WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR BABY HAS FOMO

December 10, 2018 /

Written by Jana Angeles

What is FOMO you ask? FOMO is a great acronym for Fear of Missing Out and your baby may have it. Having FOMO means that your baby may not be sticking to their usual nap schedules, they may choose to cling on to you when you are trying to put them back in the cot or worse, they stop to self-soothe themselves to sleep. All these things we’ve mentioned may drive you crazy, so here are some steps to take to help you keep your sanity in check and deal with your baby’s FOMO phase.

Help them relax when they are about to nap

Your baby may have lots of energy, which can encourage them to stay up when you do. Do activities which help them mellow out and relax. These activities can help them fall asleep much easier without you having to keep coming back and forth in their room.

Relaxing activities to consider 

  • Giving them a bath can help them relax and unwind. The self-soothing properties of water and soap cannot be underestimated. There’s nothing quite like a lukewarm bath! 
  • Make a mix of soothing tunes for your baby to listen to while they nap. There are plenty of albums to choose from which are specifically made to help them relax and snooze for longer. 
  • You don’t need a rocking chair for this one (but it’d be handy if you do) but lulling your baby to sleep while humming away could do the trick too! 

 Minimise noise and interruptions to help them self-soothe  

 Most parents would know that sleeping is something babies are slowly learning everyday. Your baby experiencing FOMO may be witnessing certain noises and interruptions that prevent them from actually sleeping because of their own curiosity. 

 Ways to help bub self-soothe 

  • Minimise any loud distractions such as turning down the volume of the TV/Radio. Your baby hearing sounds is maybe what keeps them awake and can only spark their interest on ‘what’s that noise?’ than sleeping. 
  • Dimming the lights can help them sleep, especially if they are napping during the day. This will help them recognise that when the lights go down, it’s time to get some shut eye! 
  • If you give them a certain toy or blanket each time they go to bed, they can associate these items to sleep. 

 If they don’t want to be put down, consider getting a carrier 

 It’s a nightmare if your baby refuses to be put down despite following their routine feed, getting their nappy changed and receiving plenty of rest time. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of separation anxiety, which generally occurs in babies from the ages of 6-18 months. It’s common for babies to cling on to their caregivers, especially when they have just been born. So, if your baby is resisting being put down in their cot, consider getting a carrier.

Benefits of a carrier 

  • It lets you watch your favourite TV show or movie without having to leave your baby because they are strapped to you. 
  • Babywearing has been considered an effective way to relieve symptoms of Postnatal depression (refer to November Issue 2018). 
  • Skin-to-skin contact with your baby will only help strengthen the bond you have with each other. 

 It can take a little while for your baby to adjust again if they are experiencing FOMO, however, following the key considerations above could help you be on track again when it comes to your baby’s schedule.  

 Here are some key takeaways to ensure that your baby’s FOMO does not get the best of you: 

  • Let a trusted family member or friend take over the duties of being a parent for a little while. Take a break during the middle of the day and dedicate some ‘me’ time to yourself. This could be a great opportunity to read more chapters of the book you got from store or have a lovely brunch at a local cafe. 
  • Remind yourself that your baby having FOMO is not a unique situation and it can happen to parents who are doing their best to minimise the distractions that take place in their house. Don’t panic if you have been dealing with this for a while. 
  • Have a little patience and understand that it may simple be a phase they’ll eventually get over. If you give it time, your baby will learn how to sleep effectively during the day and night again.