As a parent you know how happy and sweet a baby can be after a good rest \u2013 and how cranky and fussy when tired. Hence, infant sleep problems can be frustrating for new parents. This is because babies have different sleep patterns than adults, and these differences limit what we can do. But that doesn\u2019t mean there is nothing you can do. Start with analyzing what mistakes you are making and try out the many safe, gentle sleep training tactics for improving your sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are at least 6 common sleep mistakes most parents make and how to correct them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baby sleep mistake #1<\/strong>: Not following Bedtime routine Baby sleep mistake #2<\/strong>: Don\u2019t keep Baby Awake Too Long Baby sleep mistake #3<\/strong>: Don\u2019t Ignore baby\u2019s sleep cues
What\u2019s wrong:
With babies, everything needs to be done systematically as their minds understand the language of routine. Not following a bedtime routine can disturb her sleep cycle and make her cranky.
What needs to be done<\/strong>:
A bedtime routine is an easy strategy that makes a world of difference in how quickly your baby will settle to sleep and how much support he\u2019ll need to fall asleep. Close the curtains, dim the room, and prepare his bottle and story. Once he is finished, settle him into a sleepy state and then put him to bed awake, but drowsy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s wrong<\/strong>:
Most newborn babies can only stay awake for about an hour. Even if your baby seems content to stay awake for longer periods of time it is in your and your baby\u2019s best interest to help her sleep more frequently.
What needs to be done<\/strong>:
Overtired babies cry more and sleep poorly at night so managing sleep throughout the day is a great way to make the first few months a happier time for everybody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s wrong<\/strong>:
Babies send out signals that they\u2019re getting tired and need to go to sleep. If you miss your child\u2019s \u2018sleep window,\u2019 that natural time to sleep, his body won\u2019t be pumping out calming melatonin.
What needs to be done<\/strong>:
Keep an eye on your little one throughout the day, and chances are you\u2019ll see a pattern develop around when he needs to nap and to go to bed each night. If you can\u2019t see those signals, take the baby to a quiet, dimly lit room and engage in a gentle activity when you think sleep time is approaching\u2013you just might see the signs start to appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n