“Will my baby sleep through the night?” This question is often asked by many new (and exhausted moms), the answer is yes! However, some babies will be angelic and sleep through when they are very young; others may take that little bit longer. Unfortunately, there is no firm timetable, so all you can do is create the best conditions for your little one.
All babies have different sleep patterns, but it is really after six weeks that regular sleep cycles start to develop. At this time, they will have no concept of night and day and will sleep for up to fifteen hours, although not all at once! Breastfeeding mothers are more likely to feed on demand, for example, when the baby is awake and hungry (and when their milk is available) so in the early weeks it is difficult to develop a pattern, but this will soon happen. The main thing in the early stages is to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe and part of that is choosing the right place for them to sleep.
Bassinet or Crib
Every girlfriend, parent guide, experienced mom will have their advice to give, and the stores are full of different options. In the very early stages, when you bring your new bundle home, a glamorous bassinet is a great option. You can keep the baby close to you, in your bedroom if you wish while you try to relax, and it will take up much less room than a crib and is also a more economical option. Your baby will feel snug and cocooned, rather like still being in your womb, and will gain a sense of security and warmth, enabling them to settle more readily for sleep. Don’t forget to make time for yourself while the baby is sleeping; you can read a book to unwind, try to catch up on sleep yourself or try a relaxing pursuit such as origami way.
Moving on
As your baby grows and becomes more mobile (turning in their sleep) they will need more space, so this is the time to consider moving them into a crib. By this age (usually three to six months) their feeding patterns have normally emerged and therefore the need to have them close to you is less, so they can move into the wonderful nursery that you have prepared for them. One of the sensible options to consider when you are selecting your crib is one that will eventually convert into a Junior Bed – this not only saves you money but means that your child will already be familiar with their sleeping environment and the only change will be that the bars have been removed.
Disruptions to sleep
As your baby’s body changes and they become more ‘physical,’ meaning they are now completely rolling over or pulling themselves up against the bars of a crib, you may see a change to their nightly sleeping pattern. Don’t panic – this is often a short-term ‘blip,’ and very soon they will be back to their established routine. Whatever their age, it is really useful to develop a routine, whether it is their nightly bottle for little ones, a ten-minute rock in your nursing chair, or even a gentle massage. Whenever this activity occurs, your little one will recognize that it is time for bed and sleep. Then you and your family can turn on the night light, kiss them goodnight and relax!
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