One
of the most common problems faced by new parents is sleep related,
for themselves and the baby.
How much is enough sleep? - If your infant wakes up fresh, is full
of energy not irritable and eats well, he's sleeping enough.
| With
a newborn any difficulties in sleeping are yours, not
his. He will sleep as much as he needs and is incapable
at this stage of keeping himself awake. |
|
The
baby could be having problems in sleeping because he -
What
to do to ensure that both of you sleep well?
see
that the baby is comfortable.
Wrap him up securely but make sure that he is not too hot.
| A
good way of determining whether a baby is over heated
or not is to check the back of the neck. |
|
Darken
the room sufficiently at least at first. But gradually get your
baby into the habit of sleeping through all kinds of light and noise.
| Never
tiptoe around a baby - he will be more likely to wake
at every slight sound. Also babies like to know that you
are around and they can sleep safety. |
|
- Make
sure that the room is warm but not dry. If necessary put an electrical
kettle on in one corner of the room, the steam will keep the room
moist.
-
Try to give the night feed as soon as the baby cries for it. The
longer he cries, the longer it will take to put him back to sleep.
-
Accept him for what he is - a night person!
For
you:-
- Try
and give a late night feed before your own bedtime.
- Think
of your own comforts - if its cold keep a hot water bottle ready
for yourself. .
-
Keep bottles, warmers and other necessities close by.
- Learn
to catch your sleep whenever & wherever possible.
-
Get help in looking after the baby during the day so that you
can get some rest. Forget the cleaning and the cooking for a while
- just catch up on your sleep.
|
