Getting a baby to sleep through the night is one of the first things new parents look forward to after coming home from the hospital. However, new parents have to remember that it takes time for the baby to sleep through the night. Newborns will sleep anything from sixteen to twenty hours a day, usually a couple hours at a time. Their small stomachs means that they need to eat frequently, so it will take time before they are physically ready to sleep all night. Most infants are capable of sleeping all night by about three months.

Many parents set up a cradle in their room for those first few months to make those night-time feedings easier. Other families have adopted a co-sleeping method, where the baby is in the parents’ bed (with baby-proofing precautions, such as a rail on the outside edge and a firm mattress). But no matter which method works for your family, the baby can’t sleep through the night until they are physically ready to do so. Trying to force it too soon will just frustrate everyone.

One night, when the baby is around three or four months, you’ll wake up and realize they are still asleep. It’s a very nice feeling. But what do you do after you get used to it and they decide to not sleep all night again? By now, you should have a well-developed bedtime routine, but you may find you need to adjust things a little. Nap times begin to change, with the baby taking fewer and shorter naps. Sometimes simply adjusting the naps will take care of things, and your little one will be sleeping soundly all night again.

You may also need to adjust the before bedtime feeding a bit. If the baby’s tummy is full closer to bedtime, they will sleep longer. Getting the baby to sleep at least five to six hours is a good start when adjusting to going longer between feedings.

However, there are those babies who just don’t want to go back to sleep. They wake up either cranky or want to play. You have a few options. Some parents use the “cry it out” method, where they let the baby cry for increasing intervals, until they learn to fall asleep on their own. Others use a “peek in and check” method where they come in, but do not take the baby from the bed. They comfort them and help them drift back to sleep. Some have continued to use the co-sleeping method and just let the baby nurse and go back to sleep; some mothers barely realize the baby has been awake.

Another thing that might help is to give the baby a massage before bedtime. This can help the baby to relax more, and hopefully drift off into a deeper sleep. If they wake, you may want to give them a very short massage, possibly only on the arms and legs until they relax again.

Every child is different, so you need to find what works for you and your baby. Once you do, stick to it. Establishing a routine will help the baby realize that this is the way things are going to work. Before long, everyone is getting more sleep and feeling much more rested during the day.

Original post can be found here: Tips for Helping Baby Sleep the Whole Night Through

Colic is one of those things every parent hopes they can avoid. But what is colic? Colic is when a baby starts crying for no apparent reason for about three hours at a time. There is no real medical reason, or treatment, for colic. It usually starts when the baby is between two and six weeks old, and lasts until about three months old. It can be hard on the whole family.

Nursed babies tend to be less colicky, but there are still a few that may develop colic. Some people think the baby is hungry or in pain, but the truth is no one really knows why it happens. Some experts feel it could even be from an immature nervous system and it just takes time to develop.

So what can be done? There are a few things that you can try that may help calm your baby. But first, as difficult as it may be, try not to stress. The baby will pick up your feelings and it just makes things worse. Try to take turns with someone else when the baby is colicky. If you are alone with the baby and just feel overwhelmed, put the baby in the crib and go to another room. Even just a few minutes away can help you be better able to calm your baby. Never blame yourself or the baby. It just happens; you haven’t done anything wrong as a parent.

Motion has been shown to offer relief for some babies. Swings or car rides can sometimes help offer relief. It may just remind the baby of being in the womb. If you have a front-carrier or stroller, go for a walk, even if it is just around the house. Rock together and hum or sing to the baby.

Sometimes certain sounds will help the baby to settle down. Some have found that the sound of a fan, washer, dryer or vacuum seem to help calm the baby. Putting the baby in a carrier seat on top of the dryer may also help. Just be sure to stay with the baby, so they don’t vibrate off. Parents even combine using the sound of the vacuum with having the baby in a front-carrier.

Giving your baby a massage can sometimes help. Gently moving the legs toward the stomach can also help relive any excess gas that might be adding to the discomfort. The massage can relax the baby and maybe they can fall asleep during it. Sometimes a warm water bottle on the stomach can offer some relief as well – just be careful that it isn’t too hot.

If you notice a pattern to when your baby becomes colicky, try to snuggle before the fussiness starts. Sometimes that added attention might help reduce the intensity of the crying. Holding and loving your new baby is in no way spoiling them.

