Most parents begin to wonder, at some point, if their baby will ever sleep through the night. You baby will learn to sleep through the night, but there are things you can do to encourage appropriate sleep patterns. Learn these techniques before you have the baby, and when you bring the baby home you will find night time sleep much easier to achieve.

Use simple techniques to teach your baby the difference between day and night. When it is daytime, spend time talking to your baby while you feed her. Keep her awake for a little play time after eating. At night, demonstrate the difference by avoiding too much talk and don’t take time to play. At night, keep the lights dim and try to interact only when the baby needs to eat or be changed. Work on learning techniques that will soothe your baby and get her back to sleep as quickly as possible.

Since your infant does not know how to get herself settled in for sleep, you will need to offer comfort and discover methods that work for getting your baby settled down. One good method for getting babies to go back to sleep is called hands-on settling. Instead of holding or rocking the baby, you place the baby in her crib or bed and reach in to comfort her and pat her. She learns to fall asleep in her bed, but recognizes that you are right there for her, as well.

Try not to get anxious or nervous when putting your baby down for sleep. Try to be relaxed and confident. Your baby will pick up on your body language. If you are anxious, she is likely to become anxious and restless, too. If you are calm and confident you can help your baby settle into her bed and feel comfortable.

As you implement these procedures make a routine part of your baby’s life. When she wakes feed her as soon as possible. During the day, allow time for play to help tire her out. Also, make sure you burp the baby well after every feeding. This will prevent her waking because of belly pain. This should help her sleep more soundly.

It will also help you to pay attention to your baby. Learn to identify indications that she is tired, such as rubbing her eyes. If you wait until the baby starts yawning and gets cranky, it is likely to be more difficult to get the baby to sleep. Help your baby get a good, comfortable night’s sleep by putting her down with a dry, clean diaper and comfortable, baby approved PJs.

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