Glossary of Baby Sleep Terms

LETTER "B"

BABY BED: A general term for any bed designed for a baby, such as a bassinet, crib, or co-sleeper.

BABY'S COT: A term, more commonly used in the UK, for a baby's crib.

BED CRIB: A common term for a baby's crib or a convertible bed that can function as a crib.

BABY SLEEP: Refers to the patterns, habits, and science of a child's sleep from birth through toddlerhood.

LETTER "C"

CIRCADIAN RHYTHM: The body's internal biological clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle over a 24-hour period. In babies, this rhythm develops over the first few months of life.

CO-SLEEPING: The practice of a parent and child sleeping in the same room or the same bed.

LETTER "D"

DREAM FEED: A feed offered to a baby while they are still asleep or very drowsy, typically in the late evening, to top up their stomach and hopefully extend their longest stretch of nighttime sleep.

LETTER "I"

INFANT SLEEP: The sleep habits and development of a child between birth and one year of age.

INFANT NOT SLEEPING: A broad term for sleep issues in infants from birth to one year.

LETTER "N"

NAP SCHEDULE: A consistent routine for a baby or toddler's daytime sleep, which can help regulate their overall sleep patterns and make it easier for them to fall asleep at bedtime.

NEWBORN SLEEPING ON STOMACH: A phrase that refers to a baby sleeping in the prone position, which is strongly discouraged by pediatric experts.

NEWBORN NOT SLEEPING: A frequent complaint related to any issues with a newborn's sleep, including daytime and nighttime sleep.

NEWBORN NOT SLEEPING AT NIGHT: A common concern for parents, this refers to a newborn's tendency to wake frequently during the night due to their developing sleep cycles.

NEWBORN SLEEP: The unique and often irregular sleep patterns of babies from birth to about three months old.

NEWBORN SLEEPING HABIT: A common term to encompass newborn sleep patterns and habits.

NEWBORN SLEEPING HOURS: Refers to the total amount of sleep a newborn needs in a 24-hour period (typically 14-17 hours).

LETTER "O"

OVER-TIREDNESS: A state in which a baby has missed their sleep window and their body has become overstimulated, making it much harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. This can lead to shorter naps and more frequent night wakings.

LETTER "S"

SLEEP CONSULTANT: A professional who helps parents address their child's sleep challenges by providing guidance, support, and a personalised plan.

SLEEP REGRESSION: A period when a baby or toddler who was previously sleeping well suddenly starts waking up frequently, resisting naps, or having trouble falling asleep. This is usually due to a developmental leap, a growth spurt, or an environmental change.

SLEEP SACK OR SLEEP SUIT: A wearable blanket or garment that keeps a baby warm and safe without the need for loose blankets.

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS: A common term used by parents to describe periods of interrupted or non-existent sleep due to their child's sleep patterns.

SLEEPING MOMS: A general term for mothers who are sleeping. You can use it in content to discuss challenges like postpartum insomnia or strategies for mothers to get more rest.

SLEEPY NEWBORN: A term used to describe a newborn who sleeps a lot, often a normal characteristic of the first few weeks of life.

LETTER "T"

TUMMY SLEEPING NEWBORN: A dangerous practice that increases the risk of SIDS; babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep.

LETTER "W"

WHITE NOISE: A sound that contains all frequencies, like a fan or a static hum, used to create a soothing environment that can help a baby fall asleep and stay asleep.