If none of these ideas help and you feel something is really wrong beyond colic, always give your pediatrician a call. Often just talking to the nurse can give you some peace of mind.

Original post can be found here: Tips to Help Colicky Babies Sleep Better

When a baby is born everyone has to make adjustments, including the baby. The baby is used to sleeping in the womb anytime. The mom’s movements during the day provide a comforting rocking motion. Once you come home from the hospital, it is time to start establishing routines that will help everyone adjust.

As you observe your little one, you will notice some signs that they are beginning to get tired, including yawning, stops playing, getting a dazed look and wanting to nurse – even if they ate not long ago. When you start seeing these signs, it is time to start the bedtime or nap routine.

There are a few things that are usually good to include in a bedtime routine. A bath followed by getting into pajamas will soon become a signal that it is time to settle down. There are some baby bath products that are supposed to help calm fussy babies, too, and help them relax for bedtime. Follow the bath with some time in the rocking chair and hopefully the baby will be drifting off soon.

By singing lullabies or reading stories, the baby falls asleep knowing you are still close by. This helps them feel safe and secure and able to fall asleep quicker. As they drift off, some babies can be placed in their crib while drowsy and they will fall to sleep the rest of the way on their own. Other babies need a little more time to fall into a deeper sleep before being moved.

There are two schools of thought on where the baby should sleep. Some are firm believes in the baby sleeping in their own crib. They use the “cry it out” method to help the baby learn to sleep on their own. Others use a “visit and leave” method, extending the amount of time the parent comes in to check on the child before returning to their own bed. When they come in, they don’t pick the child up, but rather comfort them while they remain in the crib. This assures the child that the parents are near by and they are safe.

On the other hand, some parents prefer to co-sleep, letting the baby sleep in the parents’ bed (with precautions to baby-proof the bed). This allows the child to be near mom all night. If you co-sleep, the baby might not go to bed until you do, allowing the baby fall asleep as they nurse. Many families prefer this, as it also allows for less missed sleep during the night. Sometimes neither the mother nor baby wake completely for nightly feedings. Some feel that this leads to too much dependence on the mother, but studies have shown it actually helps children to grow up feeling much more confident and closer to their parents.

You have to decide which works best for your family and establish routines to fit that choice. Once the baby gets used to a routine, and it works, continue with it each night. It may not be easy at first, but the consistency will pay off once everyone is getting a good night’s sleep.

Original post can be found here: Sleeping Doesn’t Come Naturally for Newborns

When expecting a new baby in the family, one of the most important purchases you will make will be the crib. There is a myriad of styles to choose from. How do you narrow it down to just one? Here are ten important considerations to help you make your decision:

1. Safety standards – The first consideration for any crib that is purchased is whether or not it is safe. Crib slats should have a span of no greater than 2 3/8 inches apart. This will prevent the infant from accidentally getting their head stuck between the slats.

2. Style – When selecting a crib, style plays a part. Do you want it painted or natural wood? Light or dark? If you have other furniture, do you want it to coordinate? One thing to avoid is a crib with finials, as it can be a choking hazard if babies get caught on it once they begin standing.

3. Convertible – Conversion cribs are a great investment. The crib can grow with the child. They cost a bit more to start with, but they can be reconfigured into a toddler bed, day bed and finally a twin bed. However, you may have to buy the supports for the twin bed and the mattress.

4. Wheels – There are pros and cons to having wheels on the crib. It can make it easy to move while cleaning, but you also have to make sure it has locks on the wheels to keep it from moving when you don’t want it to be moved.

5. Drop sides/release – Most parents need a drop side crib, unless they are tall. There are some cribs that have a drop on both sides, but most people only need it to be accessible from one side. You should also look for cribs with latches that are easy for the parent, but not the child, to release. There are two-handed or one-handed releases. Test out the cribs in the store and make sure you can do it easily. Also check to see if they move quietly, so it won’t wake up the baby. The side needs to be nine inches above the top of the mattress to protect the baby from accidentally rolling out before the side is back in place.

6. New vs. used – Some people want to save some money by buying a used crib. This isn’t always a problem; however, you have to make sure that it meets current standards. Check it to make sure it doesn’t wobble and has all the hardware in place. Make sure it’s not too old, as many older cribs had lead paint.

7. Stability – Make sure the crib you choose is stable. Most cribs have to be assembled once you bring them home. Be sure to purchase one that is easy to put together but is still sturdy enough.

