deal-with-nightmares-and-monsters-under-the/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/14/try-this-how-do-you-deal-with-nightmares-and-monsters-under-the/#commentsFiled under: ,



For some kids, sleep is a peaceful time to snuggle up with a good stuffed animal. For others, sleep is a time when the monsters come out from under the bed. Scary nightmares seem real and can be traumatizing to kids.

These New York moms share some tips on how to comfort kids after nightmares. One creative mom suggests squirting "monster spray" under the bed to kill the creepy imaginary creatures.

The experts at KidsHealth recommend a few practices to prevent nightmares:

1. Develop a routine. Put your kids to bed at the same time every night and try to limit naps during the day.
2. Sleep with a favorite stuffed animal.
3. Use a nightlight so that if they wake up afraid, they will immediately see familiar things.
4. Keep your door open so they know you are close by and accessible.

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]]>nightmaresAdvertiserMon, 14 Feb 2011 00:01:00 ESTA Good Night's Breast: Does Breast-Feeding Mean Less Sleep?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/a-good-nights-breast-does-breast-feeding-mean-less-sleep/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/a-good-nights-breast-does-breast-feeding-mean-less-sleep/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/a-good-nights-breast-does-breast-feeding-mean-less-sleep/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Don't stoop to infant formula because you think it might get you more sleep.

That's what the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization and celebrity-lactivist Gisele Bundchen might like us to take away from a recent study showing moms get seven hours whether they breast-feed or bottle-feed.

How did researchers convince mothers with newborns to do anything? Women were chatted up still aglow in pregnancy. Imagine that call from the research assistant:

Research assistant: Welcome to The Study of Maternal Sleeping Behavior.
Mom: This is a sleep study?
Research assistant: Yes ma'am, sort of. As you probably know some people actually think formula helps babies sleep better. We want to know if moms who breast-feed really get less sleep than moms who don't breast-feed, you know the women who either can't or refuse to try and resort to using formula.
Mom: I don't have to breast-feed?
Research assistant: Yes, no, I mean the experts recommend it and it's your baby and your decision whether to risk it so I can't tell you what to do. But we do need to find some mothers who aren't breast-feeding to test this myth about formula.

Motivated by altruism and perhaps a small financial token of appreciation, over 80 women signed up and shortly after giving birth, strapped on "actigraphs," wrist devices monitoring their physical movements. Remarkably, they logged every time they either fell asleep or woke up "in real time" on their PDAs.

Contrary to the belief that breast-fed babies wake more, and thus deprive their moms of sleep, there were no significant differences between women who breast-fed, bottle-fed or did some of each. This was a good study that measured sleep very well with plentiful data, like total sleep time day and night, number of night awakenings, sleep quality, and daytime fatigue. However, this was a small sample with somewhat surprising results that merit further investigation. So, before I make any proclamations about sleep and the bottle or the boob, I'd like to see these results replicated with more mommas. Also, quite frankly, I'd like some explanation as to why my breast-fed babies woke like every other hour for what seemed like months.

Oh, I'm no Friend of Formula. I got the breast-feeding creds. Three kids, minimum three months each, the bleeding nipples, the double-breast pump in the deserted parking garage. Been there. I supplemented only after my pediatrician assured me formula wouldn't condemn my daughter to chronic disease or sub-par SAT scores.* But I don't have to sit silently while yet another study glorifies the almighty power of the breast. Which this one did not. There were no advantages bestowed on lactating women or their babies.

Thank goodness someone did this study! Otherwise who knows how many more children would suffer for the sake of a good night's rest? I do wonder how many formula-feeders turned to the canned stuff on the mistaken assumption of more sleep. If you're not too exhausted, give a holler and let me know.

Sleep tight, sweet dreams!

*The Naked Truth in Breast-Feeding Campaign: I pledge to disclose the details of my breastfeeding behavior and demand the same of every researcher, health authority and journalist, male or female, who has ever uttered or written the word "breast-feeding."

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]]>breast-feedingPolly PalumboThu, 23 Dec 2010 12:00:00 ESTCaffeine Linked to Sleep Issues, but Most Kids Drink it Dailyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/16/caffeine-linked-to-sleep-issues-but-most-kids-drink-it-daily/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/16/caffeine-linked-to-sleep-issues-but-most-kids-drink-it-daily/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/16/caffeine-linked-to-sleep-issues-but-most-kids-drink-it-daily/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

caffeine and sleep picture

Decrease the buzz, increase the Zzzs. Credit: Melanie Conner/Getty Images

Baffled by your child's sleep issues? Try cutting the caffeine.

