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How to Make Baby Sleep at Night
Infants are known to have a sleep pattern that very often wakes them up at odd hours in the night. If you’re a new mother, this erratic sleep pattern may be causing you to lose out on a lot of sleep. Once your baby is a few months older, you will see a pattern to your baby’s sleep and you may be able to help him sleep longer in the night and keep yourself from sleep deprivation.
Why Is Your Newborn Baby Not Sleeping At Night?
Your baby’s sleepless nights may be caused due to many reasons. Some of the common reasons why babies wake up in the night are,
Your baby needs to be fed.
Your baby may face some discomfort and requires your physical comfort.
Teething may cause a lot of pain and prevent the baby from sleeping
Is It Normal for Babies to Not Sleep Through the Night?
A baby will sleep for around 16 hours each day, and most of this sleep is fragmented and disorganised. Since your baby will be getting a significant portion of his sleep during the day, his night time sleeping pattern may be erratic. Hence, it is fairly common for a baby to not sleep through the night. Typically, babies also need regular feeds in the night as their stomach doesn’t keep them full for an extended period of time, which contributes to the irregular sleep pattern.
Does Night Waking Last for a Longer Time?
Many parents are keen to know when do babies begin to sleep through the night in hopes of catching some coveted sleep. Most babies tend to develop a sleep pattern that can be recognised around their fourth month. However, some babies may begin sleeping through the night even at six weeks of age. While others take longer to do this, your baby should be able to sleep for long hours in the night around the age of four to six months.
Some Effective Methods For Sound Sleep
Here are some methods that can help your baby sleep through the night.
1. Ferberizing
A popular method used is the Ferber method named after Richard Ferber, the director of the Centre for Paediatric Sleep Disorders at Children’s Hospital, this technique relies on teaching the baby how to fall asleep on his own.
The idea behind this method is that babies tend to associate certain actions or events with sleep and will seek for the same to fall asleep when they wake up in the night. If you allow your baby to fall asleep while you breastfeed or rock your baby to sleep every day your baby will wait for the same act to sleep. This method uses a simple trick to teach your baby to fall asleep on his own.
Place your baby in his crib and leave the room after saying goodnight.
Wait outside for about five minutes, even if your baby begins to cry.
Walk in after five minutes and comfort him without picking him up and leave the room again. If he starts to cry again, wait for 10 minutes and walk inside and calm him.
Repeat this until your baby falls asleep on his own.
You can repeat this every time he wakes up in the night. You may even increase the duration of the interval before you walk back in.
Pros
If followed consistently, the method takes about three to seven days to work and has no lasting adverse effect on the baby, even if he cries himself to sleep the first few days.
Since the baby begins to associate the crib with sleep, he will fall asleep when placed in his crib.
He will begin to understand that crying does not make his parents pick him up.
Cons
It isn’t for parents with a faint heart. If hearing your baby cry for long periods is difficult for you, you may have trouble with the method. However, in this method, you do comfort the baby at regular intervals and not just let him cry himself to sleep.
Lack of consistency on the parent’s part will render the method ineffective.
Some children will not respond to the method. If your baby hasn’t responded to it for over two weeks, you can consult your paediatrician about a different method.
You may have to repeat it when your baby is older as a relapse may be possible.
2. Scheduled Awakenings
This method alters the sleep habits of your baby as you wake him up at prescribed times.
Notice your baby’s sleep pattern for a week. Note the time that your baby wakes up.
Wake him up about 15 minutes before his usual time. If he wakes up at 1 am, and 5 am, wake him up at 12.45 am, and 4.45 am instead.
Gradually, extend the time. Add 15 minutes to his sleeping time and start waking him up at 1 am, and 5 am again. Then wake him up at 1.15 am, and 5.15 am and continue this till your baby sleeps through the night.
Adding 15 minutes and waking your baby helps your baby sleep for longer as well as wait for you to wake him up.
Pros
It is a gentler approach than Ferberizing for infants who have predictable timings of waking up.
