There are many solutions to the problems associated with getting your baby to sleep. One of the most effective has to be creating the correct sleeping environment for your baby. The room that your baby in has to feel welcoming. It has to be a place where the baby will look forward to going for those mid-morning or afternoon naps.
This sleeping area will make an immediate connection to the baby so they know that when they enter they will associate it with sleep instantaneously. There are simple steps that can be taken to ensure that the place where your baby sleeps will very desirable to the infant.
Let’s first look at the baby itself and the preparation for sleep. Putting them down after a bath and feed is very effective. The baby will be refreshed after the bath and content after the feed. Ensure that the baby clothes are dry and comfortable and that they have no restrictions in the size that will pull if the baby twists into a different position. The baby clothes should be fresh and clean and not have any sharp uncomfortable tags that may irritate the back of the neck or collar.
The cot itself should be the right size so that the baby can move freely if needed. Do not be afraid to place additional pillows on top of the mattress if you need extra softness. As long as they are firmly covered by a soft and warm fleecy blanket then they will be fine. Baby sleeping bags (or sacks) are a great product and will ensure your baby is completely warm and secure but with the ability to move around freely. Do not place pillows or toys directly into the cot with the baby when sleeping. Remove all toys direct from the sleeping area because they can be very distracting and in the dark may look a little scary to the baby.
Ensure the room is heated to the right temperature. Not too cold as to be uncomfortable and not to hot or the room will become stuffy and make the babies throat dry. Do not be afraid to open the door a little to let any excess heat escape so the room does not overheat. Placing a glass of water in the room will ensure that the air will receive moisture.
Drafts from windows and air conditioning vents are a common problem and this is one if the easiest ways for your baby to get a temperature and a common cold. Run your hand down any windows to see if they have drafts that need to be insulated.
Warm lighting shades are essential in a baby’s room. If they are too bright, the room will have a cold appearance. Try having a dim light on in the room before you enter with the baby, this could even be a small light you find on many modern cots. It needs to be bright enough to see though not enough to stop your baby going to sleep. You can also open the curtains or blinds a little just to bring in a little light if your baby prefers not to sleep in total darkness.
You may find that purchasing an attractive nursery nightlight that provides a colorful silhouette is ideal. There are others that will display rotating shapes against the walls and ceilings and these are more suitable for older babies.
Some babies welcome a little music to accompany them to sleep and many of the modern cots have these installed as standard. Basic repertoires of nursery rhymes that can have their volume adjusted are ideal. As your baby goes into slumber you can turn the music down a little. If you turn it off completely it may startle the baby and you will be back to square one again.
Avoid letting a new baby sleep with other children in the room. They are a big distraction and other youngsters will not be able to appreciate the importance of baby sleep for the newborn as much as you do. They find them fascinating and will often disturb them even in a loving way.
I think you will find that trying a selection of these methods will have a positive effect on your baby’s sleeping habits. As long as the room where they sleep is associated with warmth and, I am sure you will see great results. Your baby will benefit from a good sleep and you never know, you may even have the chance to get some well earned sleep yourself.
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
M. Fynn has written many articles regarding baby care with the aim of assisting mothers and babies through the early months. http://www.babybehavior.net
