“Babies2Sleep helped me get my life back.”

Sleep, baby, sleep... quick tips for parents

By Karen R. Pollak
Founder, babies2sleep and DoubleTalk

Sleep. It's such a natural thing. Then why can it be so challenging to get a baby to nap well and sleep though the night? In my workshops, sleep seminars and private coaching sessions, I frequently see the same pitfalls and sleep 'mistakes' that parents make. In defense of all new, tired parents and those of us that have been there; we're just trying to get through a day (and night). So what if the baby falls asleep at the breast or ends up sleeping in our bed or is driven around in our cars for their two-hour naps?

Establishing good sleep habits now will provide lifelong benefits for your child. Keep in mind, however, that all babies are different. Some are born premature, so it's important that you take their adjusted age into account when setting expectations. Some are developmentally behind, whether they were categorized as 'preemies' or not. Boys and girls might attain skill levels in different orders and different paces, some need soothing one way, while others are comforted completely differently. The list of variables is long. Suffice it to say, however, that if your baby is a minimum of 12 weeks old (adjusted) and a minimum of 12-15 pounds, they are ready to take on some of what is described below.

Remember to pace yourselves! If you take on too much at once, you and your baby may become overwhelmed, and you could throw in the towel too soon! However, armed with these recommendations, you can begin to design and implement a plan that will lead to a good night's rest for all.

Develop a good daily schedule and follow it!
For the first 8-10 weeks or so (or longer if your baby was born early) just trying to get a baby through a feeding is a laborious undertaking. But as they evolve, you'll realize that keeping your baby's naps and feedings evenly spaced will be the first steps toward helping him develop a rhythm to his day.
Establish an appropriate bedtime
Parents often mistakenly think that if they keep baby up really late, maybe even as late as 10:00 or 11:00 o'clock at night, their baby will sleep well into the morning. Lo and behold, the opposite generally occurs. The ideal bedtime for a baby is between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Don't worry that if you put her down earlier she will wake up earlier. As it turns out, when babies are put to bed at a time that is right for their bodies, they will enjoy more productive and restorative sleep. If you are the family that is holding out bedtime in the hopes of longer stretches, back up!
Ensure productive naps to help night sleep
A baby who is not taking good daytime naps probably won't be a good night sleeper. Contrary to what one might think, good naps actually contribute to good night's sleep. Babies who go into the night well rested, not overly tired, are better prepared to sleep through 'til morning.
Know your baby's daily milk intake
Babies require adequate milk intake. By the time solid foods are introduced, most babies are consuming between 24-32 ounces of milk depending on their weight. The calculation for determining how much milk your baby may be drinking daily is 2-2.5 ounces multiplied by each pound baby weighs. If your baby isn't taking in this much during the day, he may not be ready to sleep through the night.
Put baby down for sleep drowsy but awake
By 10 weeks (adjusted), parents should try and put baby down for naps drowsy but awake at least once a day. By twelve weeks or so, work toward putting baby down to sleep drowsy, but awake each and every time. This helps him develop the skills to take him from drowsy to asleep. By becoming aware of the sensation of 'falling asleep'; when he wakes in the middle of a nap or at night, he will have an easier time putting himself back to sleep unaided.
Establish good nap and night routines
Babies thrive on routine, so make sure to deliver consistent nap and night routines to your baby that lets her know that it's time to wind down and rest. Be sure that the elements of your routine are ones that can be offered consistently. By keeping the routine in one location, your baby can settle in and relax without a change of scenery which can distract or stimulate them.
Read and respond to your baby's sleepy cues
Our babies communicate with us in many ways. One of those ways is by displaying cues that indicate that they are tired. Many parents wait until baby starts to display one or more of these signs before attempting to put them down for their naps. The trick here is to anticipate these cues by monitoring them over several days and getting baby down before he shows his tired signs.
Check for environmental impediments
Look around your baby's nursery. Is it dark enough for him? Is the room temperature between 65-68 degrees as recommended by the National SIDS Alliance? Is the baby comfortably dressed? Are there any stimulating posters, mobiles or other distractions in his view? Sometimes sleep can be disrupted or delayed if one of these details is off.
Introduce self soothing techniques
Have you introduced a transitional object or 'lovey' into the nap and night routine? Something your little one can derive comfort from in your absence? The vast majority of babies will connect with some sort of cuddle object if introduced and utilized properly. Make sure that you are consistent in offering him a lovey. When holding your baby, cuddling or relaxing, keep the object close at hand, even between you and him so he begins to make a connection.
Stick to one sleep 'training' methodology
There are so many sleep training books in the market place that it is often hard to choose which one to read. Everyone you speak with has their preference and you might find yourself choosing some techniques from one process and some from another. As a result, you might end up quite frustrated as the sum of these different parts don't add up to a whole, quality sleep plan. If you choose Ferber, follow his progressive waiting spacings. If you prefer Elizabeth Pantley, follow her protocol for 'intervention' and so on.

Leo J. Burke is quoted as saying, "People who say they sleep like a baby, usually don't have one!" But your baby can be a good sleeper; she may just need a little guidance from you. Put forth the effort and it will pay off. It may be a challenge you never anticipated, but done right, a good night's sleep is just around the corner.