Wednesday, 25 February 2009

I've tried everything but my baby does not sleep yet. What do I do?

For the first six weeks - and sometimes 12 - most babies sleep so erratic. You're lucky if you see a pattern emerging before this date. But after three to four months, you can help your child in a regular pattern of sleep as long as you act consistently and positively. It may be difficult to know what to do for the better, especially when there is so much advice available. But you are the expert of your baby, and you know what will work best for your family. Then decide what you want, then go ahead. Babies are remarkably adaptable - you can teach your baby to sleep without you or with you in your bed or his bed. The choice is yours. But you are much more likely to stick to a plan that feels good for you that you find in a book or magazine. Each time your baby wakes up at night, you'll need to repeat what you do to help him fall asleep for the first time each evening. If you eat, to sleep, he needs you to do the same every time he wakes up, if you leave him alone to sleep, it is expected that. There are only two essential elements for any project: 1. Once you begin a course of action, see para. If you decide you do not go to rock your baby to sleep, but rather place it in his crib drowsy but awake and return to whisper reassurances to him every five or ten minutes, do not after 45 minutes - you have your baby just learned that he is worth his time to persist as long as possible. 2. Give your work time - at least a week or two. Each new plan means that you try to ask your baby to learn a new set of sleep habits. Old habits take time to disappear, and new time to settle. Do not confuse your baby by chopping and changing. Stick to your plan for at least one or two weeks. Your baby will be soothed into sleep by a predictable and relaxing bedtime routine, and you're ready to say good night once you've spent some time being very close with him. It will also be more likely to sleep if you try to avoid letting it fall asleep in the afternoon. If your baby does not sleep forever, despite your efforts, you May find it useful to talk to your health visitor.

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