Parents of infant children commonly wonder when their babies will be able to sleep through the night. Many pediatricians consider five hours of sleep while it's dark outside sleeping through the night, according to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center of Lebanon, N.H. Most babies are doing that by the time they're 4 months old. For those parents eager for a good night's sleep, some strategizing helps.
Establish a Routine
Establish a nighttime routine to help your baby wind down and associate certain activities with sleep. Routines will differ from family to family, but the important element is consistency. The nighttime ritual can involve a bath, a story, a lullaby, quiet music or any other soothing activity. The baby will learn to associate this process with sleep. Allow enough time for the routine so that neither of you is rushed.
Avoid Stimulation at Night
A quiet, relaxing environment should be an important part of the nighttime routine. While helping your baby wind down, keep the lights low, speak in a soothing voice and keep your movements slow and calm. Avoid stimulating your baby during the process. Conversely, providing stimulation for your baby during the day with typical household noises, light and activity can help promote healthy nighttime sleeping.
Create a Good Sleeping Environment
Like adults, babies need a dark, quiet and comfortable environment for sleeping. Be aware of possible physical discomforts such as irritating sleepwear, soiled diapers and stuffy noses and take care of them before bedtime. Keep the baby's room a comfortable temperature and free of distractions. A noise machine, fan or tape recording of a repetitive sound can help some babies fall and stay asleep.
Set Consistent Nap Times
Babies need naps for their health and development, and consistent nap routines can also help them sleep better at night. Allowing your baby to nap for a set period during the day can keep him from becoming overly tired at night. When a baby is overly tired, he may actually have a more difficult time sleeping at night.
Be Flexible and Realistic
Parents need to understand that every baby is different, and certain strategies may not work for certain babies. Experiment with different approaches to discover what works for you and your baby.
References
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center: Women's Health Resource Center--Sleep Like a Baby
- KidsHealth: All About Sleep
- "How to Get Your Baby to Sleep"; William and Martha Sears; 2001
- The Mayo Clinic: Baby Sleep--Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
- "The Baby Book"; William and Martha Sears; 2003
