Having a baby sleep through the night can be beneficial to a sleep-deprived mother. Typically around 3 months of age, a baby has developed a somewhat predictable sleep/wake cycle and is capable of sleeping for five or six hours (or more) straight. Some babies may be ready to sleep through the night sooner than others. If a baby is unhappy or extremely resistant, training should be postponed for a few weeks.
Bedtime Routine
The Mayo Clinic suggests creating a bedtime routine, no matter how young. Perform relaxing activities with a baby before bedtime. This can include a bath, reading or lullabies. Children will eventually begin to connect the relaxing activities with sleep. Gentle music can be played as long as it is the same musical choice each time your baby is placed down to sleep. One last feeding can be given right before bedtime to lessen the chances that the baby will wake up in the middle of the night out of hunger.
Self Soothe
The Babycenter explains that one method of sleep training is to allow a baby to soothe himself while crying. This does not mean a baby is left to cry for long stretches. The approach encourages parents to place babies in bed while still awake. When a baby cries, he should be comforted without being picked up. By allowing a baby to fall asleep on his own, a parent is encouraging self soothing. This way, if a baby wakes up in the middle of the night, she may be able to fall back to sleep without assistance.
Flexibility
Not every child reacts the same way to each sleep training method. Babies are all different, including their nighttime behavior. The AskDrSears website says that if one sleep program is not working, it is OK to switch to a different approach. It is important to find a method that fits into the family and lifestyle---even if it is custom-made. Sometimes, as babies grow and develop, their sleeping patterns will change. A parent should not become discouraged.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere in a baby's room should be soothing and quiet. AskDrSears suggests light sleepers be kept away from any noises like telephones or the television. The room should be dark with shades on the window to block out the morning sun. Some babies prefer the sounds of white noise. This can mean a fan or running water. Some babies may even enjoy a tape recording of their mother singing lullabies.
Disclaimers
Sometimes difficulty sleeping through the night is caused by medical issues. The article, "Ways to Get Your Baby to Go to Sleep and Stay Asleep Easier," explains that some babies develop gastroesophageal reflux or GER. This is when stomach acids creep up into the esophagus, causing what adults consider to be heartburn. Other medical conditions may include sensitivity or allergy to breast milk or formula. A pediatrician should be consulted in both cases.
