TLC Child Care Resources - Tips on Putting Baby To Sleep]

Practical Parenting Tips
PUTTING YOUR BABY TO SLEEP

Some babies sleep for long stretches of time, others catnap through the 24 hours, and many seem to prefer sleeping through the day rather than the night. A new baby sleeping through the night is the exception, not the rule, whatever your friends and relatives may say. During the first three to six months, parents usually have to adjust their own sleeping habits to the baby's, or take shifts, to avoid exhaustion. (and, in fact, one definition of a parent is " A person who is no longer EVER guaranteed a full night's sleep!")

Inducing Sleep
Sometimes babies need a little time to cry or fuss before sleeping. You'll soon know if the crying means something serious. Your first thought will be for the baby's comfort. Position him or her on it's back. (Studies have shown that placing the baby on it's back to sleep may decrease chance of SIDS)
It's not necessary or practical to try to live in a silent house. If you maintain a reasonable level of noise, the baby will become accustomed to it. You may wish to platy a radio softly just outside the baby's room. (But if you find that the shrill ring of the phone does wake the baby, put a pad under the phone; a thick potholder works nicely.) Remember that giving the baby a feeling of security is the most important thing.

Establish a "sleep routine" from the beginning, especially if you'll be traveling or expecting the baby to sleep in different places. Sing the same lullaby every time and rub a special spot, perhaps the back of the head or the forehead, and rub that spot at sleep time ONLY.
Attach springs to the bottoms of the crib legs and try rocking the baby to sleep.
Spray the bassinet sheets very lightly with the same perfume you used in the hospital and it will seem to your baby that you are near.
Try confining the baby gently, bundling him or her lightly in a receiving blanket. Some babies sleep better with a rather firm swaddling, reminiscent of the pre-birth environment.
Place the baby on his or her side. Roll up tow receiving blankets and put one roll along the baby's neck, the other along the stomach. Tuck in snugly.
Position the baby in a corner of the crib or bassinet with his or her head touching the bumper or soft padding to provide a feeling of security. This also allows you to move the baby from corner to corner if the sheet gets wet or soiled.
Let the baby sleep upright occasionally, if he or she prefers it, using an infant seat or carrying him or her in a soft fabric front carrier.
Slip a warm heating pad or hot water bottle onto the sheet when you take the baby up for a feeding so that the bed will be warm when you return him or her to it (but then take pad or bottle out.) Or warm a blanket in the dryer while you feed the baby, if that's convenient.
Tape record the sound of a running dishwasher or of water filling the tub and play it to lull a child t sleep. The sound of running water simulates intrauterine sounds.
Or invest in the rather expensive electronic teddy bear which also duplicates intrauterine sounds. Start using it right from the beginning, say parents who like it.

When The Baby Confuses Day and Night
This phenomenon is often associated with colic. If the father works outside and the mother stays home, it's logical that she bear the brunt, but she MUST catch up on her sleep during the day, whenever the baby naps. If both work, they must share the nighttime discomfort.

Try to keep the baby awake during the early evening to encourage the swing to nighttime sleep. Keep the baby slightly cool and upright in infant seat or carrier. Talk, sing, dance or do whatever will stimulate the baby.
Add a little cereal to the last evening bottle for a meal a bit more substantial.
Change bath time to just before bedtime so the baby will be relaxed.
Give night feedings in dim light so the baby will realize that they're different from daytime feedings.
Avoid too many visitors and too much handling of the baby by strangers, which can over stimulate the baby and make sleep difficult.
Allow yourself a good cry! This, too, will pass.

Making Night Checking Easier

Put a dimmer on the light switch
Keep a soft night light burning in the baby's room
Use a flashlight; keep it near your bed.
Apply petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to the side rails of the crib to keep them from squeaking when they're raised or lowered. Or rub them with waxed paper.

Keeping Your Baby Cozy

Test for comfort by gently touch the back of the baby's neck. (Be sure your hand is not cold; warm it next to your body or under hot water first if necessary. ) If the baby's neck is warm, he or she is comfortable. If it's damp, the baby may be too warm. Arms and legs can also give a hint as to the baby's comfort, and you can check for a pink or rosy color. Don't go by feeling of the baby's hands - they usually feel cold.
Us blanket sleepers of various weights, depending on the season, and skip a blanket altogether. If you're really worried about the baby being cold, put on two sets of sleepers, but be sure they don't bind and cut off circulation.
Use rubberized flannel "lap pad" over crib sheets, or spread a diaper across the sheet, to avoid having to disturb the baby by changing sheets after every leak and spit up.

Legal:

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