Wendy Middlemiss

Translating research‐based knowledge about infant sleep into practice

PurposeReview infant sleep research with a focus on understanding the elements related to infant safety and infant and maternal well‐being during nighttime care. Data sourcesThis review summarizes current research and addresses the controversies and conflicting outcomes reported in infant nighttime care. This review addresses current literature on infant sleep patterns, as well as factors that influence infant sleep and are consequences of different care routines. Conversation points are provided to help nurse practitioners (NPs) address safety and practice concerns. ConclusionsShared information can help parents provide a safe and healthy environment for infants and help to facilitate communication ties between the healthcare providers and the families. Implications for practiceNPs need to help parents understand infant sleep patterns norms, what is current knowledge about infant nightwakings and parental presence, as well as about approaches to altering infant sleep patterns. Integrating this knowledge with parent preferences that are influenced by cultural practices and individual differences is crucial in helping parents develop a strong sense of competence and comfort with their choices and behaviors.

Bringing the Parent Back into Decisions about Nighttime Care

New parents often have many questions and concerns about how to help their children grow strong and healthy. Unfortunately, when it comes to nighttime care, healthcare providers often tell parents what to do rather than discussing options. Healthcare providers might give parents specific advice about how to handle nighttime wakings, for example, without inquiring about parents’ beliefs and preferences. When healthcare providers simply tell parents what to do, parents may choose to ignore the advice if it is not consistent with their beliefs and preferences. When parents and healthcare providers do not communicate, parents do not get the information they need to cope with some of the more challenging aspects of infancy, including nighttime waking. This article presents information on how to bring parents back into decisions about nighttime care by discussing issues more broadly, addressing parents’ concerns regarding responsiveness, and focusing on the essentials of infant safety and health. When lactation consultants can have open discussions with parents, parents gain the tools they need to make decisions that best fit their families’ needs.

Simple Ways to Calm a Crying Baby: And Have a More Peaceful Night’s Sleep

The number of times infants wake and need help to return to sleep decreases as they grow but still remains fairly common. Recent research by Weinraub and her colleagues confirms how normal it is for babies to wake at night, with 66% of 6-month-olds still waking at least once or twice a week and the remaining babies waking even more often. Some babies will cry when waking at 12 months of age—even babies who have settled back to sleep on other nights.