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You have a new baby, oh what wonder and joy this little guy or gal is, however,
you have not had a good night’s sleep since being home with this wonderful
little creature. Don’t give up. You can help your new baby sleep all night,
every night. And remember, you are certainly not alone. Sleepless nights are
something common for most new parents.
Newborn babies often sleep 16 or more hours per day. Their sleep time, however,
is often done in stretches of just one to two hours at a time. As your baby’s
nervous system matures a more consistent sleep schedule emerges and he or she
can go longer between feedings.
By the time your new baby reaches three months of age he or she will probably be
sleeping for as long as five hours during the night. At six months of age,
nighttime stretches of nine to 12 hours are most likely.
Look over the following tips to help your baby become a good sleeper:
• Encourage activity during the day: During the waking hours with your baby keep
him or her busy by talking, singing and playing. Provide your baby with lots of
light. This type of stimulation during the day can help promote better sleep at
night.
• Monitor your baby’s naps: Allow your baby regular naps during the day and not
large chunks of time that may cause your baby to stay wide awake at night.
• Follow a consistent bedtime routine: If you bath, cuddle, sing or read to your
baby just before bedtime he or she will soon associate these activities with
sleep.
• Put your baby to bed drowsy but awake: This technique helps your baby
associate bed with the process of falling asleep. Place your baby to sleep on
his or her back. Clear the crib or bassinet of blankets and other soft items.
• Give your baby time to settle down: If your baby fusses when you first put him
to bed, allow him or her to find a comfortable position for falling asleep. If
the crying does not stop within a reasonable amount of time, try speaking calmly
to your baby and stroke his or her back to provide reassurance of your presence.
• Consider using a pacifier: If your baby has trouble settling down, try using a
pacifier at naptime and bedtime to help reduce his anxiety. One problem of using
a pacifier might be if he or she loses during the middle of the night and cries
for its replacement. Guess who has to get up in the middle of the night to find
the pacifier for baby?
• Expect frequent stirring at night: Don’t be alarmed if you hear your baby
squirming and wriggle as they sleep. This is quite normal. Some babies can be
noisy. All these things may simply be a sign of settling down. Unless you
suspect your baby is hungry or uncomfortable (needing a diaper change or
whatever), it is OK to wait a few minutes to see if he or she finally settles
down. If not, then better check on baby.
• Keep nighttime care low-key: When you feed your baby or care for he or she
during the night, use dim lights, a soft voice and very calm movements. This
will teach your baby that it is time to sleep and nothing else.
Some babies sleep throughout the night the first night home. I know my baby
slept through the night straight from the beginning of our nights at home. She
was such a good baby I would always say.
However, not all babies are alike; respect your baby’s preferences. Take time to
understand your baby’s schedule and ways of communicating. They will eventually
settle down and sleep the whole night through. If your baby is still fussy at
nighttime by age 6 months, ask your baby’s doctor for instruction and
suggestions.
The goal here is for everyone to get a good night’s sleep. It is not a measure
of your parental skill or a sign of a good or bad baby. I just always thought my
baby was the absolute best at everything, and sleeping throughout the night was
just one more reason I thought she was “perfect.” She has paid me back though as
an adult, and what I got to say about her now is not the same…..At times I ask
myself is this the same person I use to know as a baby, toddler and child?
Source: Mayo Clinic, personal knowledge
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace
the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your
health care provider for advice about specific medical concerns.
Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our collection of Nutrition and Health
articles at
http://nutritionandhealthhub.com Articles are available for FREE
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