Introducing solids is an exciting (and messy!) milestone, but many parents don't realise how weaning can affect their little one's sleep patterns. Emma from Sleepy Baby, Happy Mama, sees this transition disrupt previously solid sleep routines all the time in her profession. But the good news is Emma has shared a few simple adjustments, you can help your baby sleep soundly through this important developmental stage.

How Weaning Affects Sleep

When starting solids, your baby might:

· Experience some discomfort as their digestive system adjusts

· Wake more frequently due to hunger as their calorie needs change

· Have difficulty settling if certain foods cause tummy troubles

· Experience sleep regressions coinciding with weaning milestones

Simple Tips for Better Sleep While Weaning

Time your meals strategically: Give your baby solids around 1.5 hours before naps or bedtime. This allows enough time for digestion but ensures they're not going to bed hungry.

Avoid late night snacks: Sweet snacks, particularly in the evening, can cause a spike in blood sugar levels which can disrupt sleep.

Baby massage: A quick massage can help with digestion before naps and bedtime.

Maintain milk feeds: Breast milk or formula should remain your baby's primary nutrition source until 12 months. Dropping feeds too quickly can lead to night wakings from hunger.

Introduce foods gradually: Try one new food every 2-3 days. This approach helps identify any foods that might upset your baby's tummy and disrupt sleep.

Watch for reactions: Some babies are sensitive to certain foods like tomatoes, berries, or citrus fruits. If you notice disturbed sleep after introducing a new food, consider removing it temporarily.

Sleep-Friendly Foods

These nutritious options may help promote better sleep:

· Bananas: Contain potassium and magnesium, which can help relax muscles

· Wholegran cereal, porridge or oats: Complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly and contain melatonin

· Eggs, turkey or chicken: Contain tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin and melatonin

· Sweet potato: Rich in potassium, complex carbs, and vitamin B6, which helps make melatonin

Quick Fixes for Tough Nights

If weaning is disrupting sleep, try these temporary solutions:

· Offer a top-up feed if hunger seems to be waking your baby

· Slightly adjust bedtime earlier if your baby seems overtired

· Give a warm bath before bed to ease any digestive discomfort

· Stick firmly to your usual sleep routine to maintain consistency

Remember, weaning is temporary but good sleep habits last a lifetime. By making small adjustments during this transition, you will help your little one continue to get the rest they need while exploring the exciting world of solid foods!

About Emma

Emma from @sleepybaby_happymama, is an infant sleep consultant working with sleep-deprived families of little ones aged 0-4. She uses very gentle techniques to help transform sleep for the whole family. If your baby has recently started their weaning journey and their sleep challenges have persisted beyond a few weeks, head over to Emma's website for more support.