There’s a lot of evidence that poor sleep causes weight problems for adults and kids. And two recent studies hint the same is true in infancy.
In the first study, Penn State researchers found that breastfed babies whose parents used the 5 S’s (along with some other general parenting tips) slept longer. And the better-sleeping kids had less obesity at 1 year of age if the moms also followed a simple dietary plan (not to give foods before 6 months and to comfort fussing with a cuddle before giving a feed).
In the second study, a Harvard team found a 100% higher risk of being overweight among 3-year-olds who slept less than 12 hours a day during infancy (at 6, 12 and 24 months of age.) This study also found an even higher risk of obesity among kids who watched over 2 hours of TV per day).
About Dr. Harvey Karp
Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.
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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.
