Getting Baby To Sleep

During the first six weeks, getting baby to sleep is usually not the big problem it can become in later weeks. Babies and mothers both need to establish a firm bond and this often is best established through constant contact.

When my elder children were born, the babies were usually cared for in the hospital nursery, away from the mother and tucked firmly into cribs.

It always troubles me to hear that there are parents using sleep medications for getting baby to sleep. Not just for baby's welfare but for the parents as well. Sleeping pills can be deadly for babies and small children for the following reasons:

1. Your child could be in for a lifetime of sleeping pill addiction. When he turns into an adult, he may never be able to develop a healthy sleep routine.
2. No sleeping drug has ever been tested on a baby or young child. In the case of some over-the-counter medications containing histamines (Nytol or Sominex) the effects can be reversed and they can act as a stimulant. Getting baby to sleep with these medications is virtually impossible.

Swaddling is a great way to lengthen your baby's sleep. It simulates the womb by providing a warm, secure and snug environment. This age-old practice of wrapping your baby in cloth, is almost sure to help get your baby to sleep faster, and for a longer period of time. In addition to making your baby feel warm and secure, swaddling your baby is beneficial in keeping your baby from startling herself with flailing limbs and preventing scratches to your baby's face. Swaddling also helps to restrain the Moro Reflex, which is an involuntary spasm in response to a perceived loss of balance.

With a little light playtime, your baby will have the opportunity to unwind before bedtime. A little playing can help the baby to fall asleep quicker, however, be careful not to play to hard, that can hinder a baby in falling asleep and you want to get baby to sleep as quickly as possible.

Your baby's comfort can also help to get baby down in a timely fashion. Warm baths and a fresh diaper can lull a baby to sleep. In some cases, a comfortable set of pajamas can add to a baby's comfort level and promote a drowsy baby.

Getting babies to sleep can be a frustrating and draining process. Thankfully there are ways to make it easier for you and your baby, so neither of you have to suffer. This article will explain the biggest mistake new parents make when teaching their baby to sleep and how to overcome it.

A newborn baby will sleep from 16 to 20 hours per day. Unfortunately, this sleeping time is usually broken up into 2-4 hour periods. The key is to get your baby into a routine sleeping schedule. This type of consistency will allow you ample time for household chores, a good night's rest, and time in general just for you...( because we know that all moms need some of that.)