Getting Your Infant/Baby To Sleep Through The Night
Getting Your Baby To Sleep Through The Night
You’re not alone if you haven’t had a good night’s sleep since your baby was born. For most new parents, sleepless nights are a rite of passage, but don’t despair. You can assist your baby in sleeping through the night.
Promoting healthy sleeping habits
Middle-of-the-night feedings are bound to interrupt sleep for both parents and babies in the first few months, but it’s never too early to help your baby become a decent sleeper. Consider the following suggestions:
1. Maintain a regular, relaxing bedtime routine.
Overstimulating your infant in the evening can make it difficult for him or her to fall asleep. Bathe, cuddle, sing, listen to quiet music, or read with a definite end point when you leave the room. Begin these activities in a quiet, softly light room before your infant becomes overtired.
2. Allow your baby some time to calm down.
Before settling into a comfortable position and going asleep, your baby may fuss or cry. If the crying continues, check on your baby, provide soothing words, and leave the room. Your soothing presence may be all your infant requires to fall asleep.
3. Put your baby to bed while he or she is tired yet awake.
This will help your child associate bed with the act of sleeping. Keep in mind that your baby should sleep on his or her back, and that blankets and other soft materials should be removed from the crib or bassinet.
4. Think about using a pacifier.
If your baby is having difficulties sleeping, a pacifier might help. In fact, studies show that using a pacifier while sleeping can help minimize the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
5. Pay attention to your baby’s preferences.
You may need to modify routines and schedules to accommodate these natural tendencies if your child is a night owl or an early riser.
6. Maintain a low-key approach to overnight care.
Use dim lights, a quiet voice, and gentle movements when your infant needs care or feeding in the middle of the night. This will signal to your infant that it is time to go to bed rather than play.
