Why your baby wakes up and how to prevent it

If your baby regularly wakes up during sleep, it can cause a lot of anxiety – for both you and your little one. Fortunately, this is perfectly normal! Especially in the first few months, it is common for your baby to suddenly startle from his sleep. This is done by the MORO reflex, a primary scare reflex that all babies experience in their first months. What you see is that the arms, legs and hands suddenly shoot in the air, as if your little one wants to hold on, just like monkeys do with their mother.

In the first few months (0 to 4 months) this reflex is common, especially when your baby completely relaxes while falling asleep. The result? Unexpected movements, crying and sometimes even struggling to get further asleep. The good news? Around 2-4 months, this reflex usually disappears, and your baby develops further so that he or she can better deal with those scare reactions.

There are several things that can trigger the MORO reflex:

• Sudden movements, such as unexpectedly picking up or putting away your baby

• Loud sounds or bright light

• Pain or discomfort, such as intestinal cramps or reflux

• The moment of falling asleep, when your baby completely relaxes

If your baby often wakes up, this is a normal reaction of his body to external stimuli. The problem arises when your baby wakes himself up every time, making it harder to get further asleep.

Gelukkig zijn er verschillende manieren om ervoor te zorgen dat je baby rustiger slaapt en minder vaak wakker schrikt:

1. Use a swaddling sleeping bag

A swaddling sleeping bag gives your baby the feeling of security and prevents the arms and legs from moving uncontrollably. It helps your little one get through the sleep cycles safely and calmly. Swaddling sleeping bag Piep is specially designed for newborns (0-3 months) and the Mini for babies from 3 to 6 months. These sleeping bags ensure that your baby no longer wakes up due to his own movements.

2. Carry your baby calmly and supportively

When you carry your baby, make sure you support him well. Hold his head and buttocks tightly to prevent your baby from making unexpected movements that can trigger the MORO reflex.

3. Raise the headboard of the bed

In addition to the Moro reflex, reflux can also be a hidden cause of waking up. If your baby suffers from reflux, it can help to slightly raise the headboard of the bed. This causes the acid regurgitation to cause less pain, allowing your baby to sleep more peacefully.

With these tips, you can help your baby get through the sleep cycles more safely and calmly, which is not only good for your little one, but also for you. Using a swaddling sleeping bag, properly supporting your baby and raising the cot can make your baby wake up less often and sleep better, something you both benefit from!