Bags under your eyes and frequent yawns are the hallmarks of your life as a new parent. While some babies may not yet be old enough to sleep through the night due to a smaller bladder, about 70 percent of babies older than nine months of age are able to sleep through the night, according to Baby Center. If your baby is of this age, yet does not sleep through the night, it's time to establish a sleep routine that signals your baby it is time to go to--and stay--asleep.
Keep Your Baby Active
Good sleep throughout the night does not start caring for your baby when it's nighttime. Instead, you should ensure you keep your baby active enough during the day to where she sleeps more soundly throughout the night. This means playing and engaging your baby. Bright lights and sounds also can stimulate your baby and provide a contrast for when it is night and time for your baby to go to sleep.
Establish a Nighttime Routine
Your baby's body naturally operates on a rhythm, and tapping into this routine allows you to encourage a full night's sleep. Establish a regular bedtime, and work backwards from this time to create your routine. For example, if your baby's bedtime is 9 p.m., begin engaging in relaxing activities at 8 p.m. to help wind your baby down. These can include bathing your baby, then holding her while reading or singing to her, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition to auditory cues, incorporate visual cues, such as dim lights.
Reduce Separation Anxiety
You've just put your baby to sleep and you quietly slip away. Then, two minutes later, you hear your baby crying again. While your natural instinct may be to return back to your baby's room, this will not help your baby to sleep through the night. Begin by waiting for a few minutes before returning to your baby's room. If her crying does not cease, you can go into the room. However, Parents magazine recommends refraining from turning the light on or even removing the child from the crib. Instead, reassure your baby by gently touching her or saying soothing woods to her. While it may be difficult, you should leave the room while your child is still awake. If your baby cries again, then wait a little longer before returning to your child. This method teaches your child how to fall asleep on her own without the need for you to coax her to sleep.