8. Mattress – It is important to get the right mattress for the crib you purchase. Be sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If there are any gaps around the edges, it could be a danger to the baby. If you can fit two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the sides of the crib, it is too small. Be sure to buy a new, firm mattress.

9. Adjustable mattress height – In addition to the convertible cribs, it is important that you are able to adjust the height of the mattress as the child grows. A crib with at least a 26-inch span between the top of the rail and the mattress is a good guide.

10. Where to shop – There are many options for shopping for a crib. There are baby specialty stores, department stores, the internet, gently used baby stores, and garage sales. You have to balance cost against customer support, returns, and shipping. Shop around and find the best quality for the best price.

Original post can be found here: Ten Things to Consider When Purchasing a Baby Crib

Co-sleeping has been gaining in popularity in the United States over the last few years, despite criticisms. Some researches have said that co-sleeping in the parents’ bed is dangerous to the child. However, the statistics aren’t complete. Until the 1800s, co-sleeping was the norm in the States, and still is in many countries around the world.

In the 1800s, science was just starting to learn about germs, and it was felt that less contact with others would keep people healthier. This idea was also adopted when raising children. The development of formula milk also reduced the amount of mothers who breastfed their babies. However, as people begin to rediscover the benefits of co-sleeping, it is becoming more commonplace than many people realize.

As long as the parents take precautions to baby-proof their bed, just as they do the rest of the house, the benefits can outweigh the possible problems. Make sure you have a firm mattress, as soft mattresses or waterbeds are still not safe for babies. Co-sleeping is not recommended for obese parents or mothers who use sleep aids. It is best for the child to sleep on the outside edge of the bed, with a safety rail or a co-sleeper that attaches to the bed. Many parents prefer the co-sleeper bed, as it allows the child to be near, yet have their own space. It is also important to not have fluffy comforters, as they also pose a risk to the baby.

One of the most obvious benefits of co-sleeping is the ease of late night feedings. Both mother and baby lose less sleep, as the baby can start nursing without totally waking. The father usually doesn’t lose any sleep, either. Studies also show that breastfed babies are less susceptible to SIDS. The baby and mother’s breathing will often be in sync, encouraging the baby to breathe better.

Babies who co-sleep usually grow up to be well-adjusted and independent children. They know that they can count on their parents to be there and develop a close relationship with them. Many parents who work away from home enjoy having that additional time to bond with their children. Studies have also shown that these children tend to do better in school.

Co-sleeping isn’t for every family. However, the benefits may well outweigh the perceived problems. Some parents have tried it out of desperation after they couldn’t take the crying or loss of sleep anymore. They have quickly discovered that it works well and the whole family benefits from the arrangement.

Original post can be found here: Benefits of Co-Sleeping for Baby

Becoming a parent for the first time can be overwhelming, not matter how well prepared you may feel. Once the baby arrives, everything changes. You go through so many emotions and changes, but the most important thing is making sure the baby is healthy and safe. Your home is baby-proofed, but what about the baby’s crib?

SIDS has become an every increasing worry for parents of newborns. SIDS is something that can strike without warning in an otherwise seemingly healthy infant. SIDS is usually the diagnoses for infant deaths when all other possibilities have been ruled out after a thorough investigation. However, SIDS is not a simple case of the baby suffocating.

There is no definite answer as to what actually causes SIDS, as there is new research done each year. The occurrence of SIDS has reduced by 50% since 1983. There are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk of SIDS even more.

One of the most common words of advice is “Put your baby to sleep on their back”. Newborns should always sleep on their back on a firm mattress and tight fitting sheets. Sleeping on their stomachs can cause problems such the baby breathing too much carbon dioxide back in with each breath. Sleeping on their stomach increases the instances of sleep apnea as well.

Parents buy all the cute bedding, have matching comforters, bumper pads and other things. Unfortunately, these things may contribute to SIDS. The bumper pads can reduce the flow of fresh oxygen into the crib. Stuffed animals are also a danger in the crib. If comforters get near the infant’s face, it can cause the same rebreathing of carbon dioxide as if sleeping on the stomach.

