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Babies develop consistent sleeping habits gradually. Sleeping patterns develop by about 3 months of age. Here are some tips for recognizing and encouraging consistent baby sleep patterns. When a baby is sleeping regularly, the parents can get better sleep, too.

Newborn babies sleep often, but not for long stretches at a time. Very young infants need to eat and sleep on demand. Therefore, it is best to respond as quickly as possible to your baby’s sleep and eating needs. Usually, a baby will follow a pattern similar to eat, poop, sleep, quiet alert time, repeat. Observe your baby for when he or she is at one of these stages, and what step usually follows. If it helps, chart the steps and look for patterns.

Encourage the baby to sleep alone, but always remain nearby. The newborn baby will sleep better if swaddled in a baby blanket or held close to a parent’s body. The warmth and feeling of being held is familiar and comforting to the baby. You will find your baby sleeps easier in one of these situations. DIFFERENT PAra THAN PARA 2

Don’t stress if your new baby will not sleep alone. He or she may be resistant at first. Keep focussed on the prize which is a long term sleeping pattern. A schedule doesn’t come easily for an infant. Try wrapping the baby in a receiving blanket and place the newborn on his or her side, never on their tummy. Do this several times a day. Increase the schedule gradually as the baby gets used to sleeping alone and at scheduled times.

Have the baby in a darkened room in the evening, and avoid stimulation as much as possible. Be quiet and low key when the baby is awake, and simply tend to his or her needs for sleep, diaper changes and feeding. Then, lay the baby back down at for sleep. Don’t play with the baby during the night if possible. This process will encourage the baby to be awake more often during the day and not at night.

Some feel it is easier for the infant to be in the parents room or even in their bed. When nursing this can help gain access to both mother and baby. The comforting warm of the mother will definitely help the baby sleep well. “Safe sleep” should be stressed here if you put the baby in bed with you. Limit the number of pillows and blankets nearest the infant. Smothering is a very real risk or rolling over the baby while you are asleep.i

When the newborn is 3 months old it is about the right time to start putting him or her in their OWN room in their OWN bed. As stressed earlier it is very important for your baby to learn to sleep alone and in his own room. I know a lady whose girls (2) are elementary school age and she still has them sleeping with her and her husband. You may need to give the infant a little extra comfort; signing, patting on the back and, as a last resort picking up. Give the comfort necessary but then return the child to his or her bed shortly afterwards.

As time goes by you may begin to notice that your infants sleeps and naps at the appointed times. Your home is returning to it normal pre-baby schedule. Everyone, not just the new baby, is well rested. Look for my next article named, “Getting Baby to Sleep Through the Night”.

Tags: Health & Fitness //