Understand that all babies have different sleep habits and that getting the family to coordinate shut-eye could be a years-long endeavor.
Step2
Cry bitterly about this reality, then pull yourself together. Remember, you are not alone. Helping your baby sleep through the night requires trial and error.
Step3
Establish bedtime and naptime routines early on. Stick with the schedule, and avoid letting your baby sleep more than a few hours during the day.
Step4
Create a bedtime routine. Feed your baby, then help him relax with soft music, a warm bath, reading or singing, and cuddling, rocking or calm stroking.
Step5
Change your baby's diaper before setting him down for the night.
Step6
Place your baby on his back. Pediatricians recommend this as one way to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Step7
Turn off the lights and leave so your baby can learn how to fall asleep on his own.
Step8
Consider waiting a moment or two before rushing to your baby's side if he starts whimpering in the crib after you've set him down.
Step9
Rub your baby's tummy, shoulders and arms if he begins to cry.
Step10
Consider the Ferber method: soothe your child only with your voice and gradually increase the amount of time you wait before checking up on your baby. The goal is to get your youngster used to falling asleep on his own.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid loud, boisterous, playful activities at night that could excite a baby into the wee hours of the night and blow your chance for a good night's sleep.
on 1/31/2008
I have tried everything to get my 8 month old on some sort of a nap and sleep routine but he's been completely unresponsive. If I try to let him "cry it out", he'll cry two hours straight. If I try to sit nearby and soothe him without taking him out of the crib, he stands himself up and bounces holding on to the side of the crib, talking and laughing. Even if he's tired, even with low lights, white noise, soothing lullabies, no noise, nightlights, baths, books, whatever. He just won't go to sleep when I try to put him down. The only time he'll go down is on my breast, and with his teeth coming in and fear of tooth decay I know Now is the time to wean him of that. The question is how... His dad works 12 hr days and isn't around for his sleep routines, and so its just me and I am getting nowhere. Help! Please, I am begging...
on 11/22/2005
According to Richard Ferber, M.D., author of "Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems," babies at one month should sleep a total of 15.5 hours (8.5 hours at night); at 18 months, a total of 13.5 hours; at 2 years, 13 hours; at 4 years 11.5 hours with no naps.
on 11/22/2005
According to Marc Weissbluth, M.D., author of "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child," babies ages 1-4 months should be set down to sleep after about 2 hours of wakefulness. After 2 hours, expect fatigue to set in. Watch the clock during the day.
Comments
MamaGreenwood said
on 1/31/2008 I have tried everything to get my 8 month old on some sort of a nap and sleep routine but he's been completely unresponsive. If I try to let him "cry it out", he'll cry two hours straight. If I try to sit nearby and soothe him without taking him out of the crib, he stands himself up and bounces holding on to the side of the crib, talking and laughing. Even if he's tired, even with low lights, white noise, soothing lullabies, no noise, nightlights, baths, books, whatever. He just won't go to sleep when I try to put him down. The only time he'll go down is on my breast, and with his teeth coming in and fear of tooth decay I know Now is the time to wean him of that. The question is how... His dad works 12 hr days and isn't around for his sleep routines, and so its just me and I am getting nowhere. Help! Please, I am begging...
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you have a swimming pool, let the baby swim in a float for a while before bed and they will drift right off to sleep.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 According to Richard Ferber, M.D., author of "Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems," babies at one month should sleep a total of 15.5 hours (8.5 hours at night); at 18 months, a total of 13.5 hours; at 2 years, 13 hours; at 4 years 11.5 hours with no naps.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 According to Marc Weissbluth, M.D., author of "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child," babies ages 1-4 months should be set down to sleep after about 2 hours of wakefulness. After 2 hours, expect fatigue to set in. Watch the clock during the day.