Today, there are many young mothers who admit that they are in need of additional help and suggestions in order to cope with their routine tasks and never regret their decision to have a baby. One of the challenges is to understand that babies like to have their own schedules, and parents have nothing to do but to accept these demands and enjoy every moment they spend together with their baby. If grownups realize that a good portion of sleep is a norm, children establish their own rules and sleep when they want. The peculiar feature of the process of putting a baby to bed is its unpredictability: on the one hand, it has to be properly analyzed and followed, and, on the other hand, it may be successful even when no organization is observed at all.
The experience of many mothers proves that there are no definite sleep strategies for babies, and it is normal not to follow a plan but change approaches and investigate something new. Some mothers find it effective to read books or sing lullabies. Sometimes, such an approach can work, and arranging a quiet environment for a baby may help. Still, modern babies are complicated by their nature, and ordinary steps that were taken in the past may be ineffective. Young mothers introduce interesting and helpful approaches that can be useful for many other parents. One of such approaches is arranging a set of steps in the preparation of sound sleep.
First, a baby should be informed that it is high time to sleep. Though some people may think that little children who do not speak can hardly understand what their parents are talking about, such information serves as a symbolic click for a child. The second step is the choice of a location. In fact, children do not like to sleep in different places. The only requirement that should be met is that both parents should not try to put a baby to bed at the same time. As a rule, babies enjoy the presence of both parents in a room and try to play with them, share their emotions, or become as active as possible to use a moment. The third step is not complicated because a parent has to find out a kind of support for a baby to go to bed. For example, a favorite toy, a crib sheet, or even a bottle of milk may be a sign for a baby that it is high time to sleep.
Finally, a child-parent contact has to be properly developed. Many mothers make one single mistake – they look in their babies’ eyes when they want to help them fall asleep quickly. The less contact a parent offers to a baby, the better. It is possible to lie on the same bed, stay in the same room, or even tell a story. However, there is no need to look in the eyes and try to support or take pity. A baby may use such “techniques” as crying, faking, or an extreme desire to eat, drink, or visit a bathroom.
Parents should stay firm and confident and do all those “bathroom” things beforehand. Generally, there are all chances to achieve the goal in several minutes in case all process details are followed and taken into consideration. Parents may adore their children and believe that a five-month-old infant is able to understand when it is time to sleep. However, this mistake should be identified and corrected as soon as possible. The process of putting a baby to bed plays a crucial role, and parents should never neglect it in their upbringing.
Another practical tip is the right use of the light. As soon as the baby is a few weeks old, parents may start implementing sleeping pattern techniques with the help of the light. First of all, it is necessary to let in as much sunshine and bright light during the day as possible. If a baby does not have difficulties with daytime naps, he or she should be put down for such sleep in a room that is well-lit. However, when the time comes for nighttime sleep, it is necessary to change the light and encourage the baby for a long peaceful rest. Nowadays, there are many technological advancements available to create a soothing atmosphere and reach the best compromise between light and darkness.
The best solution is to install dimmers in the room where the baby sleeps. Moreover, it is necessary to have dim light options in the room where the baby spends much time. That way, a mother will be able to prepare the baby for sleep by lowering the brightness of the lights. This trick should be done approximately two hours before the preferred time of sleep. By doing so, a mother will set the mood for the baby and still have time to do some chores or play with her precious child in a calm atmosphere, simultaneously getting him or her ready for sleep. It is also crucial to keep in mind that when a child wakes up at night, no bright light is allowed since using it may give the child an erroneous concept of the daytime, which is understood by the baby as the wake time and playtime.
Not less important than the choice of light and other soothing techniques is the reaction of parents to their baby’s crying. Sometimes, a mother’s excessive protectiveness may have an adverse effect. It is a good idea not to rush to the baby whenever he or she produces a slight sound. Parents should wait a few minutes and give the baby an opportunity to calm down. Only if sounds persist, and it looks like the child is about to wake up, is it necessary to go and check on the baby.
However, if parents develop a tendency to approach the child at the slightest squeak, they will only teach their baby to wake up more frequently. Therefore, even if waiting gives some moral pain, it will bring physical gains in the form of sound sleep for the baby and a relaxed mood for parents.
Whatever technique of putting a baby to sleep parents choose, there is one common goal: creating the healthiest and most comfortable environment for a little individual who is only learning to live in this world. Parents should help their baby to develop a fixed sleep pattern since, on this pattern, their own sleep depends to a great extent. The success of the process cannot be predicted: sometimes, a fixed organization has the best effect, and sometimes, no organization at all may also lead to productive outcomes.
The important thing is to find the approach that fits one’s family best and apply it to gain the most favorable results. Choosing an appropriate sleep pattern for the baby will allow parents to save time on themselves and enjoy their new roles with harmony and love.