Having trouble getting your baby to sleep at night? If you try these few simple tips, you will be on your
way to a restful night.
My daughter started sleeping through the night at eight weeks old. She is now twelve weeks and is sleeping ten hours at night. I credit it to these helpful tips:
1. Getting your baby on a routine is essential. Waking times, nap times, bathing times and going to bed at night should be a daily routine.
2. Full meals. Don't let your baby snack. He/she should eat a full meal. Snacking would be a 5-10 min. feeding. Then they fall asleep or don't want to finish eating. If they fall asleep after 5-10 minutes, wake them up. Change their diaper. Change their outfit. Then start feeding them again. You can try tickling or playing with their feet to keep them awake. Full meals are the key to getting them on a routine and getting them to sleep regularly. Even when my baby acts like she is done feeding, I play with her for a couple of minutes, and then I feed her on the other side.
3. Breast feeding is the best for your baby. If you can, I would suggest breast feeding. It's the healthiest thing for your child. Your milk has all the essential nutrients and vitamins that your baby needs. It also provides additional bonding and relaxation for both mother and baby.
4. During the day don't let your baby fall asleep right after eating. Keep them up for a little while by playing; even if they are a newborn. Put a toy in front of them to help stimulate their brain.
Sometimes it is hard to maintain a routine or continue with breastfeeding when it is painful. It’s tempting to go off bedtime schedule for a special event or if a parent is arriving home late from work. But in the long run, it pays off when you have a healthy baby that is sleeping through the night.
- Kim Dreiling
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