One of the hardest tasks that a new parent faces can involve getting your baby to sleep through the night. Poor sleep habits are not healthy for the caregiver or the child. Keep in mind that newborns may only sleep for 5-hour stretches. However, by 6 months of age, sleep stretches that range from 9 to 12 hours are possible.
Step 1
Keep the baby stimulated during the day. If the baby is inactive during the day, he may not feel as restful at night. Play games, talk to him and sing together frequently.
Step 2
Adjust his nap schedule. If he is taking several long naps throughout the day, sleeping through the night is likely to be difficult. If your baby is sleeping for 4 to 6 hours during the day, adjust the time to 2 to 3 hours per day.
Step 3
Set a soothing environment for your baby to stay asleep in. Noise and lights can disturb a baby's rest, so ideally he should be sleeping alone in a quiet room. A nightlight and soft music can help create a calming atmosphere.
Step 4
Develop a nighttime routine and stick with it. Set a bedtime and choose a routine to help the baby sleep through the night. An example routine would be bath, story and bed.
Step 5
Wait it out. Although you don't necessarily have to allow the baby to cry it out when he awakes at night, you should wait a minute before you go to him. Small cries and noises may just be him settling himself down.
Tips and Warnings
- According to the MayoClinic, a pacifier can be used to help your baby sleep through the night. However, he can become reliant on it and refuse to sleep without it.
- Don't adjust your baby's diet unless otherwise directed by your pediatrician. Feeding a baby extra food before bed will not necessarily help him sleep through the night.
