New Research Highlights Link Between Infant Sleep Habits & Long-Term Child Progress
NEW YORK – September 7, 2025 – Parents striving for their children’s future success may want to prioritize sleep – not just for their kids, but also in how they approach sleep challenges. Experts are increasingly emphasizing the importance of establishing healthy sleep habits in infancy, not through rigid routines, but through understanding a baby’s cues and fostering a flexible, responsive approach. this nuanced strategy, according to sleep specialist Golshevsky, can lay the foundation for a child’s emotional regulation and overall well-being, ultimately contributing to success later in life.
The core principle, Golshevsky explains, centers around recognizing a baby’s natural need for movement. “They’re not used to being still, so moving around is really critically importent,” he says. This understanding shifts the focus from simply getting a baby to sleep, to acknowledging their developmental needs and responding accordingly.
A common parental instinct – notably for breastfeeding mothers – is to offer a feed when a baby cries.However, Golshevsky cautions against this automatic response, especially if the baby is already full. He recommends involving a non-breastfeeding caretaker in settling the baby post-feed. “They’ll be more likely to try other methods beyond additional feeding, and the baby won’t get distracted by being close to their ‘food source,'” he explains.
This division of labor allows for a more objective assessment of the baby’s needs. “If that baby wakes up and it’s not due for a feed,Dad is going to be able to settle that baby again,going through that mental checklist,” Golshevsky says,suggesting the parent utilize a process of elimination – checking for discomfort like coldness,gas,or a dirty diaper. He even suggests the breastfeeding mother utilize earplugs to ensure uninterrupted sleep during these settling periods.
Beyond addressing immediate needs, ensuring a baby is well-fed and properly burped is crucial. A full stomach promotes sleep, but trapped gas can cause discomfort and early awakenings.
However, the expert stresses the dangers of overly rigid routines. “Rigid routines [can actually] be an enormous source of stress,” Golshevsky warns. “It’s like a noose around your neck [if] your baby’s not doing this routine… You start to doubt yourself. And when you doubt yourself, your baby drinks that up, and then they become more unsettled [by your stress].”
Instead, he advocates for a personalized approach. “Figure out what works for you and your child, and tailor your approach to those findings,” he advises. “That old adage of teaching a man to fish so that he can eat for a lifetime, that is the key here. You’ve got to learn to interpret your baby’s cues. You find out how you can settle your baby, as there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all routine.”
This emphasis on responsiveness and individualized care isn’t just about sleep; it’s about building a secure attachment and fostering a child’s ability to self-regulate – skills vital for success in all areas of life. By prioritizing understanding over control, parents can lay the groundwork for a child’s long-term emotional and developmental well-being.
