What to Do for a Restless & Sleepless Baby?

Baby needs to learn to sleep on his own.

Your Baby Has a Hard Time Getting to Sleep

Establish a routine to help him expect bedtime. Focus all your attention on him during this bedtime ritual, and don't vary it. You can cuddle, sing to him or read him a short story. Keep the lights dim. Repeat the same routine nightly so he knows that at the end of the bedtime ritual, the lights will go off, and he will need to go to sleep.

Some babies are helped by having "white noise" to lull them to sleep. While you can buy a dedicated white noise machine, you can also leave a fan or vaporizer running. The sound of the motor may help your child get to sleep.

Your Baby Wakes Up During the Night

If your baby is younger than six months, it is normal for her to fall asleep easily, then awaken during the night. Breast-fed babies in particular need to eat more often, and so will wake during the night because they are hungry.

Comfort your child in her nighttime discomfort, but do not play with her. Make sure she is physically comfortable, with no scratchy pajamas or wet diapers. Settle your baby back down, but be boring and don't let her start playing with you.

Bottom Line

Whether your baby has trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, remember that your job is to get your baby to bed. Your baby has to learn how to go to sleep on his own. In either event, make sure you trade off with your partner so you are getting some sleep yourselves, and so you can be there for your baby when he is awake.

References

• University of Michigan Health System: Sleep Problems: Your Child