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In the first few weeks,
most babies sleep most of
the time, waking only for
feeding, including 2 or 3
times every night. By 3
months, many babies tend to
be awake for longer during
the day and sleep for
longer periods at night,
but most will still be
waking once or twice at
night to feed.
A bedtime routine :
You'll tune in to your
baby's individual needs and
should find a sleeping
routine that suits you both
best. Some babies settle
easily while others may
need help to relax into
sleep. As soon as possible,
try to establish a bedtime
routine.
After feeding, babies
are usually relaxed and
sleepy. Some babies,
however, start waking
frequently and will only
sleep when they have had
another feed.
Feed, play, then sleep
works well for some
parents. Follow this
routine during the day and
your baby may wake less at
night. At night when your
baby will soon learn the
difference between night
and day.
Singing, reading a
story or a gentle massage
can also be helpful.
Setting :
Settling your baby can be
frustrating and exhausting.
Remember, your calmness
will be reassuring and
comforting. If you feel
your baby's sleeping
patterns are making you
over-tired and irritable,
seek advice from your
pediatrician. It's
important that parents get
sleep too.
Many new mothers (and
fathers!) say that the
change to their own
sleeping pattern is the
hardest thing about having
a baby. Try to sleep when
your baby does if you need
to catch up. Take the phone
off the hook and take a
break when you can.
Friends, relatives and
neighbours can be great for
a helping hand.
Here are some ideas you
might like to try to settle
your baby • Check that your
baby's nappy is still clean
and dry.
Cuddle your baby while
you gently rock back and
forth, slowing down as your
baby calms.
Push your baby's pram
or bassinette back and
forth. Try rocking the pram
over a bump in the floor.
Swaddle or wrap your
baby - your pediatrician
can show you the best way
to do this.
Rhythmically pat your
baby's bottom, quickly at
first then slower as your
baby calms. If you start to
tire, or become aggravated,
stop and try something
else.
Play music
Change the baby's
position. Avoid putting on
their tummy.
Check that your baby is
not too hot or cold or that
clothing is not too tight.
Give a relaxation bath
and/or gentle massage.
Offer a top-up feed.
Take your baby for a
walk.
Take your baby for a
drive - with a capsule of
course. Take care you are
not too tired.
As a last resort, and
on the advice of your
pediatrician, your baby may
settle with a pacifier or
dummy. Never coat the teat
in honey or anything sweet
as this can lead to tooth
decay, even before the
teeth have emerged.
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