Problems in Sleeping through the Night

Establishing a Night-time Sleep Pattern

When should I try to establish a sleeping pattern for my baby ?

You must realize that the world is a bewildering place for your newborn. It is your job to make her feel loved and secure in the initial stages even if it means waking up for the sixth time in four hours at night to attend to her needs. The baby must feel that when she cries out, you care enough to respond. Do not try and discipline her into regulating her sleeping hours till she is more secure and feels more in control of her surroundings. Your baby must learn to fall asleep on her own, but leaving her to cry it out is a step that should not be taken until after the first few months have elapsed.
 

How do I teach my baby the difference between night and day ?
Make a clear distinction between day and night. During the day make her sleep in a pram, pushchair or outdoors. Avoid darkening the room and reducing the noise level when she naps in the day. When she wakes up, engage her in stimulating activity. Do the opposite at night. When you put your baby to sleep, ensure that she is contented and comfortable, darken the room and quiet things down. When she wakes up at night, feed her without playing with her or distracting her in any other way. You can also establish a bedtime routine. An ideal way to begin is by giving your baby a warm bath to relax her. Cuddle her and read her a bedtime story or sing her a lullaby. Make saying goodnight a part of the bedtime ritual. Teach your baby to kiss everybody goodnight before you leave the room. Turn on a night light if you think your baby is scared of the dark.

Tips for Mothers

My baby gets up when I try to put her down!  Am I doing something wrong ?
Imagine this scenario. Your arms are aching after rocking your wailing infant for what seems like hours, your feet hurt from pacing up and down, your voice is hoarse from singing lullabies. Your baby has finally settled down into a deep slumber. You put her down in her cot. A second later she is restless again and in a minute the wailing has resumed. 

How do I keep my sleeping baby from waking up when I put her down ?
All mothers go through this nightmare. There are various ways of coping. Wait a good ten minutes after she is deeply asleep before you put her down. Use a higher mattress on the baby cot so that it is easier to transfer the baby from your arms to the cot without disturbing her. Her bed should be made in advance and ensure that the sheets are warm. Cold sheets are uncomfortable and are bound to wake her up. Feed or rock your baby as close to her cot as possible. 

If you are seated, sit in a chair that is easy to get out of. Remember that the baby finds being in your arms a great comfort. If you put her down suddenly and leave her, she feels bereft of contact with you and will begin crying. Keep your hands on her for a little while after you put her down and pat her occasionally if she seems restless.

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