Understanding The FOMO Baby Phenomenon: Why Some Babies Struggle To Sleep

The world is an exciting place for a baby, and sometimes they don't want to miss out on a single moment. However, this can be a little inconvenient for parents when it's time for bed. Enter the "FOMO baby"—a little one who struggles to sleep due to an intense curiosity about their surroundings. But why do FOMO babies find it so hard to drift off to sleep, and what's the reason behind this growing trend online?

The term FOMO, or fear of missing out, typically refers to adults who worry about missing out on social events and experiences. But parents are now using the term to describe their babies who seem to share the same fear—missing out on anything that happens around them. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly popular on platforms like TikTok, where many parents are sharing their experiences, challenges, and humorous moments related to their curious children.

Christina Storey, a mom from Northamptonshire in the United Kingdom, shared her experience with her baby Margot on the social media platform. In Storey's TikTok clip, Margot refuses to go to sleep during a walk with her parents. "My husband and I wanted to get our nearly 4-month-old daughter to sleep, so we put her in her stroller and took her out for a walk. Rather than sleep, however, she spent the whole time staring around her, 'inspecting' the trees and buildings," the 36-year-old told Newsweek.

What Defines a FOMO Baby?

To Storey, who goes by @margsandme on TikTok, a "FOMO baby" perfectly encapsulates Margot's personality. "She has always been, what I affectionately call, a nosy baby, and from a few weeks old was interested in everything going on around her," she added. This behavior highlights the intense curiosity that characterizes many FOMO babies, making it challenging for them to settle down at bedtime.

Chandler Crigler, known as @chandler.crigler on TikTok, is another mom who found herself with a FOMO baby. In her clip, she posted the reality of rocking her baby to sleep, only for him to be easily distracted by everything around him. "FOMO stands for fear of missing out, so my baby wants to always be involved; always know what's going on around him, and genuinely very curious," she told Newsweek.

The Impact of Social Media on Parenting Trends

While a "FOMO baby" is not an established scientific term, infant sleep consultant and founder and CEO of Just Chill Mama Ltd. Rosey Davidson acknowledged that it's a trend that's gaining traction on social media. "You might have seen TikTok videos where parents are desperately trying to get their babies to sleep, only to have the baby wide-eyed, staring at every passing car, person, or pet. These are classic FOMO babies," Davidson explained.

Frida Rångtell, PhD, sleep educator and scientific adviser at Napper, an app that helps babies sleep better, agreed that a "FOMO baby" seems to be very eager to hold on to wakefulness, to interact, and to learn. This growing online conversation brings comfort and a sense of community among parents. "I think that relating our situation to others can make it easier to cope and to get the feeling 'it's not only my baby, I'm not alone in this,'" Rångtell said.

Challenges Faced by FOMO Babies

FOMO babies are often highly alert and can find it difficult to settle due to their strong interest in their surroundings. This characteristic can lead to longer bedtime routines, more frequent nighttime wake-ups, and a lot of frustration for parents. It's vital to remember that while FOMO babies may be more curious and engaged, they still need sleep just like any other baby.

For parents with a FOMO baby, understanding their child's sleep patterns is essential. A good night's sleep starts in the morning. Rångtell recommends exposing the baby to daylight during the day and reducing light exposure at night to help improve their sleep. "To strengthen the baby's circadian rhythm, it's crucial to create a consistent sleep environment," she emphasized.

Looking Ahead: Growing Curiosity in Children

While having a FOMO baby may mean parents get less rest, Storey observed that her baby loves the new world she is in. Many parents have shared that their "FOMO baby" grew into "why?" toddlers—those who ask questions all the time and are inquisitive children. "I love that and can't wait for Margot to grow and start asking questions," she added, highlighting the joy that comes with curious children.

In conclusion, the FOMO baby phenomenon reflects a growing trend among parents who are navigating the challenges of raising curious little ones. By understanding their babies' needs and creating supportive environments, parents can help their FOMO babies find balance between curiosity and rest.