Another thing to keep in mind is the proper amount of clothing during cold weather. The baby needs to be warm, but not overly warm, as this can also cause problems. Since you shouldn’t use a comforter, there are other options. A warm sleeper that has feet and mittens attached are usually enough. Another option is a sleep sack. It is kind of like a sleeping bag with head and armholes. It keeps the baby warm and safe. They aren’t able to squirm out of it, like they could a blanket. Swaddling newborns is also a good alternative when done correctly.

While some infants are more susceptible to SIDS, such as those with low birth weight or exposure to second-hand smoke, it is important to take all the precautions you can to help prevent the heartache of losing a child to SIDS.

Original post can be found here: Safety Concerns for Baby While Sleeping

When you bring home that newborn from the hospital, you soon realize that sleeping like a baby doesn’t mean what most people usually take it to mean. Babies need a lot of sleep; however, it takes time before they can sleep through the night. The amount of sleep children need changes as they get older. While every child is different, there are some basic guidelines that can help you know if your child is getting enough sleep during that all-important first year.

Newborn – When you first come home with that baby, you may feel like you are in a constant cycle of feeding and napping. This is completely normal. Newborns will sleep about sixteen hours a day, spread out in about two hour segments around the clock. When the stomach is still so small, babies need to eat frequently, especially if you are nursing. It is a good idea, especially when you first get home from the hospital, to nap during the day when the baby naps. You will be on their sleep schedule for a while.

Some nursing mothers use a co-sleeping method so that they lose less sleep until the baby begins to sleep through the night. By keeping the baby close, they feel secure and aren’t waking up frightened during the night. If you are bottle-feeding, you might try taking turns with the feedings with your partner, so both of you get a little more sleep.

One Month – By the time the baby is about one month old, they are starting to be awake more, as they are learning about the world around them. They will usually sleep about fifteen hours a day, with around six hours of that time during the day. You will quickly pick up on the cues that the baby is ready for a nap; some will fall asleep shortly after a feed or even while they are feeding.

Three Months – Now is the time that every parent lives for: the baby normally begins to sleep through the night. By about three months, their stomach has grown and they can eat more, so they can sleep longer at a stretch during the night. They still sleep about fifteen hours, but their naptime decreases to about five hours. Not every child will start to sleep through the night right at three months. Some take a little longer. When you start to introduce some solid foods, that also usually helps the baby begin to sleep longer at night.

Six Months – At six months, babies drop to needing about fourteen hours of sleep each day, with only about four hours at naptime. However, sometimes at about six months, infants will still wake up during the night. If they are sleeping in their own room, they will wake and realize that mom is not right there. Sometimes they will go back to sleep, but sometimes they just need to know you are there.

Nine Months – Nine months is another milestone. By now, they should be sleeping through the night regularly. While they still need about fourteen hours of sleep, they begin to nap less. They may only nap about three hours during the day.

Twelve Months – By the time the baby is about a year old, they will normally be sleeping about thirteen hours a day. They will sleep about ten or eleven at night, with a two or three hour nap during the day. Some children may not want to even nap at all. They are too busy exploring their world, but it is still a good idea to try to encourage naptime.

As with most growth milestones, no two children are exactly alike. Be flexible, but still try to ensure that your baby is getting enough rest. It will make life easier for all of you.

Original post can be found here: How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need?

There are very few things more relaxing than a massage. Giving babies massages has been proven to not only help them relax, but has shown to improve their sleep habits. By relaxing them before bedtime, they can fall into a deeper sleep sooner. It can also help with colicky babies.

Studies have shown that massage has helped premature babies gain more weight quicker. According to one study, “preemies who were massaged three times daily for ten days gained almost 50 percent more weight, were more active and alert and were able to leave the hospital six days earlier than other premature infants” (Nelsson-Ryan). Physical contact is so important, especially in the first few weeks, before babies are able to see well.

There are places that offer training in infant massage, as well as videos. However, a few simple techniques are all you need to get started. You can use baby lotion, or natural oils such as almond or vegetable oil with natural fragrances added. You shouldn’t use the oil on the head or face area.

First, be sure the baby is not too fussy and able to lay still, about an hour after a feeding. Some recommend removing everything, including the diaper. However, you may want to leave the diaper on to avoid any accidents until you massage the stomach.

Find a safe, soft place where the baby won’t roll off onto the floor. Be sure that the room is at a comfortable temperature. Lay the baby on the back, and smile and talk gently while you do the massage.

