How to Prevent Sleep Problems in Babies

Are you the parent of a new born baby? Your most common complaint about your baby will most probably be his sleep problems. Sleep problems can cause a lot of stress in your life. Your baby ends up tired, you may be at your wits end and completely exhausted from being up all night with the baby.

Sleep patterns in babies take time to develop into a normal sleep. Most newborns sleep an average of 16 hours a day. However, this can be one to two hours a time, depending on the individual baby. By two to three months of age, however, your child should be on a reasonably regular sleep schedule

Although most sleep problems are normal, many of them are preventable. If your child is suffering from a sleep problem, you should take steps to solve the problem immediately rather than aggravate it. For example, many sleep problems develop when parents react too quickly to a child who is fussy at night. Let the baby be alone for a while and its most likely that he will fall asleep again. If you react immediately and pick up the baby, he soon learns to expect attention immediately.

There are no right or wrong ways to put your child to sleep. A technique that may work with your child might not work with another. Each child is unique. If you are having problems putting your child to sleep you may want to discuss this with your pediatrician and determine what would be the best method to put your child to sleep.

One of the best things you can do for your child is to be well rested yourself. When you are fresh and relaxed, you can cope better with your baby's situation. Of course, this is easier said than done. One tip to preserve your health and sanity is to take turns getting up with the baby. Alternating with your spouse will ensure that at least one of you is reasonably well rested. A good night's sleep will give you a bright new perspective in the morning. Get yourself a baby sitter for a couple of hours a week just so that you can spend some quality time with yourself and relax a bit.

Parents can prevent sleep problems by setting a simple sleep routine. For example, a bedtime routine may involve a warm shower, a snack, brushing teeth, a bed time story before bed and a snuggle. You need to develop a routine that is simple and that works for everyone in the family and make sure you are consistent.

Also create a calm and soothing sleep environment. Provide your child with a favorite toy or blanket or other attachment object that helps him sleep. Children should have fixed bedtime and awakening times. This will lead to a healthy sleep cycle.

Avoid letting your child fall asleep with a bottle, since the milk or juice will coat his teeth all night and promote cavities. Also avoid giving your baby a pacifier at bedtime. If it falls out while he is sleeping, when he wakes up he will cry out until it is replaced.

Give your baby love and attention but dont spoil him. Comfort him and give him a feeling of security. Spend a good amount of time with your baby each day. This will help reduce sleep problems.

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