How to Get a Newborn to Sleep at Night

One of the greatest trials facing a new parent is lack of sleep. Even though newborns sleep a majority of the time, they're up every several hours to eat. And as your baby gets older, it's possible he could be up for hours on end every night. But you can train your baby to sleep through the night, finally giving you the rest you need.

Instructions

1. Establish a routine. This routine shouldn't be too long, but it should be long enough to signal that it's almost time for bed. Most parents choose a bath and a book, and maybe even a bottle. Keep the routine consistent every night and your baby will get in the groove.

2. Define night and day. It may be hard for you to understand, but your baby doesn't know there's a difference. During the day, open the blinds and keep the lights on. At night, keep the rooms dark and, if your baby does get up, be careful not to over stimulate your baby with playtime. Soon, he'll learn that when it's dark and quiet, it's time to sleep.

3. Set a consistent nap routine. Babies sleep better at night if they nap during the day. But make sure your baby isn't napping too much, otherwise he might not want to sleep at night.

4. Teach your baby to fall asleep on his own. Even if your little one falls asleep peacefully at 8 p.m., you might be up again if he wakes up in the middle of the night. But if he learns to put himself back to sleep, you'll enjoy a good night of rest.

5. Give your baby time in his crib. Some babies release the stress of their day by fussing in their crib before they fall asleep. It's okay to let your baby cry, as long as you don't let it go on too long. In the middle of the night, you may hear your baby stirring or even talking. Just like adults, babies move around at night, and some even talk or whine in their sleep. Give it some time before you go in there, because it's possible your baby is still sleeping.

6. Try a pacifier or teach your child to suck his thumb. The sucking motion can help relax your baby, putting him to sleep. One downside to a pacifier is, if he wakes up in the night, he might call for you to put it back in his mouth. But pacifier use is actually proven to help reduce the risk of SIDS.

7. Ask your doctor about middle of the night feedings. Some babies require these feedings, but other babies want them for comfort. Talk to your doctor and see if you can start to eliminate these feedings, allowing your baby to sleep through the night. The solution may be as easy as adding an extra feeding during the day.

8. Be patient. Every baby is different, and your baby might sleep through the night earlier or later than others. Get as much rest as you can and maintain a consistent schedule. Soon, you'll wake up in the morning and feel rested and renewed.