How to Train Your Little Child to Sleep through the Night

Wishing you could lose those sleepless nights since you brought your baby home? It may take some time and commitment but you can get you child to sleep through the night with just a few simple steps.+

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. As soon as possible, place your baby on a schedule. Have feedings at the same time everyday and set a bedtime. Of course, there can be a little room for adjustment seeing as how things do come up unexpectedly (the photographer took a little longer than expected, the grandparents stopped by unannounced, etc.) but try to stay as close to the routine as possible.

2. If you are co-sleeping, move your baby to his or her own room and crib if possible. While it is comforting for both parent and child to remain close at bedtime, especially during those first few weeks, it can also disturb sleeping patterns. When a parent is aware of every movement and sound, he or she is more likely to react to the slightest whimper than if the child was in another room. Likewise, the child is more aware of when the parent is awake and will be more likely to stir when the parent has to make a run to the rest room or get into a more comfortable sleeping position.

3. Gradually increase the intervals between nighttime feedings. If feedings are every two hours, gradually increase to every four hours, then every six and so on. Soon your child will no longer be waking for his or her bottle in the middle of the night.

4. Allow your child to try to get back to sleep on his own. If your child wakes between feedings, don't rush into the room the second he makes his first cry. Give him time to fall back to sleep without interfering. Five minutes of crying may seem like an eternity to a parent but it will be worth it in the long run.

5. If your child does not go back to sleep, comfort him in other ways besides offering a bottle. Quietly change her diaper and rock her back to sleep. Keep talking and other stimulation to an absolute minimum.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that even once a child begins sleeping through the night, there is always the possibility he or she will wake due to a bad dream, sickness, etc. Take the time to comfort your child and enjoy the time you can spend together.
• Remember, also, that this will take time and patience -- something a parent will need an abundance in this task and many others to come.
• Don't dismiss your child's crying if he sounds like he is in pain. In this instance give your child immediate attention rather than waiting for the crying to subside on its own.