feeding, sleeping and crying
Hush Little Baby
WAAaaa!
An all-too-familiar cry pierces the darkness into your haze of exhaustion. Bleary-eyed, you drag your weary body out of bed and stagger down the hall to a crib where your precious angel attempts to wake the heavens with her screams.
This midnight madness stage in a baby's growth is one that no parent will ever forget and all parents can relate to. Some even boast of their sleep-deprived accomplishments, saying: “I once went 52 hours with two hours of sleep, and I was nursing!”
One third of parents with 6-month-old babies report they wake up between one and eight times per night. The good news is ... this too shall pass. But until it does, here are some survival tips:
- Learn your baby's language. As her only form of communication, a baby's screams are designed to get your attention. Learn to distinguish cries of hunger, pain, discomfort, boredom and fatigue. During the first three months of a child's life, there is no conscious effort that motivates crying beyond survival mechanisms, so learn to translate crying in terms of a baby's needs.
- Establish a bedtime routine. Some experts say 95 percent of sleep problems in young children result from parents who do not allow their children to learn how to fall asleep alone. Routines help a baby learn this important process. Make an effort to increase awake time during the day. Try regular feedings, cuddling, bath times or singing as a relaxing time before bed. Consistency is important in helping your child develop regular sleep patterns.
- Respond to their needs. It's impossible to spoil a child during the first three months of life. You cannot be too attentive. Security, affection and warmth should characterize the first year, which helps lay the foundation for emotional and physical health. When taking care of your baby's nighttime needs, keep the stimulation to a minimum. For example, speak only if necessary and keep the lights low. This will help your child fall back to sleep more quickly.
Though each child passes through stages at different speeds, most infants sleep five consecutive hours by six months. With this blessed hope in mind, sweet dreams to all and to all a good night!
Background Information
Breast to Bottle
These tips can help make a smooth transition for both Mom and baby.
Ready for Meat and Potatoes
If a couple of teeth erupt before six months of age (the usual time of the first appearance of teeth), this in itself is not a sign that your baby is ready for pizza.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
This advice won't eliminate all cases of SIDS, but it could save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives every year.
Why Won't They Eat?
One of life's greatest mysteries is how a preschooler can survive on three spaghetti noodles, half a banana and a graham cracker for an entire day!
Questions and Answers
Should a parent try to force a child to eat?
Answer
What are "night terrors?"
Answer
What causes a child to wet the bed?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Children: Are They Worth It?
Children can be demanding, frustrating and exhausting. But they can also be a tremendous source of positive change in our lives.
Related Topics
Transitions: Having a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family
Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families
