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bedtime preparation
(this article used
by courtesy of American
Baby magazine)
The Sleep Primer - Bedtime
Success for Baby
Sleep--both
your baby's and your own--is likely
one of your major concerns as a new
parent. Sleep disturbances,
particularly nighttime awakenings,
can strain and exhaust parents.
Your newborn
may sleep up to 16 hours a day,
broken up into short periods.
However, soon she'll start to sleep
for fewer, shorter periods. And in
the early weeks, discomfort from
colic, acid reflux, or other
conditions may cause trouble
sleeping (talk to your doctor if you
have concerns about these medical
conditions). Illness, unnecessary
feedings, and anxiety can also
disrupt sleep.
In your
baby's early months, sleep tends to
be lighter and more broken than
later on, and your baby may have
difficulty sustaining sleep. But
don't fret--eventually you'll find
techniques that help, such as
rocking or nursing baby, or giving
her a pacifier.
Setting
the Stage
The ideal
sleeping environment for an infant
is one that's relatively dark,
quiet, and comfortably cool.
Relaxed, unrushed bedtime routines
are helpful. Note, though, that for
an infant on a somewhat predictable
schedule, these routines should be
relatively brief (5 to 10 minutes).
A final
feeding, quiet play, singing, and
cuddling are all reasonable bedtime
activities. As your child gets
older, telling stories becomes
useful. Try security objects, such
as a blanket or stuffed animal, but
don't use these before the child is
1 year old because they can cause
suffocation.
Many
physicians feel that baby should be
put to bed awake and allowed to fall
asleep in the same crib or bed
she'll remain in for the rest of the
night. Others are proponents of
rocking or holding baby until she
falls asleep in the comfort of her
parent's arms, cosleeping, or the
"family bed." Whichever
choice your family makes, bedtime
should be a warm and comforting end
to the day.
Keep
in Mind . . .
- Infants
and toddlers require a certain
amount of sleep. Once they get
it, they usually can't sleep
more.
- Babies
are often geared to sleep only
at certain times of the day and
night.
- Putting
your baby to bed when he's not
really sleepy will probably lead
to periods of wakefulness.
- Letting
baby stay in bed longer than he
needs to will make him restless.
- Too much
daytime napping may lead to
nighttime restlessness.
By 3 months
of age, your baby's sleep periods
should already occur on a somewhat
regular pattern. Over time, become
aware of your child's personal sleep
needs, and he'll help you determine
how best to assist him in getting
the rest he needs.
Despite what
you may have heard, not all babies
sleep through the night by the time
they're 6 months old, so don't worry
if your baby is still waking up long
past the age that you expected.
Eventually he'll develop a sleep
pattern that works for him--and for
you!
This article
is copyrighted, and used
with permission of American
Baby. All information on
Slumber Sounds is for educational
purposes only, and is not
medical or healthcare
advice, nor a substitute for
medical and professional services
from a qualified healthcare
provider familiar with your
personal situation. For medical
advice, including diagnosis and
treatment, consult your physician
or other healthcare provider
regarding any condition and before
starting any treatment. We supply
this information with the
understanding that Slumber Sounds
is not engaged in rendering
medical services or other
professional services or
advice.
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