Since welcoming our little bundle of joy, Max, into our home just two months ago, I’ve found myself frequently asking fellow parents of multiple children a pressing question: How do you manage to put a baby to sleep when there’s an energetic toddler running around? The responses varied from letting a screen entertain the older child to simply allowing the baby to adapt to the surrounding noise. While these suggestions may work for many families, I’ve come to realize that these techniques are not effective in our household—perhaps due to the influence of their grandfathers—because both of my children seem to have an extreme case of FOMO.
FOMO, which stands for the “fear of missing out,” has manifested significantly in my oldest child (though we’ve managed to mitigate it somewhat) and appears to be affecting little Max as well. However, recognizing this pattern is the first step toward finding solutions. By acknowledging that your baby experiences FOMO, you can anticipate their needs and take steps to manage the situation effectively. Thankfully, we recognized this early on with Max, giving us hope for improvement.
Challenges of a FOMO Baby
- The advice to put your baby down “drowsy, but awake” becomes laughable when dealing with a FOMO baby. They transition from being cheerful and alert to utterly frustrated before finally succumbing to sleep—there’s no smooth transition in between.
- FOMO babies often show no signs of fatigue until it’s far too late. Your baby can be merrily playing throughout the day, only to become overtired without warning. If you catch them yawning, brace yourself for a lengthy battle to get them to sleep.
- Preparing a FOMO baby for sleep can be a lengthy process. You might find yourself rocking, bouncing, and singing tirelessly, only to be met with wide, unblinking eyes gazing back at you.
- FOMO babies typically do not sleep well while on the move. You might avoid purchasing a car mirror because you prefer not to know that your baby has remained awake during the entire journey to your parents’ house, especially when your toddler candidly points it out.
- Expect FOMO babies to resist sleeping in unfamiliar environments. Whether visiting Grandma or going on vacation, naps may be nonexistent as they’re too busy soaking in new sights.
- Breastfeeding doesn’t guarantee sleep for FOMO babies. Even if you’ve been caffeine-free since before pregnancy, your baby will come off the breast like they just had an espresso shot, determined to stay alert.
- These little ones quickly learn your sleep routine and often protest it vigorously. This resistance may continue well into their toddler years, though I hold hope that they’ll eventually sleep soundly when they reach their teenage years.
- A lengthy sleep routine can actually energize FOMO babies rather than calm them down. Baths become playful splashes instead of relaxation, and baby massages might be mistaken for an invitation to play. Keeping routines short and sweet is key.
- Light sleeping is characteristic of FOMO babies. Invest in blackout curtains and sound machines, as they’re unlikely to sleep through any noise, regardless of attempts to train them otherwise.
- FOMO babies fight sleep with remarkable tenacity. Just when you think they’re drifting off, they may suddenly regain energy. Avoid direct eye contact during this period to minimize extending their wakefulness.
- One might speculate that FOMO babies are simply more intelligent. While this may not be scientifically proven, it’s a comforting thought to cling to during sleepless nights.
If you’ve found yourself relating to these signs, it’s likely your baby is grappling with a serious case of FOMO. But do not despair; your situation is manageable. Find a dim room in your home, crank up some white noise, and prepare for a challenging journey that may last a year or two.
For additional insights into pregnancy and home insemination, you may find this resource on artificial insemination helpful. If you’re looking for a comprehensive kit for at-home insemination, check out Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit and 18 Piece At-Home Insemination Kit, which can provide valuable tools for your journey.
In summary, babies with FOMO can present unique challenges for parents, but recognizing the signs can lead to better management strategies. With patience and the right environment, you can navigate this journey more smoothly.
Keyphrase: Baby FOMO management
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]