The arrival of a new baby is an exciting and wonderful time. Many parents, (especially first-time parents) get into the habit of sleeping with their new little bundle of joy. This can be especially tempting for breastfeeding mothers, as they can simply roll over to take care of late-night feedings. There does usually come a time when parents want their bed back, but may be faced with resistance when trying to get a little one to sleep in her crib. By following some simple guidelines, you can make the transition less traumatic.
Step 1
Establish a sleeping schedule, with the same bedtime every night. Depending on a baby's age, he will need 13 to 16 hours of sleep per day, including 2 to 4 naps. Aim for an 8:00 p.m. bedtime, to give parents some time to themselves in the evening. Getting into a schedule encourages healthy sleeping patterns, and ensures baby will be tired and ready for bed at the proper time.
Step 2
Prepare your baby for bed with a good feeding and relaxing bath. A warm, soothing bath will relax and calm your baby. Infants have tiny stomachs, so expect them to require feedings throughout the night. Make the initial bedtime feeding right before bedtime, and encourage the baby to eat until full. Burp the baby so he will not suffer from gas and heartburn during the night.
Step 3
Create a cozy environment. Place your baby's crib away from everyday noise. Keep the room dark and quiet, with maybe a comforting mobile that your baby likes. White noise in the room, such as a fan, can help a baby sleep. The noise reminds them of their mother's womb, and blocks out other noises, ensuring that the rest of the family doesn't have to tiptoe around.
Step 4
Let a baby soothe himself to sleep. After putting your baby to bed, you may hear him fussing, especially if a baby is used to other sleeping arrangements. This can be traumatic for Mom and Dad. The natural instinct is to comfort your baby. Remember that his physical needs are taken care of. He is comfortable and full. He is simply not used to sleeping in his crib, and should adjust within a few nights. Let him cry it out. It shouldn't take long before he is asleep. He will cry less each night, until he finally does not cry at all, and should simply fall asleep when put down for the night.
Step 5
Stay calm. It can be frustrating to get a baby to sleep in her own crib. Never get upset or angry with a baby. Remember that her crying is simply a means to communicate. Every baby is different, as is every parent.
