Red Flags For Baby Sleep + When You Should Get Support

As a responsive and holistic sleep coach I spend a lot of time educating families about what is normal when it comes to baby and toddler sleep and development. 

There is actually a common misconception about holistic sleep - That those of us who don’t advocate for sleep training are simply telling parents that everything is normal and that’s that! Deal with it! Suck it up! 

This is so far from the whole story. 

Yes, educating about what is normal is part of it. Frankly, there’s a lot that many parents need to learn AND RElearn from all of the BS (in my opinion) that is flung around by the sleep training industry. 

So yes, education is key. 

In addition to that, we also screen for red flags and anything that may be leading to more disrupted nights for your little one. (What we’re talking about in this blog!) 

And then, we provide practical ways to get better sleep without sleep training.

Put really simply. 

Before we chat about red flags for sleep, I want to be clear that this is not meant to cause you panic or s. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your baby or toddler, take a photo or video. (Multiple, actually). Make an appointment with your health care provided to have the issue ruled out or addressed. 

What to Check Before Looking for Red Flags

Sleep Expectations Mismatch

Have you seen a sleep chart online and are trying to help your baby sleep more hours in a 24-hour period than they actually need? There is a large range of normal! If you're not sure how much sleep your baby needs, check out this blog: What Does 'Normal' Infant Sleep Even Mean?

Insufficient Sleep Pressure

If your baby or toddler isn’t building up enough sleep pressure, they may struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep. Many parents have a big fear of their baby becoming overtired. This does happen, but overtiredness is overdiagnosed. It’s about finding the right balance for your child’s unique total sleep needs.

Separation Anxiety/Proximity Seeking

Separation anxiety pops up at different times throughout infancy and toddlerhood. Separation anxiety can lead to your child needing more closeness during the day, which often affects their night-time sleep. Remember, sleep is the longest separation they experience from you!

Temperature and Comfort

As seasons and temperatures change, your baby's sleep environment might need adjustments. Ensure they’re not too hot or too cold by checking the back of their neck or chest, rather than their fingers or toes.

Red Flags to Watch For

Sleep Disordered Breathing:

Look out for:

• Snoring

• Mouth breathing

• Gasping or choking

• Pauses in breathing

• Sleeping with their neck hyperextended

  
  

  If your little one only breathes through their mouth or snores when they’re sick, it may not be a concern. However, if this happens regularly, it’s worth getting checked.

  
  

Low Iron:

Signs of low iron can include:

• Risk factors like maternal low iron or premature delivery

• Exclusively breastfed and over 6 months

• Nutritional gaps between 6-12 monthsEnsure your baby gets whole sources of iron, as it’s essential for their development.
  

Food Intolerance or Allergy:

Watch for:

• Discomfort

• Loose, bloody, or mucus-filled stools

• Difficulty lying flat

• Skin conditions

  
  

Milk Transfer Issues:

If you’re experiencing:

• Latch issues

• Poor weight gain

• Very frequent feeds

  Seek help from an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Frequent feeds can be normal, but if combined with other issues, it’s worth exploring further.

  
  

Red Flags For Baby And Toddler Sleep

I hope this helps clarify what to look out for in terms of potential red flags when it comes to your baby’s sleep. If you notice any of these signs or if anything concerns you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can help rule out potential issues or offer guidance and referrals if needed.

Dr. Jessica Guy, Founder Infant Sleep Scientist

---

Hey there! I hope this helped!

I strive to provide as much free and high-quality evidence-based content as possible! I also offer products and services for more in depth education or support to optimise your and your baby’s sleep and well-being in a responsive and attuned way.

Find information about my 1:1 consults HERE

Infant Sleep 101 Course HERE

Struggle Free Toddler Sleep Course HERE

Gentle Night Weaning Guide HERE