Start with the head and face, using only as much pressure as you would use if you were to press on your eyelid without causing discomfort. Work from the forehead to the top of the head, moving in gentle strokes. Move from the center toward the outside and back.

Carefully work your way down the neck and shoulders area, again using very light pressure. Work on each arm by making a ring from your thumb and finger, sliding down the arm. Roll the arm gently between your hands. Massage the hands and fingers as well.

Then, massage gently down the stomach area, in circles. If you’ve had the diaper on, remove it to expose the stomach and then replace it before you begin the legs. Work down each leg, similar to the way you did the arms. Gently bend the legs toward the stomach. This can help gas bubbles that may be trapped to move out. This also helps with the colicky babies.

Once you finish with the legs and feet, turn the baby over and start from the back of the head and work your way down to the feet again. Do not actually massage the spine area. You can make gentle circles with your fingertips on the back. Complete the massage down to the toes again.

Some babies will only want a couple of minutes of massage to start with. Once the baby gets used to the massage, you can increase the time spent. It may soon become the favorite part of the day. This is something that both the mother and father can share in with the baby, creating a special bond.

Original post can be found here: Baby Massage to Help Relax Your Baby into Sleep

When it is time to go to bed, adults have our routines: a cup of tea, a good book, watch a little TV, brush your teeth, or take a relaxing bath. No matter what routine you have, it helps you to sleep better. Babies are no different. They need a routine to help them get to sleep as well. It is up to you to find out what works best for your baby.

For babies, the routines can be fairly simple and shouldn’t take too long. If it takes too long, the baby can sometimes get a second wind and be harder to get to sleep. A bath is a nice start to the evening. There are even soothing baby baths that are nice to use. Then you can snuggle them into some comfy pajamas.

After that, sitting together in a rocking chair is a nice way to spend some time together before the baby nods off to sleep. Singing or playing some lullabies while you rock can help relax the baby to sleep. You have to be careful not to move too soon to put the baby in the crib, or you may find yourself starting over. Watch for steady breathing, and relaxed arms and legs.

Another wonderful addition to any bedtime routine is reading bedtime stories. This is one that will continue as the baby gets older. Children love bedtime stories, and it also encourages them to become readers themselves.

It may take awhile to find what works best for your baby at bedtime. Give it a week or two before you make any changes to see if the baby will adjust to it. If it’s still not working, try a slight change, only replacing one part of the routine. Eventually you will find the right combination.

Consistency is the key, once you’ve established a routine that works. It may be hard to keep up with at times, but babies need that steady habit. Once they are used to it, bedtime won’t be a struggle, but an enjoyable time for both of you.

Original post can be found here: Creating a Bedtime Routine to Help Baby Sleep

Decorating the nursery is one of the first things expectant parents tend to do. There are so many adorable things to choose from. There are a few must-haves that every new baby will need when they first come home from the hospital.

Every baby needs somewhere to sleep, so a crib is a good start. Some people prefer to have the baby in a bassinet or cradle in their room until the baby is a bit older. This way the baby is close by at night, and the smaller size of the bassinet makes the adjustment a little easier for some babies. Co-sleepers are also popular, as it keeps the baby even closer for late night feedings, but is still in their own space. Take your time when shopping to make sure you are getting the best quality for the money.

Having the right mattress for the crib is also crucial. It should be a new, firm mattress. The mattress also needs to fit snugly in the crib. If you can fit two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the crib frame, the mattress is too small.

You can never have enough sheets. When those inevitable leaks happen, it is good to have plenty of replacement sheets handy for quick changes during the night or naptime. It is also important that the sheets fit well. If they are too loose, they can tangle around the baby at night.

Most people love the adorable comforter sets. They come with matching bumper pads and sheets. However, research has shown that it is best to not have the comforter and bumper pads in the crib as they can contribute to SIDS when the baby is less than a year old. You can still get the sets, and simply use the comforter while snuggling in the rocker until the baby is old enough to use it in the crib.

A great alternative to the comforters for keeping the baby warm is the baby sack. These are like sleeping bags with head and armholes. They keep the baby warm and they aren’t able to squirm out from under them like they can a blanket.

Once you’ve purchased the bedding for the baby’s room, be sure to wash it first with a gentle baby detergent. It will help reduce any possible dye residue on the product, as well as give it a nice, fresh scent.

Original post can be found here: Baby Bedding Necessities