As parents we are aware that quality sleep is an
essential part of a child's growth and well being. Most baby sleep
disorders are a learned behavior. These can be overcome by changing the
child's environment before bedtime and gently teaching them to sleep
independently.
Addressed here are 8 ways to help Mom, Dad and
Baby have a good night sleep for days to come.
1. A bedtime Routine.
Babies and infants are creatures of habit. They enjoy the
predictability of a sleep ritual so a regular bedtime routine will help
settle your baby more quickly and also increase the chances of him or
her sleeping through the night. Routine helps to establish baby's sleep
pattern and once it is established your baby will be happier, more
content, and more likely to sleep through the night. This needs to be
incorporated right away during the newborn/infant stage. However, its
not late to get this routine functioning. It will become harder and
take longer as your child gets older.
An example of a good routine is; Put your child in
PJ's, set the mood by dimming the lights and establishing a quiet
relaxed atmosphere, cuddle time with mom/dad. This is followed by baby
in the cot with a story or lullabye. You could give a bath before
bedtime as well, or a baby massage which babies love and parents love
to do! Be consistent with the above routine. It must be done on a
nightly basis until it becomes a habit for your child.
2. Do not feed your baby to sleep.
Feeding a baby to sleep can create a problem with their sleep patterns.
The baby will soon begin to recognize that you feed him or her at
bedtime. This will become something they depend on and expect. This is
the same issue with waking up at night as well. There are several ways
to deal with making this change.
• Firstly, change the time or the amount of time
you feed your baby when nearing his or her bedtime. Doing so will
gradually remove the association of bedtime with feeding.
• Another option is to feed your child earlier in
the evening instead of as a bedtime routine. When you do these things
your baby will not associate feeding with bedtime. This will help your
baby to learn to fall asleep on his or her own accord.
3. Bottle and breast feeding.
Childcare professionals believe that combining formula bottle feedings
and breast feedings can lead to sleep problems. With breast feeding the
milk supply is replenished naturally by the breast with each feeding
that takes place. When formula milk via a bottle is given instead of
breast milk, the breast milk supply can lesson. So with the next breast
feeding, there may not be much milk supply as previously. With this,
your baby will require more frequent feedings and this is why he will
wake up during the night, possible several times for a feeding. Of
course, infants need to be woken up and fed every few hours but once
this stage passes, your baby is able to go through the night without
having to be fed, provided his appetite is satisfied in his last
feeding before bed.
4. Be aware of when your child is
getting tired.
You can recognize this when they pull their ears and rub their eyes.
5. Teach your baby how to self-sooth
to sleep.
You can achieve this by associating soothing objects with bedtime
(child safety proof of course!) Give your baby or let him choose a toy
or favorite blanket to take to bed. This way when your baby wakes up
during the night he could reach for it and go back to sleep.
6. Feed your baby enough during the
day.
If your baby wants to play all day and not eat enough, he will want to
eat during the night instead of sleep. Ensure that while he is playing
and having fun he eats a nutritious diet.
7. Create a daily nap time routine.
The sooner you start this the better. A nap helps your child sleep
firmer at night. The nap should be timed appropriately to his bedtime
so your child has time to play, do other things and have dinner well
before bedtime.
8. Childcare provider training.
If you have a childcare provider also responsible for putting your
child to bed ensure they are following the same routine and rules you
are. If there is inconsistency in the routine the procedure will take
longer to take effect and your child will not be consistent with his
bedtime behavior.
Parents all over the world struggle with learned
baby sleep disorders. You are not alone, as many of us have walked
before you. Much patience is required. Consistency is a must. It takes
time so do not expect miracles overnight but throughout your journey
you and your baby can look forward to a few more nights of sleep by
utilizing the eight tips above, until it becomes a regular process.
Article Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/sleep-disorders-
8-steps-to-a-sleeping-toddler-745459.html About the Author
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