Sleeping Difficulties in Babies and Infants
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies and infants at one
time or another suffer from sleeping difficulties. So if bed time is a difficult
time for you and your baby you are in good company. Rest assured that there is
probably nothing wrong but of course when you are in doubt seek professional
care. Jodi Mindell, a researcher and sleep expert at the Institute, has 3 tips
for worried parents.
1. Put your baby to bed when he/she is sleepy but not yet asleep.
That way you teach your infant to fall a sleep by himself. When baby is able to
do that around bedtime chances are he or she will wake up once or twice per
night. But because the baby is trained or used to falling asleep in his own bed
you don’t have to “rock or swing” him to sleep. Going back to sleep comes
naturally. And you will be much fitter the next day.
2. Define a strict bedtime regimen.
That way your child learns to get “tired” every afternoon and evening at about
the same time. Also it’s a good idea to extend this predictability to other
areas of the baby’s life. Certainty and safety will make the baby more relaxed
and will help him to grow to be a healthy adult. Make sure your baby does go to
bed early enough. Exhausted babies have trouble falling asleep.
3. Make strict use sleep rituals
Start at a young age with a bed time routine. Use a specific system in which
three or four activities are always done in the same order. For example, wash
first, then put on pajamas, and last but not least a bedtime story or song. That
way you create a predictable order of activities that make the change from
daytime activity to the slower pace of going to bed more gradual.
If you want to know more about this interesting topic read Jodi Mindell’s
book “Sleeping through the Night”. In my opinion this book is a must-read
for parents who worry about the sleeping habits of their little one. The book is
very readable and is packed with tips, tricks and explanations.
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