During the first few months of a baby's life, her sleep schedule may be unpredictable. Mayo Clinic experts state that newborns, although sleeping up to 16 hours out of each day, only sleep in 1- and 2-hour increments. It isn't until an infant reaches 6 months of age that sleeping through the night is a possibility. If you want to make an infant sleep, your best course of action is to get her into an expected routine and keep her in a quiet, calm environment just before bedtime.
Baby Bedtime Tips
Step 1
Keep the infant active and engaged with you during the day. Higher levels of stimulation during the daylight hours, including the hustle-bustle of the normal household, help infants sleep better at night, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Don't overdo naptime. Napping during the day is necessary for small infants. But a baby who sleeps for large periods of time may be wide awake when it's time for lights-out, cautions the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Follow a routine. Select activities that your infant will associate with sleep. Mayo Clinic experts advise that if you have a baby, playing the same bedtime music may be helpful. Older infants (toddlers) may respond to bathing, story time or singing together.
Step 4
Keep it quiet and calm. The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that it's often tempting to play with your child right before bedtime. Don't. This will over-stimulate him and make him less amenable to falling asleep. Infants should be put to bed when they're drowsy but not yet asleep--this hones your child's ability to fall asleep independently.
Step 5
Don't respond to an infant's moments of wakefulness immediately. Babies often wake, fuss for a while and then go right back to sleep. Diapers must be changed and newborns fed when hungry. But Mayo Clinic experts assure you it's perfectly fine to wait a few minutes before you go into your child's room.
Step 6
Use a pacifier, if necessary. But be aware of the risks. Mayo Clinic experts indicate that pacifier use is associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, pacifiers can fall out of the infant's mouth in the middle of the night, disrupt her sleep and result in fussing and crying.
Tips and Warnings
- When preparing your child's sleeping environment, use a firm mattress and a tightly fitted sheet. Clear the crib of blankets and stuffed toys. An infant should always be placed on her back when put down to sleep. This decreases her risk of SIDS.
- Maladaptive parenting methods prevent healthy sleeping habits. An April 2008 "Time" magazine article reported that staying with the infant until she falls asleep, giving older infants food or drink when they wake during the night, and "co-sleeping" (taking the child to your own bed) are some parental behaviors associated with long-term sleep difficulties in children.
Things You'll Need
- Pacifier (optional)
