Facing a fussy baby at night can be an exhausting experience for any mother. After a day full of activities, of course, Moms hope to rest peacefully. However, a baby's incessant crying often disrupts sleep.
The good news is, there are various ways to help soothe a fussy baby at night, whether through touch, special techniques, or choosing comfortable diapers. This article will discuss the causes of a baby being fussy at night, ways to calm them based on research findings, as well as practical solutions for a more restful night's sleep.
Causes of Babies Being Fussy at Night
Before discussing how to address it, it's important to understand what causes a baby to be fussy at night. Some common causes include:
Bloated Stomach
Babies who experience flatulence will feel uncomfortable. Gas trapped in the digestive tract makes it difficult for babies to sleep soundly.
Hungry
A baby's crying is often a sign of hunger. If nutritional needs are not met before bedtime, babies tend to wake up frequently during the night.
Slow Milk Flow
When breastfeeding, a slow flow of milk can frustrate babies. This condition triggers fussiness that continues into the night.
Exhaustion
Babies who are too tired find it harder to sleep. Irregular sleep patterns often cause babies to become fussy at night.
Overstimulation
Bright lights, loud noises, or excessive activity before bedtime can make it difficult for babies to calm down.
Colic
Colic is often characterized by loud and prolonged crying without any apparent cause. According to a study in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, excessive crying patterns such as colic may be associated with difficulties in emotional regulation in later life.
How to Soothe a Fussy Baby at Night
1. Carrying Calmly
Carrying your baby is the most common first step moms take. According to research published in Current Biology, carrying your baby while walking for five minutes can lower their heart rate and stop them from crying. After that, sitting with your baby for a few minutes can help them fall asleep more soundly.
2. Reducing Stimulation
Babies who receive too much sensory stimulation are usually more difficult to calm. Therefore, dim the lights, lower the volume, and create a calm room atmosphere. If the baby is under four months old, Moms can try gently swaddling to make the baby feel warm and secure.
3. Gentle Touch and Massage
Touch has an extraordinary effect on a baby's calmness. Gentle massage on the back or stomach using special baby oil has been proven to reduce a baby's stress levels. Several clinical studies mention that massage can improve sleep quality and strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child.
4. Calming with Sound
A mother's voice is the most soothing music for a baby. According to research in the Journal of Perinatal Education, babies can calm down more quickly when they hear their mother's soft voice, such as humming, whistling, or singing lullabies.
5. "5S" Technique
Dr. Harvey Karp introduced the "5S" method, which is famously effective for soothing babies: swaddling, side position, shushing, swinging, and sucking. This method mimics the womb environment, making the baby feel more secure.
6. Breastfeeding with Varied Positions
Sometimes fussiness occurs because the breastfeeding position is uncomfortable. Changing the position can facilitate the flow of breast milk and make the baby calmer.
7. Making a Baby Burp
Bloating due to gas is a common cause of fussiness. By holding the baby upright and gently patting their back, Moms help release the gas and make the baby feel more comfortable.
8. Establishing a Consistent Night Routine
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nighttime routines such as a warm bath, a short story, or a lullaby before bedtime will help babies recognize sleep signals. Consistency in these routines is important for reducing nighttime fussiness.
The Role of Diapers in Nighttime Sleep Comfort
In addition to calming techniques, the choice of diapers also plays a significant role in ensuring the baby sleeps soundly. Leaky or damp diapers often cause the baby to wake up.
MAKUKU Dry Care is designed to keep babies comfortable throughout the night. This diaper has high absorbency for hours with three-layer air circulation technology that helps keep the skin dry. Dermatological research shows that a baby's skin is very sensitive to moisture, and prolonged exposure to dampness can increase the risk of diaper rash. With a cloud-like soft design and elastic waistband, MAKUKU Dry Care helps reduce friction and prevent irritation.
This diaper is available in two types: adhesive diapers for newborns with sizes NB-S (3–8 kg), and pant diapers for sizes M to XXL (6–25 kg). They are easily available, both online and in baby supply stores.
Bayi rewel di malam hari adalah tantangan umum yang dialami banyak ibu. Namun, Moms tidak perlu khawatir. Dengan memahami penyebabnya, menerapkan teknik berbasis penelitian seperti 5S atau transport response, serta menjaga rutinitas tidur yang konsisten, Moms dapat membantu bayi merasa lebih nyaman. Jangan lupa, popok dengan daya serap tinggi seperti MAKUKU Dry Care juga menjadi kunci agar bayi tetap kering dan tidur lebih nyenyak.
Remember, every baby is unique. What works for one baby may not be immediately effective for another. Moms can try several methods until they find the most suitable one. With patience and the right product support, the experience of caring for a baby at night can become calmer and more enjoyable.
