While browsing through a website on infant health, I discovered a study that correlated sleep and weight gain for infants and toddlers.

According to the study, babies and toddlers that slept fewer than 12 hours per day were more likely to be overweight. The author of the article was quick to point out that the study was done in Massachusetts and the participants came from families with high education and high income levels. This means that the results might not correlate to other groups.

These studies interest me on a personal note because, I’ve never noticed this trend in my own children. My first 2 children were absolutely horrible sleepers. I attribute this now to the fact that both of those children have handicaps and struggle with sensory information. The slightest thing can “set them off”. Even though they slept poorly, I struggled to help these children gain weight. In fact, with my first child, the doctor gave me a strict lecture on “failure to thrive” and was quite harsh with me. Frankly, it scared the bejabbers out of me. What was I doing wrong? I just didn’t get it.

Fast forward 14 years. The daughter my pediatrician was so worried about is still on the thin side. In fact, she’s the smallest in her class! I now have an infant who eats the same foods(mostly the same) that my daughter’s ate. He sleeps more than his sisters ever did–thank goodness for that one! He is actually in the top weight percentile for his height. Go figure.

So, what’s a mom to do when faced with information overload and studies like this one? Relax. Some babies sleep more than others. Some babies, just like adults, weigh more than others. Nevertheless, it’s important to develop a routine for your child which will, in my experience, improve their eating habits as well as their sleep habits. If you have concerns about your baby’s weight gain or sleep habits, it’s best to talk with your pediatrician.

Tags: babies, Baby, health study, infant sleep, infant weight, patterns, routine, toddler