The 7 Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes That Parents Make

When parents face difficulties with infant and child sleep issues, they can often feel helpless and alone. Although it seems like everyone has advice to give, it seems like nobody offers a definitive plan as to how to get your child to sleep through the night

The topic of infant sleep is foremost in every new parent's mind, and the information available on the subject is highly varied. Some books recommend getting up with your baby a dozen times a night, while others suggest letting them cry until they throw up! With contradictory advice like this, its no wonder parents are confused.

Although most parents can appreciate that their infant needs to sleep in order to grow and develop, many are unaware of the important sleep associations children acquire along the way. If a child is not given the opportunity to develop strategies to fall and stay asleep on their own, they may become dependent on outside stimuli to assist them. Consider these tips below for helping your child get the sleep they need?

1. The single most important skill you can teach children is how to fall asleep on their own without any external help. It is a life skill that is just as important as learning healthy eating habits or the benefits of daily exercise.

2. Consistency is the key. Whatever your method, you need to stick to it. Bedtime and naptime have to be non-negotiable. Sleep is just as important to a child's health as a nutritious meal.

3. A predictable bedtime routine is an important cue to let the child's body know that bedtime is near and its time to relax and prepare for nighttime sleep.

4. A short naptime routine will help in creating a relaxing environment that will prepare a child's mind and body toward the idea of naptime and ease the transition.

5. An early bedtime is the key to avoiding overtiredness and hyperactivity in the evening. Any time between 6 and 8 pm is ideal for most infants and toddlers to be heading for bed.

6. Think of sleep as a continuous 24-hour cycle. Whatever happens at each stage of the day has a direct impact on what happens for the next 24 hours. Think twice about skipping naps and allowing late night bedtimes. It will affect what happens at the next stage of the 24-hour cycle.

7. Infants who are allowed to fall asleep while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding often require this routine when they wake during the night. If possible, avoid letting your child fall asleep while feeding.

Those sleepless nights aren't good for you or your baby - and a gentle, effective sleep strategy is a lot easier than you're probably thinking. In fact, most babies will learn to soothe themselves into a deep and peaceful sleep within just a few nights!

Dana Obleman (http://www.sleepsense.net) is a professional infant sleep consultant and is the author of "The Sleep Sense Program: Proven Strategies For Teaching Your Child To Sleep Through The Night." She has helped hundreds of families develop a gentle, step-by-step sleep program for their children, and is able to guarantee the success of her methods.

---

Where Will You Give Birth To Your Baby?

Where To Give Birth..You have a choice where to have... Read More

Potty Training Guide

Toilet training (herein referred to as "potty training") is an... Read More

When To Start Teaching Your Baby (1)

When is it that I should start teaching my baby?... Read More

How to Help Your Children Learn

We all want the very best for our children and... Read More

Baby Shower Games: The Good, the Bad and the Ugh!

Games can make or break a shower. The best can... Read More

The Personality Traits of an Aquarius Baby

Your Aquarius Baby..January 20 - February 18Your Aquarian baby will... Read More

TEA for TWO, For BABY and YOU!

Baby Rooibos Tea is naturally good for your baby. It... Read More

Baby Shower Party Decorations to Liven up Your Baby Shower

An excellent source of information providing the perfect baby shower... Read More

Infant Circumcision

If circumcision were a choice I had to have made,... Read More

Have Fun Purchasing A Stroller For Your Baby

You are getting ready to welcome your baby into your... Read More

The Best Birth Gift

If you are thinking of hiring a nanny, no doubt... Read More

Babies Born With A Cleft Palate Or Lip

As many as one in 700 babies are born with... Read More

Your Little Gourmet: Babys Fifth Month Guide

Baby smiled her real smiles at you and you were... Read More

How Often Should A One-Month Baby Go for Check Up?

What happen during the first month of your newborn, does... Read More

The Best Way To Give Medicine To A Baby

So you carefully fill a spoon with medicine for baby,... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers

When you have already made the decision not to use... Read More

Childrens Gift Ideas: Babies, Toddlers, and Beyond

When your time comes to shower a new mom or... Read More

Reading to Children ? Are We Doing It Right?

Setting the Stage - Reading is One of the Big... Read More

3 Simple Steps In Searching For A Baby Name

1) BRAINSTORMIt is a good idea to pick a baby... Read More

Baby Clothes for Your Baby Shower Gift

Baby clothes are one of the most popular types of... Read More

The Baby Crib: Your Child?s First Bed

It is up to you as parents whether you want... Read More

Finding the Right Baby Soap for Your Babys Skin

Baby SoapAren't all soap the same, especially baby soap? Do... Read More

Baby Shower Games to Make Your Baby Shower Exciting

The perfect way to spoil the baby shower games is... Read More

Baby Shower Planning and Hosting

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby... Read More

How Can I Teach My Toddler to Share?

Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More

Stammering Toddler

Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child... Read More

Baby Shower for Twins (Or More) Peas in a Pod

Baby shower for twins or multiples can be given when... Read More

Wooden High Chairs Offer Simplicity, Beauty, and Practicality for Todays Busy Families

Wooden high chairs with their looks and functionality make a... Read More

Baby Strollers Tips and Advice

You have just learned that you are expecting a bundle... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist-Hostess

Using baby shower checklist-hostess are the best way to stay... Read More

How to Choose a Baby Gate

Once your baby is out of their crib and playpen,... Read More

Choosing Baby Names for Twins

Choosing a baby name for your new born can be... Read More

Fun and Easy Baby Shower Crafts

Baby shower crafts can be fun and easy to make.... Read More