Sleep & your baby's immune system

The importance of sleep for your child

We all know that sleep is important. It gives our bodies a moment to relax and helps us to get ready for a new day. For your child sleep is even more important. Your baby is discovering new sounds and movements every single day while being awake. Therefore, it’s very important that your child rests enough to be able to process this all. But did you also know that this moment of rest is also very important for your child’s immune system?

Portrait of a sleeping baby boy 11 months old lying down arms raised up, on a white synthetic fur blanket with a Teddy bear touching his head, his top raised showing his navel, view from above, France

Sleep and the immune system

Getting enough sleep is very important for the immune system to work correctly. In other words, lack of sleep can have impact on the normal functioning of the immune system. When not getting enough sleep, it’s more likely that your baby gets sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold. It can also affect how fast your child recovers when being sick. During sleep the immune system releases proteins called cytokines. When your child has an infection, the production of cytokines increases to fight the infection. However, when your baby is not getting enough sleep, it may decrease the production of these protective cytokines. In addition, the antibodies and cells that normally fight infections are also reducing in lack of sleep.

So, when your child isn’t sleeping enough, they won’t be able to fight the infection as good as when he would get enough sleep. Therefore, it’s important to create a good sleeping pattern for your child. And let’s be honest, the moments that your child is having his little immune-boost nap, you can also have your own energy-boosting moment. A win-win situation!

close-up portrait of a beautiful sleeping baby on white

Everyone's experience is different

There are some people who can deal with a little less sleep than others, however almost everyone needs their night’s rest hard. When your baby is a newborn, sleeping takes place most part of the day. But as your baby is getting older, they sleep more hours after each other and is developing a day-to-night sleeping rhythm. However, most parents recognize that having your child falling asleep isn’t always as easy as it is for adults falling asleep so try to be consistent (and patient) until you find you and your child’s routine!So, when your child isn’t sleeping enough, they won’t be able to fight the infection as good as when he would get enough sleep. Therefore, it’s important to create a good sleeping pattern for your child. And let’s be honest, the moments that your child is having his little immune-boost nap, you can also have your own energy-boosting moment. A win-win situation!

Your baby's future health begins here

At Aptaclub, we believe that experience helps to build resilience; and that each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.

mom and baby

Get in touch with our Careline experts

Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch

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Important notice

Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a varied, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. Always consult your healthcare professional for advice about feeding your baby.

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