Newborns have notoriously short sleep spans, but by the time your baby turns five-months-old, she should have started sleeping for longer stretches of time, ranging from five to eight hours a night. Learning how to put a five-month-old baby to sleep requires the right combination of feeding, habit and schedule, says Richard Ferber, M.D.,the director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Children's Hospital Boston.
Step 1
Come up with a consistent pre-bedtime routine and stick with it every night. For instance, have a bath, a story and a short cuddle every night before tucking your baby in bed.
Step 2
Put your baby to sleep for the night in the place where he'll wake up; if your baby sleeps in his crib, don't let him fall asleep in your bed before moving him.
Step 3
Settle your baby in bed when she's drowsy but not asleep. If your baby is still wide awake, play with her for a little while or soothe her with a little quiet singing before you put her in her bed.
Step 4
Keep your baby's bedtime fairly consistent so that she falls asleep and wakes up at roughly the same times each day. Having an established bedtime will help her body learn when to fall asleep.
Step 5
Give your baby a substantial snack just before bedtime, but don't let him fall asleep on your breast or with his bottle. A full stomach will help your baby sleep longer, and a five-month-old's little tummy requires frequent feeding.
Step 6
Set the thermostat so that your baby's room is a comfortable temperature. If your baby gets hot or cold, he is more likely to wake up during the night.
Step 7
Cover your baby so that she's comfortable. At five months, some babies still prefer to be wrapped snugly, while others would rather have more freedom of movement. Pay attention to your baby's coverings on nights she sleeps well to determine what sleep style works best for her.
Tips and Warnings
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends five-month-old babies be put sleep on their backs to reduce their risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
References
- "What to Expect the First Year;" Arlene Eisenberg; 1989
- Children's Hospital of Boston: Q&A: The sleepless child
- Department of Health and Human Services: Your five-month-old baby
