Getting Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Parenthood sure brings about a lot of joy and happiness, especially for first time parents, but along with it you also need to deal with various problems, one of them being baby sleep. Most parents find putting their baby to sleep peacefully through the night a difficult task and this one of the common fields of parenthood where they seek help and advice. Putting the baby to sleep through the night is not only important for the parents, but also important for the baby as it is the first step taken towards sleep training her. The development of a healthy sleep pattern is important for the baby's overall healthy growth and development.

Baby Sleeping Patterns

To help your baby sleep through the night, it is first essential for you to understand the baby sleeping pattern and some peculiar habits that they display. Unlike adults, babies do not have a 7 hour or 12 hour sleeping pattern, it develops gradually as the baby grows. Therefore, you should not expect or enforce that the baby sleep for long hours before she is at least six months old. After 6 months of age, babies usually are able to sleep for 5 to 7 hours at a stretch. They might wake up due to hunger, wet diaper or a blocked nose, etc. Some may not be able to due to reasons like a medical problem or an unfavorable sleeping environment. Often, babies develop some peculiar habits while or before falling asleep like being rocked or carried, a lullaby or a story. These help them fall asleep, so you must make sure that the habit is not discontinued or else the baby might develop discomfort with the sleep routine.

How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Now that you know about the sleeping patterns of babies, it is time that you plan out the baby's nighttime sleep. Follow the tips below to help your baby sleep through the night.

Daytime Sleep
For the baby to sleep through the night it is essential that it gets enough sleep and rest during the day. Encourage the baby to indulge in short naps during the day, instead of sleeping at a stretch. Also ensure that she is active for at least some time during the day.

Sleep Settings
You must make all arrangements for the baby to sleep comfortably and safely in her crib. Place a soft comforter or baby blanket, a soft toy or any other object that your baby loves. This will help the baby feel secure even if she happens to wake up all of a sudden in the night.

Bedtime Routine
Establishing a bedtime routine and sleep time is essential as this is what signals the baby that it is time to sleep. Routines like reading or singing a lullaby or bathing the baby will help her relax and prepare for sleep.

Importance of the Crib
Once she is drowsy or half awake, place her on her back in the baby crib. This will establish the fact that this is where she is going to be sleeping. She may cry for a few minutes, during this time do not lift her off the crib, just soothe her gently and reassure her that you are around. Dim the lights and shut off all the sounds surrounding the room.

Awakening in the Night
If the baby happens to wake up after a few hours, do not talk or play with her. Nurse, change her diaper or do whatever required and soothe her back to sleep. This will enforce the fact that the sleeping time is still on and she needs to drift back to sleep.

It would do you good to check up on information in breathing problems in infants, of course, if it is such a case, do not attempt to solve it on your own.

Initially, it would be a little difficult for both the baby and the parents to get used to the routine. But, once this is done, you will notice that the frequency of the baby waking up in the night reduces gradually and both of you would be able to sleep peacefully through the night. If this does not happen even after a few weeks, your baby might be waking up due to a medical problem, consult a physician without further delay.