New parents often find that sleep deprivation
goes hand in hand with new parenthood, and all too often, parents need
to find different methods to get baby to sleep soundly through
the night. While newborns typically sleep 16 or more hours daily, this
time is often broken up into two hour intervals. This means a disruption
in sleep for parents. There are quite a few methods to try that may
solve the problem of continual wake times throughout each night.
Establish a Schedule
Even
if your baby is on an on-demand breast feeding schedule, it is possible
to get a routine in place that will help to make a more cogent sleeping
schedule for both you and your baby. Make a bed time that is reasonable
for you and the baby. Have a soothing ritual in place. For example,
after bath time, start winding down. Keep televisions, radios and other
things that create noise down low. As soon as your pediatrician condones
it, give your baby a small teaspoon of cereal with the last feeding.
This can help to keep hunger pangs from waking the baby up at night.
Have a Separate Bed
Do
not share your bed at night with the baby, no matter how young he is.
This will make it much harder not only to get the baby to sleep
throughout the night, but it will also be difficult to wean him from
this habit.
Be Consistent
The initial sleep schedule pattern may
begin as erratic, however, in time, a much more consistent schedule will
occur as your baby relaxes into a routine and his system begins to
mature. During this time, the baby will also go longer in between
feedings which will extend night sleep time. Keep to the schedule as
much as possible. The less disruptive your child's life is, the more
easily he will adapt to a schedule which will make things easier for you
as a parent.
Monitor Naps
While regular naps are
very important, ensure that they are not too lengthy. Letting a child of
any age sleep too much during the day is a recipe for extended
wakefulness at night, which will make it nearly impossible to establish a
bed time. It is also disruptive to growth rhythms which can be
unhealthy for the baby. Make a consistent nap time and wake the baby
after an hour or two. Adjust the time if needed later. Usually, the
older the baby is, the less time he needs for a nap.
Make Bed Time Fun
Cuddle
with your baby in a rocking chair. Make bed time interesting by
reading, singing or choosing soothing music to play. The baby may soon
learn to associate this routine with sleep and as he gets older, may
look forward to it. Choose the same bedtime music each night and
consider letting it play softly for an extended time.
Be Patient
It takes time for your new baby to adapt to the world. An all night sleeping schedule is a part of that process.
