Aradiia.Com - Sleep & Babies

Sleeping

I'm sure we have all heard the experts say that when it comes to a babies
sleep that routine is the answer. This is unfortunatley sometimes a
difficult thing to do everyday at the same time. But aslong as you have
a little bedtime ritutual, she will soon learn that a bath, feed then a story
means that it is now bedtime. There are many different things you can have
as your ritual, lullabies, change of clothes, gentle playing, storytelling etc,
aslong as it isn't too stimulating. Make sure you have a soft voice & gentle
movements so that she feels settled & relaxed. It is a great idea to put
your baby in her cot while she is still awake, this way she can become
familiar with her surroundings before she drifts off to sleep.
The reason this is important is because is she wakes up during the night
& she was put in her cot while she was asleep, she can be startled to
find that the cosy cuddle she was getting from you has gone & you are
no longer there. You will then find yourself resettling her during the night.
It would be like you falling asleep in your bed and waking up to find yourself
sitting in the car! You will need to make sure that the room isn't too bright
for sleep time. Many people use a night light or use a touch lamp on the low
setting. You may even want to install a dimmer switch in their room.
If you use energy saving bulbs, they should not be used with dimmer
switches. Once all of your babies other needs have been met, ie not too
hot, not too cold, full belly, & had some gentle attention (gentle rocking,
games, story), & you can notice they are giving you some tired signs
(rubbing their eyes, jerky movements, arching her back) it is time
to put ther in her cot to sleep.

Most babies aged between 6 - 12 months that wake for a feed during
the night, aren't
actually hungry. Because they are so used to having a feed during the night,
their body has told itself that it is hungry because it has always had a feed
at that time. Just before going to bed, try picking up your baby & offering
him a feed. Keep the lights dim & don't do anything to stimulate  him. After
his feed, place him back in his cot. If he does wake for a feed, try offering a
drink of water instead of a breast or bottle feed & resettle him back down.

Older babies are just as hard to settle. Before starting any new settling
technique, make sure that your baby is healthy and all her needs have been
met. It is also very important that you are feeling well too & if you can,
have someone there to support you. Most health Clinics have books & videos
you can hire on subjects like settling your baby & the "controlled comforting"
technique.

Another question alot of parents have is how many layers of sheeting
should I have on my baby's bed in different temperatures. Here is a
guide you may like to refer to.

15c & below your baby should have a sheet & 4 or more layers of blanket

15c - 17c your baby should have a sheet & 3 layers of blanket

17c - 21c your baby should have a sheet & 2 layers of blanket

21c - 23c your baby should have a sheet &  1 layer of blanket

23c & above your baby should only have a sheet.

Aslong as you are sensible about your baby's bedding, they will have a
comfortable sleep. Remember the much heard rule: If you are hot the
chances are your baby is boiling, & if you are cold, the chances are your
baby is freezing.

Toddlers can still have sleeping issues. A common one is waking during
the night & climbing into Mum & Dad's bed. One solution I have heard
that works is to speak to your child & let them know that they can't do
that anymore, you are not going anywhere & will see them in the morning.
Be sure to set the story time limit before you start reading the story. Make
certain you keep to this, otherwise they will think that everything you say
is flexible, for example, when you say that coming into your room during
the night is not allowed anymore. By talking to your child & explaining
everything you are going to do...& not do, will prevent your child from not
getting too anxious about the process, such as you not coming into the
room when they call out. If they do come out of the bedroom & wander to
your room or the tv, simply put them back into bed & let them know you will
see them in the morning. Discuss this with your partner prior to speaking
with your child to facilitate this learning time. They can also be your support
person. This may be a bumpy ride!

It is a good suggestion to have a reward program. Keep a chart on the
fridge. If they go through the night without coming & slipping into your bed,
they collect one sticker or stamp. If they accumulate 5 stickers, they receive
a reward such as their favourite food for dinner, watching TV an extra 30 mins
or a toy up to a set value. They may like to keep collecting rewards before
they "cash them in" so they can claim an even greater prize!

Food

Sleeping

Teething

Weaning

Immunisations

Health issues

Playtime

Day Care/
Baby Sitters

Development

Nursery Rhymes

Home

The information contained in the pages of Aradiia.com are a guide only & are not designed to replace medical advice. For any medical advice, see your local Child Health Clinic or doctor