Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Baby Sleep Patterns

Baby SLEEP Problems




Nothing can be more pleasing than to see a newborn sleeping peacefully. A newborn needs 14 to 20 hours of sleep a day. It is essential for a baby to complete his/her cycle of sleep; otherwise, lack of sleep may affect his/her health adversely. Some kids get up from sleep, eat and go back to sleep. However, there are some that do not get a peaceful nap. Whatever the parents do to make them sleep, they will wake up in a few minutes and start crying.

This is one of the common problems faced by parents of a newborn. The baby’s sleep pattern can vary and parents may take some time to understand it. Their sleep patterns are subject to change at different places and time. The only time any parent can rest or do some other work is the time when babies sleep. But there are many problems that babies can face when it comes to sleeping. Read on to know more about baby sleep problems and solving them.

Sleeping Problem In Infants

Noise
Babies are very sensitive and even a slightest of disturbance or noise can wake them up from their sleep. Babies get restless and stressed if their sleep cycle is hampered. It is better to shut down all the disturbing noise when a baby is sleeping. Make your baby’s room sound-proof; so that nothing can spoil his/her sleep. A simple way do that is to shut all the doors and windows.

Time
Your baby may sleep at any time. However, it is always helpful to have a fixed time schedule for the baby. Keeping the time of baby’s sleep fixed will help the babies to get in a routine and once they are in a routine, it will become easier for you to plan out other works for the day. Nevertheless, there may be days when your baby refuses to sleep till he/she is too tired.

Bedding
Babies are not prone to changes and they love to stick to their routine. Any change in the discipline around them may make them unhappy. Similarly, the bedding on which a baby sleeps should also be maintained same. Try to have similar kind of bedding for the baby. This will make them comfortable and sleep peacefully.

Touch
It is nice to comfort the baby, sleep with them, and stroke them to make them go to sleep. However, do not make it a habit. If you make it a routine, the baby will expect the same routine by the same person every day, and if that will not happen it may lead to restlessness affecting his/her sleep. Babies tend to get dependent on one person (usually the mother) and feel protected, and always want the same person around while sleeping.

Lights
This is again about habit or routine. Some babies may get used to sleeping in dark, while for some any condition is just fine for sleeping. Try to minimize the use of lights when a baby is sleeping.

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