Feeding Struggles. Sleepless Nights. What’s Going On?
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
When the Basics Feel the Hardest
Feeding and sleep are two of the most fundamental needs in a child’s life, and also two of the most common sources of stress for parents. You may be doing everything you can, but your child still wakes through the night or refuses to eat. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we support families who feel overwhelmed by these everyday challenges with warmth, clarity and care that grows with your child.
Sleep and feeding difficulties can affect a child’s development, behaviour and family routines. Early support can make a world of difference, for your child’s health and for your peace of mind.
What Are Sleep and Feeding Difficulties
Sleep and feeding challenges can look different at each stage of development. These are often normal parts of growing up, but persistent struggles may need professional support.
Feeding difficulties may include:
Trouble latching or swallowing in infancy
Refusal to try new textures or foods
Long or stressful mealtimes
Strong preferences that limit variety or nutrition
Sleep difficulties may include:
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Frequent night waking
Short naps or very early waking
Dependence on feeding or motion to settle
These challenges can affect both the child’s wellbeing and the emotional balance of the whole family.
What You Might Notice
Parents often notice patterns that feel out of sync with their child’s peers or siblings. Some signs that may signal concern include:
Feeding Concerns
Your baby may struggle to feed calmly or gain weight slowly. Your toddler may gag on textures, throw food or refuse meals. Feeding may become a source of daily conflict or worry.
Sleep Disruptions
Your child may resist bedtime, wake often, or take a long time to settle. You may feel you need to soothe them for long stretches each night, leaving everyone in the family exhausted.
Behavioural Changes
Children who are overtired or undernourished may be irritable, hard to soothe or slow to meet developmental milestones. You may notice clinginess, poor focus or difficulty self-regulating.
How We Support Your Child at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we take time to understand what is behind the behaviour. Dr Charmaine Teo looks beyond sleep charts or food logs to see the child as a whole. She partners with families to uncover the patterns, habits and sensory needs that may be contributing to these challenges.
Your child’s support may include:
A detailed feeding and sleep history, including early development and routines
Growth and nutritional assessments to check for medical concerns
Screening for reflux, allergies or developmental delays that may affect eating or sleep
Practical guidance for creating calming routines and consistent strategies
On-site referrals to therapists if sensory or behavioural concerns are present
Follow-up to support progress and respond to changes over time
At every step, care is personalised to your child’s age, family context and pace of development.
Supporting Parents Through Daily Struggles
Sleep and feeding struggles can feel isolating. You may be juggling advice from well-meaning friends, online searches and your own intuition. At Joyful Seeds, we offer parents a calm, clear place to pause, reflect and plan the next step forward.
We help you:
Understand what is typical and what may need attention
Build small, sustainable changes that improve your routines
Support your child’s feeding or sleep through a developmentally informed lens
Restore confidence in your role as a parent
Feel seen, heard and supported without judgement
Let Us Help You and Your Child Rest and Grow
If feeding or sleep have become a daily struggle, you do not have to navigate it alone. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we support families with thoughtful, professional care that grows with your child. With Dr Charmaine Teo’s guidance, you can find clarity and calm in the rhythms of daily life again.