A survey of the parents of more than 200 children between the ages of 5 and 12 showed that more than 75 percent of them consumed caffeine on a daily basis, according to an article in the Journal of Pediatrics. And guess what? The more caffeine they drank, the less they slept.

Researchers from the University of Nebraska Medical Center spoke to parents during routine visits to a pediatric clinic and asked what kinds of snacks and drinks their child consumed each day. They found that some kids as young as 5 were drinking the equivalent of a can of soda every day, and kids between the ages of 8 and 12 the equivalent of 3 cans. The study's lead author, William Warzak, professor of psychology in the Department of Pediatrics at UNMC, tells ParentDish by e-mail that parents' estimates about older children's consumption are "probably underestimates, because parents lose track of what their children are eating and drinking."

The researchers managed to poke holes, though, in the old theory that caffeine causes bedwetting; they found no such link, although Warzak cautions that his results are preliminary and need to be replicated. "Until then, I would maintain my advice that children who wet the bed would be well advised to forgo caffeine especially as the day wears down and bedtime approaches," he tells ParentDish.

The study's authors concluded that parents need to be aware of how much caffeine their children are consuming each day, and of the potential for disrupted sleep.

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]]>bedwettingcaffeinesleep problemsSleepProblemssodaMonique El-FaizyThu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 ESTWake-Up Call: Moms Are Losing a Lot More Sleep Than Dadshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/17/wake-up-call-moms-are-losing-a-lot-more-sleep-than-dads/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/17/wake-up-call-moms-are-losing-a-lot-more-sleep-than-dads/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/17/wake-up-call-moms-are-losing-a-lot-more-sleep-than-dads/#commentsFiled under: ,

Getting up with the baby all night might help you bond, but it won't help you get ahead in your career. Credit: Getty Images

Mothers of young children don't get enough sleep because they are frequently getting out of bed to cries of, "Mooooommy!"

Stop the freakin' presses, right? You probably already figured that out.

But what you might not have known is that researchers at the University of Michigan compiled some honest-to-goodness data on this phenomenon and found working mothers are two-and-a-half times more likely than working fathers to get out of bed to help others.

Men do get up. From time to time. But when they do, researchers found, they are usually snoozing away again within 30 minutes. Women stay up an average off 44 minutes per late-night interruption.

"Interrupted sleep is a burden borne disproportionately by women," sociologist Sarah Burgard, a researcher at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, tells ScienceBlog.com. "And this burden may not only affect the health and well-being of women, but also contribute to continuing gender inequality in earnings and career advancement."

The study, which comes out in the next issue of the journal Social Forces, was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute on Aging and the Sloan Foundation.

Burgard and other researchers analyzed time diaries kept by some 20,000 working parents from 2003 to 2007 -- drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Time Use Survey.

The gender gap was the widest among parents in their 20s and 30s with young children.

Among working couples with newborns, 32 percent of women reported sleep interruptions compared with 11 percent of men.

Moms get more sleep as their children get older, but, still, even with children approaching the toddler years, 10 percent of working women said they didn't get to sleep through the night. Only 2 percent of men reported the same problem.

"What is really surprising is that gender differences in night-time care giving remain even after adjusting for the employment status, income and education levels of each parent," Burgard tells ScienceBlog. "Among parents of infants who are the sole breadwinner in a couple, for example, 28 percent of women who are the sole breadwinner report getting up at night to take care of their children, compared to just 4 percent of men who are the only earner in the couple."

Before any husbands are seriously injured, it should be noted that researchers found moms get more overall sleep than dads -- by 15 whole minutes. They go to bed earlier or get up later -- probably because they're pooped from getting up at night.

Not helpful? Sorry. Burgard isn't very cheery about the whole thing, either.

"Women face greater fragmentation and lower quality of sleep at a crucial stage in their careers," Burgard tells the website. "The prime childbearing years are also the time when earnings trajectories are being established, and career advancement opportunities could well be foregone if women reduce their paid work time or see their workplace performance affected because of exhaustion. As a result, sleep interruption may represent an under-recognized 'motherhood penalty' that influences life chances and well-being."

She has a solution.

"For parents of young children, the best approach might be discussions and negotiations about whose turn it is to get up with the baby tonight," she says.

Psst, that's also a major way to score hubby points, guys.

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]]>sleep studySleepStudyworking mothersWorkingMothersTom HendersonWed, 17 Nov 2010 15:00:00 ESTCo-Sleeping Benefits for Baby and Parentshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/25/co-sleeping/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/25/co-sleeping/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/25/co-sleeping/#commentsFiled under: ,

mother baby sleeping picture

Co-sleeping can help the entire family rest easier. Credit: Getty

Co-sleeping -- when infants sleep in the same bed as one or more of their parents -- is gaining popularity in the United States.

