If there's one thing parents of newborns wish for, more than likely it is a good night of sleep. As your baby gets older he is capable of sleeping for longer periods of time. Six-month-old babies can sleep between nine and 12 hours at a time. It may sound like wishful thinking, but by establishing a routine and being consistent you will give your baby the rest he needs and the opportunity to self soothe, which will also help him in other areas of his development.
Step 1
Implement a consistent bedtime routine. This may include a massage, bath, story time or singing. Having the same routine will let your baby know that bedtime is soon to follow, and having approximately the same bed time every night will set your babies internal clock, which will make her naturally sleepy at that time every day.
Step 2
Create the right environment for sleep. Make sure the room is dark, you don't want to stimulate your baby with bright lights. The room should be quiet but if you find your baby's sleep is disrupted by frequent noises such as a dog barking then find ways of drowning those sounds out. Play lullabies or soothing music, some babies find solace from white noise like the sound of a fan or ticking clock.
Step 3
Make sure your baby is comfortable. Your baby may not sleep if he has a soiled diaper, is in uncomfortable clothes or is hungry. Make sure your baby's nasal passages are clear to allow him to breathe easily. If the room is too hot or too cold your baby may be uncomfortable and not sleep, set the thermostat so that the room is a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4
Put your baby down while she is drowsy but still awake, to give her the opportunity to fall asleep by herself. If your baby falls asleep with rocking or feeding then she will associate these activities with sleep and will depend on and expect them.
Step 5
Give your baby time to settle and fall asleep. Your baby may fall asleep after being put in the crib but most likely will fuss or cry. Gently pat your baby and try to calm him with your voice. He will find this reassuring. Leave the room and wait outside, if your baby continues to cry go inside and reassure him again and then leave, you may need to repeat the cycle several times until your baby learns to fall asleep by himself.
Step 6
Give your baby the opportunity to self-soothe during the night. If your baby wakes up for a night feeding, feed her and leave the room, use dim lights and speak with a low voice to avoid stimulation. If your baby continues to cry, reassure her from a distance. If your baby is still upset, hold her for a few minutes to settle her then place her back in the crib. It may take several attempts before your baby learns that it's time for sleep.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep an eye on your baby's naps, if he is sleeping too much during the day then he will find it more difficult to sleep at night. Give your baby the opportunity to soothe herself instead of picking her up at the sound of the first cry, you'll be helping her in the long run.
- Don't share your bed with your baby, not only does this increase the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) but it will confuse your baby, who may find it more difficult to sleep on his own, according to the Mayo Clinic.
