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Some baby sleep problems are not just a phase, researchers say

Sleep - or lack of it - is a hot topic in new-mom conversations, and sleep deprivation is more or less an expected part of new parenthood. But most people expect that by the time the baby starts walking, the nighttime thing will be a whole lot easier and everyone can catch up on their missed shuteye.

According to a new study, that's wishful thinking. One in 10 babies and toddlers have trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep or sleeping in their own beds; and researchers say that of these sleep-challenged babies, around one in 4 will have a sleep problem tas they grow through the preschool years.

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio surveyed more than 250 moms when their babies were 6, 12, 24 and 36 months old, asking about their children's sleep behaviors. As the children grew up, many of those who had trouble falling or staying asleep as babies developed nightmares or restlessness as preschoolers. On the other hand, most of the babies who slept well had no sleep disturbances when they grew older.

The upshot of the study, which was published in Pediatrics: If you're getting some halfway decent sleep now, chances are you can look forward to being fairly well rested in the future. But if you have a sleep resister on your hands, just remember: About 2 in every 3 or 4 babies does grow out of sleep problems! And yours will be one of them - right?

Is your baby one the 10%, or one of the 90%? Bad sleeper or good sleeper?

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Comment by Sammi on January 18, 2012 at 11:02am: My little girl doesn't always want to sleep but once she is out we are good for any where from 4 to 10 hours of sleep. Plus at only 15 weeks she's sleeping in her own room through the night most of the time. Couldn't ask for more.

Comment by mama0313 on January 17, 2012 at 2:30am: good sleeper

Comment by Shannon, Star Mom on January 16, 2012 at 11:11am: My twin boys have been sleeping through the night in their own bed since about 6 months old- they had/have the occasional waking through the night crying, but I just go in and re-assure them w/ rub on the back, cuddle them back up w/ their blankets and pacifier... and they go right back to sleep. They really are great sleepers, I never really had to resort to any sort of sleep training- I just set a strict night time routine from the beginning and continue it to this day. It was very interesting, b/c in the beginning I was told they need to be next to each other (like in the womb) so I tried to get them to sleep in the same crib together- well not these babies... they wanted their space and slept the best in their own room in their own crib. And it makes sense b/c in the womb I felt never-ending restlessness- they were kicking/moving what felt like 24/7... and likewise after they were born sleeping next to each they were just so restless. Now- at 14 mos. old they go to sleep every single night separated in their own crib at about 7 pm, and I wake them up at about 7am. On the weekends they sleep in until about 8-9am.

Comment by Claudia Salazar on January 16, 2012 at 4:38am: good sleeper :)

Comment by dentalgirl on January 15, 2012 at 9:57pm: Mine is a great one thank goodness! She is 22 months old, and has slept great from 6 months on. Every single night she goes to sleep at 7:30, never ever wakes up, (has not woken up after falling asleep since she was 9 months old) and sleeps for a full 12 hours. I know I am the very lucky 90%. We have a strict strict schedule to which I attribute my very great sleeper.