Helping Babies Sleep Through the Night

How do you get babies to sleep through most of the night? That's one question most new parents ask themselves and others. Well, first of all it's better to accept the fact that your life has done a complete U-turn, things have changed, nothing will ever be the same again, more so your nights. Once that is clear you will have the patience to go through with the process of adjustment better.

Babies, generally, love to stay awake at night and that becomes a nightmare of sorts for most parents. But, it doesn't necessarily have to be like that. Once your baby knows how to sleep throughout the night, it will not only give you the much required uninterrupted sleep but also make everything else seem easier. The first thing to remember when bringing up a baby is that no two babies are the same. One starts to sleep the whole night when she is just two weeks old, another might take longer, there are some who can't do that for the first three months of their lives! So, never compare your baby's sleep patterns with another's.

A good thing to do is getting your baby used to a routine for bedtime as soon as it becomes possible. Since, they are new to world, they essentially can't differentiate between day and night and it is your responsibility to teach them. It is important to let them know that night-time is sleep-time. Sleep-time routines can range from bathing to giving a last feed to singing a lullaby. You should also help the baby get into the habit of falling asleep by herself, so that when she does wake up in the night she doesn't need poor old mum's help to go back to sleep.

Some babies need to be fed during the night, some do not. It's as simple as that! Decide which category your baby belongs to and then go about setting her routine. Do not force-feed, as in every time the baby wakes up, do not think she wants to be fed. Remember this thumb rule and you will be better off. If night-time feeds have been a routine, some babies will wake up just because they are habitual, not because they are hungry. It's best to give cooled boiled water to them; they will eventually lose interest in this night-time ritual and stop waking up altogether.

If you can't avoid night-time feeds totally, at least keep them as low-key as possible. Don't switch on too many lights. Babies will think it is daytime and start playing with you. Do not stimulate the baby during feeds. If they think for even once that you are being playful, they will not fall back asleep and give you a tough time. Feeding time should be as quiet and as quick as humanly possible. Do not gaze lovingly at the baby. Easier said than done, you think! However, this toughness is necessary if you want your share of sleep. Babies should know that 3am is not really the time to play. Furthermore, remember that there is nothing more 'wakeful' for a baby than being changed. Avoid doing that as much as possible.

A lot of babies eventually get into a routine as they get older. The first six months can be tough, but don't lose patience just because the baby isn't sleeping. Much worse could happen. Perseverance will pay when in no time you will have a toddler in your arms, and you will love the baby years.