Once your baby is born, you will become obsessed with his health, safety, happiness and sleep habits. Your child's sleep, or lack thereof, impacts your own, and after the first few bleary-eyed weeks, your baby may be able to start learning the difference between night and day. While sleep patterns change as your baby grows into toddlerhood and childhood, it can help to keep some tips in mind for getting a good night's sleep.
Be Realistic
According to Baby Center, most babies are physically able to sleep "through the night" by about 6 months of age. Before you mark the day on the calendar, however, remember that all babies are different, and that "through the night" does not mean eight or nine hours of continuous sleep, but a stretch of five or six hours. Pediatrician website Dr. Sears reminds parents to see the forest through the trees: while getting enough sleep is important, the primary goal at this stage is to teach your baby that sleep is something pleasant and non-threatening. Keeping this in mind can help you as you deal with sleep problems in the early months and years of your child's life.
Keep it Cool, Dark and Not Too Quiet
Like adults, babies and toddlers sleep best when the room is slightly cool, says "Parents" magazine. Keep the room at between 65 and 70 degrees. Ensure the room is dark enough to allow your baby to sleep, but if she seems frightened, try a nightlight. Use a dimmer switch in the early evening to begin signaling to your baby that it is time to settle down. White noise is often helpful to block out sudden sounds that may jolt your baby out of a sound sleep. Try a nature-sounds CD, a ticking clock or a bubbling fish tank in your baby's room.
Set a Routine
Babies are creatures of habit, and they like knowing what to expect. Create a soothing routine and follow it as consistently as possible. Once your baby begins to know the routine, he will begin to associate the bath, songs, feeding and pajamas with going to sleep. Give him a soothing bath and dress him in a fresh diaper and soft pajamas. Nurse or bottle feed him a few times before you put him down for the night to keep his tummy full. Sing the same song each night and try to get him off to sleep the same way each evening, whether by rocking, walking or patting in his crib. Routines are important in the morning as well; open the shades and greet your baby with a happy "good morning," to indicate that it's time to wake up and start his day.
Use "Crutches" if Necessary
While some parents disagree with the practice, using temporary crutches to get your baby to fall asleep can help you and your infant to get the sleep that you need. "Parents" magazine points out that using a baby swing to lull your little one off to dreamland will not last permanently; all babies eventually outgrow this. Dr. Sears recommends taking your baby for a drive in the car or wearing her in the sling and walking around to help her fall asleep. Once she is in a deep sleep, transfer her to her crib and get some sleep yourself.
