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Title : How to Get a Baby to Sleep
Description : A newborn is of course a bundle of joy. But, along with that joy, you are also showered with a whole lot of responsibilities. You may find that parenting a newborn as one of the most difficult tasks in the world. You will get busy with baby care, that includes changing diapers, feeding, soothing, etc. Among all these tasks, sometimes, you find it difficult to get your baby to sleep. How to get a baby to sleep through the night? This is one of the common queries from parents, especially new ones. If you are interested in knowing more about getting a baby sleep through the night, then, go through this article. Ways to Get a Baby to Sleep First of all, you must understand that there is no magic formula that can be used to get a baby to sleep. The sleeping pattern may vary from one baby to another. Even the day to day sleep pattern of a baby can be different. It will take at least the first two to three months for the baby to get adjusted to the day-night sleep routine. The following are some tips and guidelines about how to get a baby to sleep without crying. Getting a Newborn to Sleep It has been observed that most of the newborns sleep for around 16 hours a day. But, such sleep will be in small stretches that last for one to two hours. During this period, they will wake up in between the sleep and will drift off, as you feed them. So, the parents have to adjust with the infant sleep pattern, that will improve, as the baby reaches around three months of age. So, during the first three months, you have to get adapted to your baby's routine. Monitor the sleep pattern of the baby. Let the baby understand the difference between day and night. So, when the baby is awake during the daytime, expose him/her to household noises, talking, singing, daylight, etc. Frequent daytime feeding is said to be effective for a sound sleep during night. Before bedtime at night, you must make sure that the baby is wearing comfortable clothes. Don't forget to check the diaper. In most cases, feeding is found to be sufficient for the baby to sleep. You may also cuddle and rock the baby gently (with the baby's head on your chest), as it is said that babies are accustomed to mother's heartbeats and they find it soothing. Use dim lights during night, so that the baby recognizes night time. Soothing music, lullabies or a warm bath may also be helpful for getting baby to sleep in crib. It is better to avoid sharing your bed with the baby. Never try to get the baby sleep on the stomach or sides. The next paragraph deals with how to get a baby to sleep, as they get older (more than three months of age). Getting an Older Baby to Sleep As mentioned above, you have to adjust to the sleep pattern of the baby. But, as the baby reaches three months of age, he/she will slowly get adapted to night sleep. The baby will sleep for longer stretches, during the night. Now let us take a look at how to put a baby to sleep, during this age. During this time, you have to set a regular bedtime routine. Use dim lights and avoid loud noises before bed time. Give your baby a warm bath and make him/her wear a fresh diaper and comfortable clothes. Cuddle and rock the baby gently and as he drifts off, place him on the cot. While, some people recommend parent soothing method for baby sleeping, during this period, others suggest self soothing. The first method is better, as it cements the bond between the baby and parents, whereas in the second, the baby is allowed to sleep on her own and is comforted by the parents, occasionally. The second method is said to make the baby get to sleep without the presence of parents. It is always better to comfort them, when they need you, but, it does not mean that you make the baby fussy. Now, you have a basic understanding about how to get a baby to sleep. The above said is only a brief overview about the subject. If you have any doubts regarding the sleep pattern of your baby, it must be cleared by consulting your pediatrician. This is more applicable, who are having babies with sleep problems. Remember that the sleep pattern of babies may vary from one to another. Even day to day variations may be seen. So, be patient in this task and let your baby get adjusted to the routine.
File Name : How to Get a Baby to Sleep.txt
File Type : text/plain
File Size : 4.26KB
File Category : Document
Level : -
Subject : Bahasa Inggeris
Rating : 3 Stars (Click the stars to rate )
Version : 1
Update : Feb 22, 2011
Posted By : School Admin - SMJK YOKE KUAN (SELANGOR)
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