When done safely, it can be a great way to get your baby sleeping through the night, and can make it easier for nursing moms to feed their infants while building a strong bond.

Here are four benefits of co-sleeping with your baby. For more information on the benefits of co-sleeping, visit Cosleeping.org.

1. Those who champion co-sleeping say it promotes bonding between babies and parents. One of the ways it does so is by making it easier for new moms to breast-feed. Frequent breast-feeding is necessary to develop the minds and motor skills of infants, and feeding them often is paramount to ensuring proper development. One study, Mothering reports, found that co-sleeping doubled the number of times infants were breast-fed through the night and tripled the duration of each breast-feeding session.

2. Co-sleeping can help prevent SIDS. Lying next to your baby in bed means you can watch your baby sleep, and the more supervision you give your infant, the less likely he or she is to succumb to the syndrome. A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that just 1.5 percent of babies who die of SIDS do so while in adult beds.

3. Mothering reports studies have found that children who co-sleep with their parents develop higher self-esteem and less anxiety and guilt later in life than their crib-raised peers.

4. Co-sleeping with children can mean the whole family sleeps better. The sooner you respond to your baby's cries, the sooner you can fulfill his or her needs and get everyone back to sleep. Studies have found that new mothers get more sleep when they co-sleep with their children.

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]]>co-sleepingco-sleeping with babyhelp baby sleepparent-dishMegan KoesterMon, 25 Oct 2010 17:46:00 ESTToddler Beds: How to Make the Transitionhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/23/toddler-beds/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/23/toddler-beds/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/23/toddler-beds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If your child is too big for the crib, it's probably time to move to a big kid bed. Credit: Getty Images

A huge step for both toddlers and parents, transitioning from the crib to a toddler bed is an inevitable milestone.

Since all children are different, there's not really a specific age when you have to move your toddler to a big kid bed, but how do you know when the time is right? And, since this move can be stressful for all involved, what are some ways you can make this transition go smoothly?

Once your child is able to climb out of his crib (generally between 18 and 24 months when he reaches a height of 35 inches), it's safe to say it's time to move to a toddler bed for your child's own safety. You don't want your toddler performing jumps and other stunts out of his crib because he could really hurt himself.

Another way to gauge when it's time to make this transition is if your child is growing too big to fit comfortably in his crib. Kids in these situations generally will be excited about getting to sleep in a big kid bed, especially if they're getting tired of being cramped up in their cribs.

On the other hand, what if your child loves his crib and seems scared of the possibility of leaving the safe enclosure of his crib for a toddler bed? If he can sleep comfortably in his crib, there's no law that says he has to move to a big kid bed at a certain age. As long as he's safe and isn't trying to climb out, it's fine to let him stay in his crib past the age of 2. Just keep an eye out for his safety.

One way to make the transition smooth is to get your toddler help pick out his new bed. Let him pick out new sheets for the toddler bed, and encourage him to feel excited about this change. The more he feels he's in control of the change, the easier it will be.

Other than the big kid bed and sheets, you'll need to childproof his room before the move. Make sure all electrical outlets are covered if they aren't already, and ensure large furniture is mounted to the wall. You'll also want to invest in a night light to help him see when he gets out of bed in the middle of the night.

Another idea is to install a gate in his doorway, especially if you're worried about him roaming the house at night. If the new bed isn't already equipped with toddler bed rails, you may also want to buy some to attach to his new bed.

The first night your child sleeps in his big kid bed, stick to the same bedtime routine as closely as possible. If you haven't added picking up toys and books to this routine, now is the perfect time to start to decrease the chances of someone stepping on something or tripping over a toy.

He may want you to stay in his room longer with him, but try not to give him too much time, as he needs to learn how to fall asleep on his own. Do tell him that you'll be checking on him throughout the night to give him some reassurance.

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]]>bedsbig kid bedparent-dishtoddler bedtoddler bed railsSally WorshamSat, 23 Oct 2010 07:54:00 ESTRoom for Baby: Sharing With Siblingshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/22/room-for-baby-sharing-with-siblings/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/22/room-for-baby-sharing-with-siblings/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/22/room-for-baby-sharing-with-siblings/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now, this is the image you pray for when your toddler is sharing a room with your baby. Credit: Getty

Siblings sharing a bedroom is a fact of life when you live in a small space, but toddlers sharing a room with a baby sibling can present a special challenge to parents.

