by Sarah Iralcea

Created on: January 23, 2011

Every parent has been there. Late at night. Dark blue circles under their eyes. Wandering aimlessly around the house with a screaming infant over one shoulder. Then comes that helpless, self-esteem-shredding thought: "What do I do?"

Babies are complicated beings, and as a result there are many, many reasons why they can refuse to sleep. Anything from a pinching nappy to a crumb trapped in a sock can stop a baby from settling down into a blissful nap. Sometimes the problem, such as a soiled nappy, is a little more obvious, but usually the parents are kept in the dark about exactly why their baby is keeping those adorable eyes stubbornly open.

The best way to figure out why your baby won't sleep is to think about everything that would keep you, the parent, awake. Depending on your personality, the list could run from two or three issues to several dozen, but sometimes if you put yourself in your baby's shoes (booties?) you may realise that it's a simpler problem than you first thought. But if you're still drawing a blank after examining your own sleep-stoppers, try this list.

1. Temperature. Is the baby's room too hot or too cold? Bear in mind that babies, just like adults, have preferences with regards to temperature. Some like to feel cosy and warm, others prefer a pleasant coolness. To determine if your baby is too hot, feel under their chin, the insides of their elbows, backs of the knees, back of the neck, behind the ears or anywhere else that two areas of skin meet. If you can feel dampness, they are most likely too hot. Try taking a layer of clothing off them or changing their outfit to something thinner. Cotton is a clear winner in hot weather and is also the gentlest on a baby's skin. All the above mentioned areas of your baby's body should feel pleasantly warm. If they do, the temperature is almost definitely ideal. Please also note that cool fingers and/or toes are not always a sign that your baby is too cold. Babies have poorer circulation than adults and so can have cooler extremities when the rest of them is at a perfect temperature. If, however, the fingers and toes feel very icy or have a purplish, bluish appearance, it might be time for some socks and mittens.

2. Irritation. Does your baby have nappy-rash? If so, a soothing cream specifically designed for nappy rash can ease the discomfort. Never use vaseline on a baby's nappy rash - it will just hold in the irritating moisture and stop the skin from airing. All clear in nappy town? Check the

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