Baby Sleep Problems
From LoveToKnow Baby
Every morning when you are awakened by the angelic smile on your baby's face, you can almost forget all of the baby sleep problems you just endured. How can such a little darling turn into a demanding little tyrant at bedtime? Many parents ask themselves this same question. What can you do to help your child be a good sleeper?
Baby Sleep Problems
Whether your baby is a ten-month old or a two-year old, her wakefulness can wreak havoc on you both. You may think it is easier to comfort her as soon as she cries out, but how often does that happen? You may also think it is easier to just let her sleep with you, but how much sleeping do you actually do?
Baby Fights Going to Sleep
One of the most common problems that parents face is actually getting their child to go to sleep in his or her crib. You may rock your baby until she appears sound asleep only to have her quickly sit up and begin to cry as soon as you lay her down. You may place her in her crib only to hear her howls of protest as you leave the room, your heart breaking and your resolve almost completely vanquished. What's a parent to do?
Most babies should have fallen into some type of nap and nighttime routine by the time they reach eight or nine months. If your child isn't in a routine, then you will have to teach him to follow one. This will take patience, persistence, and consistency. Can you do it? Sure, you can!
The routine you choose is completely up to you. You could give your baby a bath, read her a story, sing her a song, and then place her in her crib. Don't be surprised, however, if she immediately begins to cry earnestly, maybe reaching out for you. Try to fight the urge to go back to her, and instead tell her "goodnight" in a loving manner and walk out of the room. If she continues to cry, you can go back in a few minutes, reassure her without picking her up, then leave again. Wait a little longer each time before you go back in the room. Eventually, she should fall asleep, and each night should require less and less time for her to do so.
Some parents can actually rock their children to sleep with great results, and if this works for you, by all means do it. However, many children simply will not stay asleep once they realize they've been left alone, and therefore something else must be tried.
Baby Wakes in the Night
Some babies go to sleep quite easily, either by being rocked, nursed, bottle fed, etc, but then sometime later in the night, they awaken in great distress. Why does this happen? If you have had to help your baby go to sleep, she is not going to be happy when she wakes up and finds that you have disappeared. The first thing she will do is cry for you. Of course, if you run to her as soon as she cries, her mission is accomplished.
To help your baby sleep through the night, you'll have to do a couple of things. First, you need to begin a bedtime ritual that signals your baby that it is time to go to sleep. This could include a bath, story, song, etc. Then, place your baby in his crib when he is drowsy but awake. This is the key. If your baby doesn't learn how to comfort himself to sleep, he'll expect you to keep coming into his room to comfort him when he wakes at night.
Once you have begun letting your baby drift off to sleep on his own, he should begin to sleep better. However, if he is still waking in the night, you should not head immediately to his bed. Instead, give him a chance to settle himself down. Some parents like to go in to their baby's room to check on the baby, and this is perfectly fine. Keep in mind, though, that once you're spotted, he won't want you to leave.
It might be easier if you let him cry for a little while, and once he has settled down, then go check on him. If you do go check him when he is crying, try not to pick him up. Instead, speak calmly and lovingly to him, then leave the room. Again, you will probably have to do this for several nights, but eventually he should learn how to sleep on his own.
Exceptions
Obviously, there will be incidences when your child has reasons to be more wakeful or more difficult to get to sleep.
Sickness
If your baby has been sleeping well at night and then has a bad night, be sure there isn't another problem such as an illness. Small babies can't tell you that they have an earache or tummy troubles, so pay attention to other signs. Does she have a fever? Is she pulling on her ear? Does she appear to be in pain? If you're not sure but you suspect an illness might be the cause for her wakefulness, then contact your pediatrician.
Changes
Have you recently moved to a different house or apartment? Are you and your spouse going through marital difficulties? Has there been a death in the family. Even if your baby is too young to understand what changes are occurring, he isn't too young to realize that his world is suddenly different. His wakefulness or sleep problems may be the way he shows his confusion and fear. Do what you can to comfort him, and try to keep his life and routine as normal as possible.
Finally, you can help your baby become a better sleeper. You may be surprised at what a difference a good night's rest can do for you both!
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