It's essential that your kids sleep well at night and during nap times, as good sleep is important for you and your children. However, how will your toddler adapt to sharing a room with your new baby? Will your baby's frequent night-wakings disturb your toddler's sleep? How can you coordinate naps? If your toddler must make room for baby in his bedroom, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

1. Children can adapt easily. Oftentimes, your first child will be a light sleeper because you most likely put him to sleep in total silence when he was an infant. First-time parents tend to encourage house guests to be very quiet if they visit while your baby is sleeping. The good news is just because your toddler is a light sleeper now doesn't mean he will always wake at the first noise he hears when he's sharing a room with the baby. He will quickly learn to go back to sleep when awakened in the middle of the night. If not, you can always try a sleep training method, such as Marc Weissbluth's "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child."

2. Expect problems at the beginning. Your toddler will probably react negatively to sharing a room with his baby sibling, and he probably will be waking up in the middle of the night when the baby wakes up. Know that you will most likely have several nights of night-waking for the first couple of weeks of sharing a room with the baby. It will take some time for your toddler to adjust to sleeping heavier. Give him reassurances that he will be able to sleep through the night eventually.

3. Learn how to coordinate naps. Nap times for toddlers can be tricky, as there can be a certain window of time optimum for sleep. When your toddler is sharing a room with the baby, your infant could distract your toddler from falling asleep and throw his entire nap routine out of sorts. One thing to try to keep this from happening is to put your oldest child to sleep first, and then put your baby down for her nap. You may have to do some experimenting and reworking, but once you've found a routine that works, stick with it.

4. Prepare for early wake-ups. Your baby most likely will awake pretty early for her first feeding, and if she's sharing a room with her older brother, he probably will wake up at this time, as well. You can try to get him back to sleep by giving him a book to look at while you feed the baby, and he may fall back asleep before you put your baby back to bed. If you have problems with him going back to sleep, consider using a Pack 'n Play for your baby to sleep in placed in your bedroom for her last couple of hours of sleep to keep from disturbing her brother.

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]]>baby roomparent-dishroom for babysharing a roomSally WorshamFri, 22 Oct 2010 07:45:00 ESTSleep by the Numbershttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/27/sleep-by-the-numbers/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/27/sleep-by-the-numbers/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/27/sleep-by-the-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


To sleep, perchance to dream ...

Eh, when you're a parent, it's more about just getting some snooze time (and praying that your little one won't give you a 5 a.m. wake-up call!)

Did you know that 1 in 50 teens wets the bed? And that you will die of sleep deprivation before starvation? Check out these and more dreamy facts from Psychology Degree about getting your Zzzzs.


Source: Psychology Degree

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]]>the editors at onlineschools.orgMon, 27 Sep 2010 15:53:00 ESTEco-Friendly Mats Make Nap Time Healthierhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/06/eco-friendly-mats-make-nap-time-healthier/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/06/eco-friendly-mats-make-nap-time-healthier/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/06/eco-friendly-mats-make-nap-time-healthier/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Eco friendly mats for children to sleep on

Cotton beats vinyl every time. Credit: SewnNatural


Say no to PVC, phthalates and any other nasty toxins that may be lurking in your child's vinyl or polyester nap mat.

SewnNatural carries a full line of eco-friendly nap mats that are perfect for preschool, day care or anywhere you'd like a clean and safe place for kids to rest or play on.

Designer cotton fabric tops cotton batting inside, and a sturdy hemp/organic cotton underside means these mats look great while feeling soft and comfy. And don't forget to ask to have your child's name embroidered on her mat, so she can feel extra special.

The best part: Your kids will rest easier, and so will you.

Available at SewnNatural for $85.

Related: The Cutest New Eco-Friendly Toy for Kids

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]]>daycareeco friendlyEcoFriendlynapsorganicpreschoolpreschoolerssewnnaturalshoppingsleeptoddlersHoney BerkMon, 06 Sep 2010 14:00:00 ESTMom Imagines Baby's Dream World in Mila's Daydreams Bloghttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/29/mom-imagines-babys-dream-world-in-milas-daydreams-blog/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/29/mom-imagines-babys-dream-world-in-milas-daydreams-blog/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/29/mom-imagines-babys-dream-world-in-milas-daydreams-blog/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sweet dreams, baby. Credit: Getty Images


What new parents haven't wondered what their precious little bundle was dreaming about when in the kind of deep slumber only a baby can sleep?

The seriously creative Adele Enerson, an advertising copywriter and concept designer, decided to create imagined scenes of her daughter Mila's dreams, which she conceptualizes and photographs during Mila's naps and posts on her blog, Mila's Daydreams. Adele, we know you probably need a nap, too, but keep the adorable photos coming!

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]]>baby blogBabyBlogmilas daydreamsMilasDaydreamsmommy blogMommyBlogthe editors at ParentDishThu, 29 Jul 2010 12:50:00 EST