There is minimal crying, and parents have control of the pattern, and the time their baby wakes up.
Cons
The hesitation of the parents to wake their baby up. Most parents don’t find it in their heart to wake up a peacefully sleeping infant.
There are sleep experts who are against this method as they find it ineffective. The argument is that a baby’s waking schedule is varied and can render the technique inefficient.
It takes longer than three to four weeks for this method to work.
3. Reinforcing Sleep Rhythms
This method uses the baby’s natural sleep pattern to put him to sleep. The key is not to get your baby overtired and allow your baby to nap when you catch him drowsy. The method involves the following steps to help your baby sleep through the night.
Keeping the interval where your baby is awake very short. Around four months old the baby needs to be put down for a nap every one to two hours. Older babies can nap two to three times a day. You may use any sleep technique but refrain from letting your baby nap in the car or in the stroller.
Be watchful and anticipate when your baby shows signs of sleep.
Mark Weissbluth, the advocate of the method, believes that a sleeping baby should never be woken up. Even when older babies between five and twelve months take two to three naps lasting one or two hours each day, it does not affect their night sleep.
An early bedtime needs to be set to facilitate your baby’s sleep in the night. As per Dr Weissbluth, babies who go to sleep late can have trouble sleeping in the night and taking naps. Babies need to sleep by 6 pm to 8 pm by their schedule.
Pros
It uses your baby’s natural sleeping cycle to promote sleep in the night.
As per the argument by Dr Weissbluth, you will not need to start Ferberizing or try other methods and that your baby will not develop any sleep problems.
Cons
Not allowing the baby get overtired is not easy.
While it doesn’t make the baby cry, it takes a lot of time to work. If your baby begins to wake up in the night, then the effect of the process will be very slow.
4. The Family Bed
This is a co-sleeping arrangement that is very common in most countries. Also called as attachment parenting, this method allows the baby to sleep with the parents each night.
Pros
The baby has a sense of security.
He will go right back to sleep if he wakes up and feels comfortable knowing his parents are around.
It may be convenient for a breastfeeding mom as she can breastfeed right there.
Cons
There is a possibility that the baby will get suffocated by a parent or get rolled over.
The bed needs to be spacious enough to allow everyone to fit in comfortably and also have soft pillows, mattresses, comforters, etc.
No medications or alcohol that can make you drowsy should be consumed to avoid any mishaps.
As your child gets older, you will need to teach him to sleep alone, and you may then need to use a different technique.
10 Tips for Getting Your Infant to Sleep Through the Night
A good night’s sleep through the night for your baby translates into a well-rested night for you as well. Here are a few tips to help your baby sleep for long hours in the night.
1. Establish a Routine
Put your baby to sleep at the same time each day no matter what he is doing. Fix a sleep pattern. Be consistent; this will help him get accustomed to the routine gradually.
2. Keep your Baby Active and Engaged
Involving your baby in physically and mentally challenging activities, especially in the evening can help shift her sleep time towards the night.
3. Consistent Sleep Place
Associate your baby’s bedroom or her crib with sleep by putting her to sleep in the same place each day. Take out any distractions or toys and keep the light and the sounds consistent.
4. Don’t Pick your Baby Up in the Middle of the Night
If your baby wakes up in the middle of the night, do not pick him up or play with him; rather gently pat him back to sleep by comforting him.
5. Enjoy his Favourite Activities with Him Right before Bedtime
Playing his favourite songs, massaging, etc. every day before sleep can help him calm down and help him sleep better.
6. The Last Meal before Sleep should be Filling
Most babies wake up in the night to feed. If you ensure that your baby’s meal before sleep was filling, then he may not wake up in the night for feeds.
7. Bath before Bedtime
Warm baths before bedtime can relax your baby and send him to sleep. Ensure not to have any toys in the bathtub to avoid any distraction. Put him to sleep immediately after a bath so that he begins to associate bathing to sleep time.
