The Settle Down Time

All of us, from newborns to adults, move between light sleep and deep sleep during the night. Anyone who claims that her child sleeps straight through really means that when the child comes up into light sleep, he can go back to sleep on his own without crying or calling for a parent. Here are some tips to soothe your night time sleeper baby, but I’ve also added some extra tips for older children as well. Hey, most kids have older siblings, so why not add the tips?

0 to 3 months

A newborn's habits aren't fully established yet, so it is during these first weeks it's fine to let her doze off while you're nursing or rocking her. However, I must point out that by 8 to 10 weeks, she can begin learning to fall asleep on her own. Letting the baby fall asleep while feeding her can help to create a link between the two, making her more likely to cry for more when she wakes up later, this will not help.

If she starts to look sleepy during a feeding, you should try to ease her into her crib. You will want to stay nearby as she nods off, but don't hold her or rock her to sleep as she may become dependant on you too much. Babies this age need to feed all the time, so don't expect a completely undisturbed night.

When your baby wakes up at night, it's your job to teach her that it's not playtime but feeding time. Don't turn on the lights or play with the baby during this time. Just feed her, change her if she's wet, and set her back in her bed. If you choose not to indulge her in play and stimulation, she'll catch on quicker and lull herself back to sleep.

4 to 6 months

By 4 months, a baby can sleep six to 12 hours without waking up. Don't rush to pick her up as soon as she groans or whimpers because she will lull herself to sleep. If she does wake up and wants a feeding, stall a bit to be sure she really needs it. If she's been fed and changed and is still crying, you can go in and let her know you're there, but do not pick her up. Pat her and speak softly. Let her find out how to lull herself to sleep at this age.

7 to 12 months

Even if your baby made it through the night before, she'll likely start making a fuss at night again now that she is old enough to think for herself a bit more: She can now really miss you when she doesn't see you. Just offer her a bit of reassurance when she awakens and this will help her through this stage.

Babies' sleep patterns are often disrupted when they are learning a new skill. For example, if your baby is learning to pull herself up to a standing position, expect her to practice this in her crib at night, too. Actually it’s really cute. I used to catch my daughter doing it all of the time.

If you've gone back to work and find that your breast milk supply is getting lower, a nighttime feeding can help you maintain a good amount. It's easiest to keep your baby in your room if this is the case, but make sure your mate can follow this change.