How to get babies sleep through the night

 

How to get babies sleep through the night. The sleep needs varies baby to baby. Here are some proven techniques to follow, for the best results. It is good to follow the nap adjustments and feeding routines .

Start weaning the night feedings

After 5 or 6 months of age try to discourage the multiple feeding pattern. During the first nine months of age it is normal for the baby to have milk one or two times during the night. Some babies stop themselves feeding during the night ,which is normal The last feed before bed is very important since the baby is going for a long sleep. Usually after feed they will fall asleep Wait till he finish the feed otherwise he is going to wake up in the middle of the night.  All babies are different and you know your baby.When to stop night feed is still under discussion. After 6 to 9 months make the milk very diluted eg. 2 scoops to 7 ounces of water so that it wont be very tasty,the baby wont be bothered to wake up to drink that water! I tried that trick and succeed in that.

 

Do we have to wake new-borns for feedings.

Newborns grow in no time ,it is the best time to cuddle them and pamper them.Their body won’t take much of a break ,so it is wise to wake them for feeding That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends to wake them every four hours and feed them during the first two weeks.

 

How long a newborn stay awake between feedings

Most of the newborns won’t stay awake very long.It varies by baby, Some may not be able to stay awake more than 30 minutes at a stretch,in general they won’t stay awake more than one hour.

 

 Develop a bed time routine

 By developing the bed time routine the baby  begin to welcome sleep as part of the daily schedule. Look at your baby closely and watch for the sleep signals Responding to your baby cues will help your baby develop the trust in his ability to influence his environment. The baby will learn the’ emotional regulation’, as per psychologists ,it is the capacity to understand that we have a better emotional control. The first signs of tiredness are yawning batting at ears; pulling hair ,and rubbing of the eyes, it should signal impending sleep. You are not alone, Get the help from your partner, friends, neighbors, or relatives.

This may occur between 6:00 or 7:00 pm. The early bedtime will lead to a more peaceful sleep and a later waking in the morning. In the bed time routine try to include diaper ,pajamas, and a lullaby. Always try to start your bedtime routine outside the bedroom .Brest feeding or bottle feeding also helpful if they are below one year. Try not to develop a milk-sleep association. break that habit.

 

Make sure Baby has Naps during the day

To avoid the over tiredness during the bed time encourage the child to have naps during the day .A  structured and regular sleeps during the day keep the baby more happy and they will sleep better in the night.It can last for 30 to 1 hour and can be even in a stroller, swing or car About 4 months onwards you can help your baby learn to sleep though the night.

If your baby is in day-care, parents may have to communicate with their day-care providers to  limits the child to nap shorter to establish a bed time routine.

 

Avoid Sleep Associations

Babies also have natural sleep cycles. If a baby falls asleep using a pacifier, bottle or rocking  when he awakens between sleep cycles he will cry out for your help. So try to put the baby into his bed awake, so that he will be able to go back to sleep himself instead of looking for your help.  If you have any concerns about weight gain or sleep patterns, talk to your doctor.

 

Try to Understand Circadian Rhythms

This is our internal  biological clock that makes us more tired at night and more awake in the morning This clock is controlled by Melatonin, our internal sleep hormone. New-born babies develop this rhythm during 6 to 8 weeks. They start differentiating day and night and  sleep longer  at night and shorter during the day.

 

Keep a calming ambiance

Take the baby outdoor to enjoy the daylight and avoid strong light in the night so that the baby will differentiate the day and night .It regulates the sleep hormone Melatonin and help the baby sleep easily. Some sleep experts suggest the use of soft night light and white noise combination is  better for the sound sleep.

 

Patience is virtue

Remember we all are unique!   Each family has their own problems. What work for one family may not work for others ,so take time, experiment in your own way, Be consistent with your ideas .Remember that sleep deprivation is directly linked to postpartum depression. Get the  help from your partner, relatives , friends or neighbors.  Without much issues ,you and your baby will be much happier and healthier, and that is worth all the effort and time!