Essential Baby Sleep Pointers for New Moms and Dads

Many first-time parents are left frustrated for not seeing their baby’s sleep pattern go according to their plan. They hear their friends telling them about getting their baby sleep through the night and are bothered because they can’t get their own child to do the same. What these new parents do not realize is that every baby is unique and that they don’t have to base their parenting style to those of other parents they know. Having said that, here are some baby sleep facts every first-time mom and dad should understand.

Don’t Expect Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night Too Soon

Some babies learn to sleep through the night as early as sixteen weeks, while some do at a later time. Just because your friend’s child can sleep six to eight hours a night with no interruptions doesn’t mean your baby has to do so as well. Different babies have different sleep patterns, and it’s not a good idea to encourage your baby to sleep through the night too soon. It may take a while for your child to learn the habit, but what you can do for the meantime is to give your baby full feedings before bedtime to reduce the number of times he has to wake up at night to feed.

Your Baby’s Sleep Patterns Will Change as He Grows

This may sound pretty obvious, but you need to understand this if you are to enjoy being a parent. As your baby grows, his sleep patterns will change, so don’t be surprised if one day your baby suddenly just takes two naps a day instead of three. At the age of one year, your baby will then settle to just one nap per day.

Be Flexible With Your Baby’s Sleep Schedule

One of the best parenting styles is where the parent is the one who directs the baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to stick to a very strict schedule. Helping your baby establish a routine is good for his health and is crucial for his survival, but the key here is flexibility. Let him get used to a sleep pattern you have directed, but once he gets established to it, give him the freedom to break from the routine once in a while.

Always Consider Your Baby’s Safety When Putting Him to Sleep

Safety during sleep is one of the major issues you will have to deal with as a parent. As much as possible, make safety your top priority when putting your child to sleep. Take note of the risks of co-sleeping with your baby and of other sleep safety practices such as putting your baby to sleep on his back instead of his side or his stomach.