Sleeping on a Schedule
Having your baby sleep through the night is not easy and is likely to cost you many sleepless nights. Don't worry, infants need to eat frequently and your schedule will simply revolve around their feeding schedule.
Your baby will need to eat every 2-3 hours if you are breastfeeding, or every 3-4 hours if you use formula. However, as his brain matures and he is able to sleep longer without food, you can start putting him on a fixed schedule.
A popular parenting book, What to Expect the First Year suggests starting a schedule around 3 months. Of course, every baby is different and you should do what is best for his personality, but few little ones will resist the comfort and stability that comes with such a routine.
First, establish a set bedtime and try to stick to it - your baby will get used to it and will sleep better. Watch for clues from him to see when he likes to wake up and go to bed (warning, these may not be the times you'd pick but you can try to shift them later on). A great schedule may go something like this: try this starting at 6.30; your baby will be in bed by 7.30 and you will have the evening to yourself.
- Some quiet play to get the little pumpkin ready for the night. A good way to finish the play is to start putting all the toys away. This is also a great way to teach your baby about order.
- Dim the lights and close the curtains or blinds to help him associate darkness with sleep. This will also come handy for daily naps.
- Bath. Most babies love water and will enjoy the bath. Aside from breastfeeding, this is probably the 2nd best way to connect/bond with your baby.
- Get the baby dressed in pajamas or other sleeping outfit. For babies 0-3 months I recommend using the swaddler to keep them comfy and on their backs. For babies 3-12 months I recommend using the Sleepsack (which looks like a little sleeping bag and zips up) with a onesie underneath it. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends putting babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. Make sure the night outfit is made of breathable fabric and the baby is warm but doesn't overheat. Don't over-bundle him with blankets, as these are other common causes for SIDS.
- Feed the sleepy head. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively for 6 months and continuing until 12 months or longer (adding some solids). You can switch to formula if that is what's best for your baby for medical or other reasons - as long as mother and baby are relaxed and in agreement on feeding, you should be fine. Read more about breastfeeding in Feeding your Baby: 0-6 mo, but know that there are plenty of helpful resources, including your hospital's lactation consultant and your local La Leche league.
- Snuggle together and read a couple of books. You can start this when your baby is just a few weeks. He probably will not understand the subject matter for a little while but will absolutely love hearing your voice (he's been hearing that voice for 9 months in the uterus). Over time, he will be able to recognize talking patterns and remember images and it will be a big help to his language development.
- Sing a few songs. As your baby grows into a toddler, he will be able to sing with you. Many sites offer lyrics to popular lullabies, such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Rock-a-Bye Baby. You can also make up a song about your day or anything in baby's life - your voice will do the trick and you will feel like a star no matter how out of tune you are.
- Put the baby to sleep on his back in his crib. AAP recommends that the baby sleep in the same room with you (also easier for breastfeeding) to reduce the risk of SIDS. Keep the crib clear of padding or toys for the same reason. Note, smaller babies may be able to sleep in the bassinet and some can only sleep in the bouncer or car seat, though crib is ideal.
- Kiss the baby good night, turn off the lights and leave the room. He may cry for a bit but as you practice this schedule, he will eventually settle down within minutes. You can come back in the room if he continues to cry, but again say good night and leave.
The schedule may or may not work right away. But try, try again, and you will succeed. Babies love a good schedule, so they will appreciate having the same one every night. Good luck and happy dreams!
