As any new parent can tell you, "sleeping like a baby" doesn't mean what you think it does. Babies are notoriously bad sleepers and exhausted parents everywhere are willing to try anything to get a good night's sleep. If you find yourself pacing the floor in the wee hours of the night trying to convince your baby that nighttime is meant for sleeping, here are a few tips to help you solve your baby's sleep problems:
- If you are concerned that your baby doesn't sleep normally, start with a visit to your pediatrician. Although there is usually nothing wrong, occasionally a sleepless baby may be suffering from an ear infection or other ailment that keeps her from getting a restful sleep.
- Consider the age of your baby. Normal sleep patterns are in a constant state of change, so what is considered typical at three months and at nine months are very different. Here are a few guidelines based on age:
- From birth through about two months, your baby will probably sleep approximately 16 hours each day, but most of that sleep will be in about two hour stretches. By three months, she will likely sleep for about 14 hours a day and may be able to sleep three or four hours at a time. It is not uncommon for her to have her days and nights mixed up, though, so this is a good time to begin to teach her that nighttime is for sleeping. During daylight hours, play actively with her, keep her environment bright, and do not make attempts to keep things quiet. As evening draws near, dim the lights and provide a calmer, quieter environment. For middle of the night feedings, try not to talk too much to your baby, just take care of her needs quietly and then return her to her crib.
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Author: Elizabeth Grace