4 tips to Getting Baby to Sleep at Night

Author: M Jayne

We are all well aware of how quality baby sleep is an essential basis for his health and development. This is just one of the main reasons getting baby to sleep at night is a MUST in the parenting books. The pleasure in seeing a baby sleep is hardly measurable but having to see and hear him cry all night is torture for a parent.

Here is some professional and personal guidance that I used as aids on my journey to having an independently sleeping baby from 1 year old.

1. Wind your baby down. A fuss-free routine will assist in establishing your baby's sleep pattern and in turn will provide a more content child at night.

• Choose the same time every night to put baby to bed. If you want your baby to be in bed sleeping by 8pm then begin the routine 20 minutes before eight.
• Dim the lights and set the mood for winding down. This will let your baby know it is almost time for sleep.
• A quiet atmosphere with little noise
• Rock you baby or cuddle for a while. Do not feed your baby at this time. Dinner should be finished before bedtime. Ensure he has been fed before winding down time.
• Take baby to his cot/crib, keeping lights in his room dim. Sing a lullaby, then say goodnight. If you need to stay in the room with the baby for a while do not talk to him and do not have any eye contact. Eye contact and vocal sounds from mom and dad arouses your child’s attention.
• For a toddler you can give a bath and or a baby massage, then a story (with cuddles), then off to bed. Sing a lullaby. Then say goodnight.

The above routine, which ever you choose, MUST be adhered to every night, by any person that puts your child to bed. When you accomplish this, hassle free, parents are halfway to getting baby to sleep at night - nightmare free.

2. Lil' light, lavender and Music Lavender essential oil and music are a fabulous combination to relax and sooth the senses. Your baby is no different. Simply do the following:

• sprinkle a FEW drops of lavender essential oil on his pillow. Take care to close the bottle tightly and put in away where baby can't reach it.
• Play Soft, soothing music for him, preferably orchestra music. Do this before you read the story or sing a lullaby so your baby can begin to relax.
• Put a nightlight in the baby's room so he doesn’t feel afraid as much when you are not there. Using an aquarium as a night light is an idea worth looking into. Your baby can watch the fish as he falls asleep.

3. Baby reverse psychology. This is for a baby who is old enough to understand a bit of what you are saying to him. It’s a little but it can go a long way.

If you decided to use a small aquarium to assist on this journey place it in an area where he can see it as he is lying down in his bed.

Talk to him about the aquarium and how at bedtime he can watch the fish dance to the music. Give him a 1-2 things to see or look at in the tank.

As you are winding him down tell him he doesn't need to sleep (reverse psychology) but instead he can watch the fish dance to the music in the water, but must stay lying down in bed. Give him little things to look for in the aquarium.

When you put him in his bed briefly remind him of the things to look for and the dancing fish.

Do not take too long with the story and/or lullaby. It should be brief but not rushed.

IF you notice your baby is heading toward the crying stage, while on his way to bed something you can try is to make a deal with him that you will read 2 stories instead of 1 or 2 songs instead of 1 IF he promises to stay in bed and not cry. Don’t push the words “Sleep" or that he “must go to sleep now”. You must stick to your promise and he must stick to his. Remind him of this. Once again, consistency is key to success.

Do not let your baby see or feel you get agitated or affected by his crying. Often when a child sees this it tells him his parents might weaken and allow him to get away with things. If you have to, step away for a minute and take a breather. Be sure your baby is in a safe place while you do this.

4. Afternoon Snooze. Babies and naptime go hand in hand. A baby that has a nap in the afternoon is better rested for the remainder of his busy day. He will eat better, listen better and learn better. He will have more positive energy and be a lot less cranky. But this tip also enables your child to sleep better at night because his body and brain are not on overload, yet tired enough to fall asleep at the routine time mom and dad put him to bed.

With the above professional advice and personal tips, getting baby to sleep at night is one step closer. Remember, consistency is the key to making this task successful. All participants must adhere to the same above practices and be diligent but gentle and patient.

FREE "Bedtime Delights" to help parent and child while working through a sleep routine and getting baby to sleep at night.

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 4 tips to Getting Baby to Sleep at Night