How to to Get Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Moms are exhausted enough and who has time to read the latest edition of Happiest Baby on the Block or the latest book from Dr. Sears? If you’re tired of the problems of sleepless nights and a little one that won’t sleep for more than a few hours at a time, keep reading for six essential tips from the top sources on how to get your baby to fall asleep.

1. Keep your baby sniffle-free.

A very young infant can't breathe through his mouth easily, so if his nose is stuffy, he may not sleep well. To help, keep your baby's bedroom free of dust and allergens - dust often, avoid tracking in outside allergens and consider purchasing a HEPA air filter for the room.

2. Learn your baby's sleep phases.

Babies up to 3 months of age spend about half of their sleeping hours in the light, active stage of sleep known as REM, which may play a role in brain development. In contrast, adults only spend about 25 percent of their sleep in REM. So if you hear noises in the nursery, wait before you pick your baby up - he may still be sleeping.

3. Don't panic if your infant's breathing is a bit irregular.

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Guide to Your Child's Sleep, a sleeping baby under 2 months of age may go for up to 10 seconds without taking a breath. Your child should look normal during this brief pause, but if he seems to be struggling for air, call your doctor immediately.

4. Try not to let your worry wake your baby.

Studies have shown that babies born after a long or difficult labor tend to wake more at night during their first year than infants who've had uncomplicated births. According to the AAP guide, researchers found that babies in both groups were healthy, but parents of the first group picked their babies up more, waking them.

5. Soothe separation anxiety at bedtime.

Separation anxiety is one of the main causes of disrupted sleep for infants. Once put down to sleep, they feel stressed when their parent isn't around. Try moving your child's crib into your room for a few days for reassurance or consider getting a side sleeper, a small baby’s bed that attaches to your own bed.

6. Keep major milestones in mind.

When a baby first learns a developmental skill (like crawling or walking), his sleep could be disrupted by an urge to practice it. It’s a natural part of learning development. Don't worry, he'll get back to sleep soon

Discover more help on surviving new parenthood, and get important information about newborn baby sleep, feeding and your own rest.

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