It's the middle of the night and you have rocked your bundle of joy for hours to no avail, yet when the sun is shining brightly during the day, she sleeps peacefully... sometimes. Don't despair; there are ways to get your baby to sleep on a schedule. As your newborn's nervous system develops, so too will a sleep schedule, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American Academy of Pediatrics finds that babies start to sleep regularly around six months of age. But there are ways to help the process along.
Adjust Feeding Schedules
If you notice that your little bundle of joy is waking randomly in the wee hours of the morning for a snack, try feeding him before you go to sleep, even if it means waking him up at 10 p.m. This will help your infant sleep a longer stretch when you want to sleep. KidsHealth advises that it may take a few nights for your baby to get used to the routine, but consistency is key. The new schedule will quickly take hold.
Daytime is Playtime
When you want your baby to be awake, be engaging. Sing, play and keep the house lit up and filled with normal noises, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Daytime stimulation can lead to better nighttime sleep, according to the Mayo Clinic. Making daytime playtime can help your baby get on a sleep schedule that fits your lifestyle.
Nightime is for Sleeping
Keeping activity to a minimum when you want your baby to sleep will help encourage her to stay asleep, according to KidsHealth. For example, if she wakes up in the middle of the night to play, show her that you're not as much fun at 2 a.m. as you are at 2 p.m. Keep the lights low if you need to change or feed her and don't play with her. She will soon learn that daytime is playtime, not nighttime, and the schedule that you want will begin to take shape.
Consistency is Key
Sticking to a bedtime routine at the same time every evening is another way to get your baby on a sleep schedule. Soothing activities such as bathing and singing lullabies will alert baby that bedtime is approaching. Soon he will equate these activities to sleep, according to the Mayo Clinic. Singing the same tunes every night may also help. It's critical to be consistent with your evening activities.
Follow Baby's Cues
It's best to put your little loved one to sleep before he is overly tired. Overly tired babies have a harder time falling and staying asleep than well-rested babies, according to KidsHealth. A good way to anticipate when your baby will be tired is to track his routine. Parenting.com suggests keeping a journal of your baby's tendencies. For example, if you notice that he starts to fuss every night at 7, start preparing him for bed at 6:30 before he is overly tired. This will help you avoid a nighttime meltdown and help you build a routine that accommodates his needs and yours. Before you know it, your baby will be on a sleep schedule that works for both of you.
