If your baby wakes you up multiple times throughout the night, the behavior is completely normal and no cause for alarm. It is possible, according to the Mayo Clinic, for your baby to sleep longer without waking you up. As your child gets older, he will be more likely to sleep through the entire night if you give him a chance to relax before bed, encourage activities and exercise throughout the day, and place the baby in his own crib before he falls asleep.
Step 1
Make bedtime consistent. Do the same things every night, so your baby knows what to expect. For example, you can tell a story while cuddling with your child, then say, "I love you," kiss her and turn out the lights. Follow your routine every night at the same time.
Step 2
Limit naps during the day. Although naps are important, particularly if your child is getting tired or cranky, avoid letting your child nap for hours at a time in the middle of the day. Your child will have a more difficult time sleeping through the night if he has had a long nap earlier in the day.
Step 3
Don't wait until your baby is asleep to put her to bed. Instead, notice when your child begins to get drowsy, and put her to bed at this time. This action prevents you from disturbing her sleeping pattern or waking her up as you bring her to the crib.
Step 4
Adjust to your baby's sleep schedule. For example, if your child tends to get up early in the morning and get tired earlier in the evening, adjust your schedule so you can wake up with him in the morning and put him to bed earlier, the Mayo Clinic suggests.
Step 5
Dim the lights, and make your home a quiet, calm atmosphere before bedtime. This adjustment allows your child to calm down and ease into her bedtime routine. Subconsciously, she will learn that it is time for bed and start to relax.
Tips and Warnings
- Relax your child before bedtime and decrease the risk of SIDS with a pacifier, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- Consult a doctor if your child is crying through the night or does not seem to sleep at all.
