Sleep Blog

Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is more than just a baby’s way to self-soothe - it’s a proven exercise for the developing brain. Research shows that the repetitive, coordinated movements of NNS activate and strengthen neural pathways essential for speech, attention, and learning. For example, a 2024 study found that infants with more mature NNS patterns at 3 months had higher cognitive and general development scores at 12 months. For premature or at-risk babies, encouraging non-nutritive …

Crying is a newborn's primary way of communicating their needs. While it can be distressing to hear, understanding why your baby cries can help you respond effectively. In this video, we’ll explore common reasons for crying, typical crying patterns, and practical strategies to soothe your baby. Common Reasons for Crying Hunger The most frequent cause of infant crying is hunger. Newborns have small stomachs and need to feed often. A hunger cry typically starts quietly and builds in inte …

Babies begin practicing their smiles even before birth, developing what’s known as the reflex smile while still in utero. The reflex smile typically fades around 2 months of age, giving way to genuine social smiles. This transition signals that your baby’s vision, hearing, and nervous system have matured enough to recognize smiling as a form of communication. How to Recognise a Real Smile? So, how can you tell if your baby's smile is genuine? Reflex smiles are different from social s …

Oxytocin, the hormone produced by the hypothalamus in the brain and released by the pituitary gland, provides several health benefits including improving immune function, reducing stress levels and inflammation. Also known as the 'sedation hormone' for its calming and relaxing effects, oxytocin can help babies feel safe and secure, thus helping to improve their sleep quality and duration. There are several ways to boost baby's levels of oxytocin, including: Touch Gentle touches, such as stroking …

An infant's sucking instinct develops as early as 15 weeks into pregnancy, and continues outside of the womb; usually as a cue to hunger and feeding.⁣⁣⁣⁣But there is another form of sucking, referred to as 'non-nutritive sucking' -- being able to suck one's fingers, even when not feeling hungry.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣'Non-nutritive sucking' is a newborn's ability to get their hand to mouth - not a cue to hunger, but as an exploratory behaviour - as they experience their surroundings and gain knowledge through th …

Wondering what to do with your baby all day? Here’s a list of simple, fun, and developmentally supportive activities you can do with your little one, broken down by age-appropriate ideas. 0-3 Months: Building Trust & Sensory Exploration At this stage, your baby is adjusting to the world outside the womb, so simple, slow-paced activities are best. Skin-to-Skin Cuddles: Helps regulate your baby’s body temperature and heart rate. Tummy Time: Start with short sessions to strengthen …

Supporting your baby's communication development is an important aspect of their early growth and learning. While babies may not yet be able to speak, they are constantly communicating through sounds, gestures, and expressions: and the way we interact with our little ones can significantly influence their ability to understand and use language. In this guide, we will explore five effective strategies that can enhance your baby's communication skills. Let’s dive into these strategies and discov …

Pediatrics research has shown that sucking on a pacifier can reduce a baby's perception of pain during medical procedures such as a heel prick to draw blood.⁣⁣However, this effect seems to be short-lived and occurs only while the infant is actually sucking on the pacifier. Studies have shown that infants often lose their pacifiers within 30 minutes of falling asleep, with almost two-thirds of babies in one study losing their pacifiers during sleep, leading to sleep disruptions and frequent night …