There is a lot of evidence that poor sleep causes weight problems for adults and kids. And two recent studies hint the same is true in infancy.

Obesity Risk and Poor Sleep in Infants

In the first study, Penn State researchers found that breastfed babies whose parents used the 5 S’s (along with some other general parenting tips) slept longer. And the better-sleeping kids had less obesity at 1 year of age if the mums also followed a simple dietary plan (not to give foods before 6 months and to comfort fussing with a cuddle before giving a feed).

In the second study, a Harvard team found a 100% higher risk of being overweight among 3-year-olds who slept less than 12 hours a day during infancy (at 6, 12 and 24 months of age.) This study also found an even higher risk of obesity among kids who watched over two hours of telly per day).

If you are concerned about your baby’s weight, talk to your healthcare provider. While there are several factors that may contribute to obesity, because good sleep is so vital to our overall health, it is worth doing what we can to make sure babies get the rest they need...that includes using techniques like the 5 S’s or even a device like SNOO Smart Sleeper.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.