Babies sometimes wear eye masks primarily to help them sleep better by blocking out distracting light.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Blocking Distracting Light: Bright lights, especially during daytime naps, can prevent babies from falling asleep easily or staying asleep. An eye mask helps create a darker environment.
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Promoting Longer, More Restful Sleep: A darker environment signals to the baby's brain that it's time to sleep, which can lead to longer and more restful naps and nighttime sleep. This is particularly helpful for babies who are easily awakened by light.
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Establishing Sleep Routines: Using an eye mask can become part of a baby's sleep routine, signaling to them that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
In summary, while not all babies need them, eye masks can be a useful tool to help some babies sleep better by creating a darker environment that minimizes distractions.