Life with a newborn baby is anything but restful. The basics may sound simple--feeding, rocking, changing--but getting your baby to sleep for longer periods of time can be quite a challenge. Developing good sleep habits and sleep associations early on can help your infant learn the difference between night and day can help the entire family get some much-needed rest.
Step 1
Create distinct moods in your home that signify day and night. Open curtains and window treatments during the day let in the sun so that your baby gets used to the light and the daily routines in your household. Play with your baby during the day in between naps; the Mayo Clinic suggests activities such as singing and games that encourage stimulation.
When baby's bedtime arrives, pull room-darkening shades to keep light out until the sun sets. Tone down the mood to quiet and calm to help your baby wind down from her day and become ready to sleep for a longer period of time.
Step 2
Follow a bedtime routine that does not veer much from the norm. A routine that includes a bath, a feeding, soft music and quiet rocking time, for example, is something that your child will begin to recognize over time, according to the Mayo Clinic. Once your baby realizes that these activities are associated with sleeping, he may be more likely to settle in for a good night's rest.
Step 3
Feed your baby enough so that she can sleep for a stretch of time without waking for food. Very young infants need to eat more frequently than older babies, but by about 8 weeks of age, many babies can sleep for at least six hours without waking up, according to the Nemours Foundation's Kidshealth.org resource.
Pediatrician and expert Dr. Sears explains that a little bit of cereal--a few tablespoons is adequate--in addition to a full nursing or bottle feeding session, can help your child fill her stomach so she does not wake in hunger.
Step 4
Teach your child to soothe himself to sleep so that he can get back to sleep by himself during the night. Drs. William and Martha Sears explain that a baby who can soothe himself feels secure when sleeping and may not always need a parent to help him fall asleep with every wakeful episode. Placing your baby in the crib when he is drowsy but not completely sleeping can help him learn to fall asleep by himself. Giving him a pacifier if he uses one can be a further sleep aid to rely on during the night.
Step 5
Encourage your baby to sleep for longer hours by keeping her room at a comfortable temperature and dressing your child in clothing that is appropriate to the weather. A baby that is hot or cold will most likely wake up because she is uncomfortable. Lightweight pajamas and blankets that are made from cotton or other breathable fabrics can help your infant regulate her body temperature. Keep the bedroom at a comfortable heat or cooling setting at around 70 degrees F.
Step 6
Experiment with the setting in which your child sleeps best, to get him to sleep longer. Some babies do well in a large crib, while others prefer the more confined space of a bassinet or cradle. There are also parents who find their child sleeps longer when the entire family sleeps together. The determination of where your baby sleeps best is a personal decision as long as he is safely put on his back and is not in danger of suffocation.
Things You'll Need
- Window shades
- Pacifier
- Lightweight bedding