8. Turn Off All Distractions
Everyone in the family needs to snooze off for the day to avoid confusing the baby. This can be done for a few weeks until the baby develops a routine.
9. Pay Attention to Comfort
Comfortable sleep clothes and bedding is essential for your baby. Ensure that the baby does not feel too hot or too cold in these clothes. Use cotton clothes and keep a separate set for sleep time.
10. Sleep Toy
A soft, small sleep toy that he can associate with sleep time will help him stay calm and also feel secure.
If your baby’s night waking is not interrupting your routine, you can allow your baby to ease into sleeping at night for long hours gradually. However, if you find that you could use some extra sleep to beat sleep deprivation, you can try these methods to help your baby get a sound sleep.
Also Read: Cry it Out - Sleep Training Method for Babies Read more
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Feeding Pillow - Benefits And How To Use It
Pregnancy is just half the story and is more of a preparation ground for motherhood. After your delivery, one of the challenging experiences you will go through is breastfeeding. While some mothers are fortunate to have a smooth breastfeeding experience, many others go through difficulties. Breastfeeding can be challenging for you and your baby until you are both in sync with each other. This can take about 4-6 weeks, and a feeding pillow can help ease the journey.
What Is A Feeding Pillow?
A feeding pillow (sometimes referred to as a nursing pillow) is a tool that is ergonomically designed to enhance the breastfeeding process.
How Do You Use A Feeding Pillow?
Step 1: For those who have a feeding pillow with a clasp, insert it sideways so that you can fasten the clasp with ease.
Step 2: Move it up to your breast level so that the baby doesn’t need to struggle to get a good latch on the nipple.
Step 3: You can recline a little to the back if you feel that the baby will find it easier to feed.
Step 4: A feeding pillow would sink down a little due to the weight of the baby. If the sinking is causing difficulty for your baby in latching onto your nipple, you can add regular pillows underneath between the pillow and your legs.
Step 5: Use your free hands to help swaddle the baby or adjust his/her head for a good latch.
The Benefits Of Using A Nursing Pillow
Sitting breastfeeding: There are many women who prefer to sit and breastfeed their children. It provides a good latching support system for the baby where they have easy access to the nipple.
Reduced Body Pain: An aching back and neck are some of the side effects associated with the breastfeeding learning curve. This happens because you must bring your baby up to your chest during feeding time. A feeding pillow eliminates any need for slouching or excessive bending.
Edge Over Conventional Pillows: A baby feeding pillow often comes equipped with latches to help fasten it to your body. There are some that have pockets which can be helpful as breastfeeding reduces your mobility.
Improved Baby Position: Most feeding pillows come with a raised platform for the baby’s head. This not only helps in proper latching but also reduces reflux action.
Multi-Utility: A nursing pillow can also be used for a baby’s tummy time as well as propping up your kid.
Dads Can Use It: Who says men can’t help with raising the kids? For those dads who want to bottle feed their babies, a nursing pillow can be a great support.
Pregnancy Usage: These pillows are versatile enough to be used before the baby is even born as they can also be used as pregnancy pillows.
Are There Any Disadvantages Of A Nursing Pillow?
Double-Edged Sword: Improper use of a nursing pillow can cause poor latching as the baby sinks into the pillow and may find it hard to get access to the nipple.
Bulky: Moms who are always on the go may find it cumbersome to lug along the pillow wherever they go.
No Standardised size: Women of different body types will require nursing pillows of varied sizes. The lack of a standard measure may make it difficult to figure out which might be a good fit for the mother.
Tips For Buying a Nursing Pillow
Size: Just like buying clothes, the nursing pillows are the ones that fit you comfortably. If they are too loose, they may slip and make it difficult for the baby to latch. But if the pillow is too small, it may leave space between your thighs and the pillow and may slide down due to the baby’s weight.
Shape: They come in different shapes and sizes, each with its own benefits. For example, an ‘O’ shaped pillow is good for back support whereas a crescent-shaped pillow is good for baby head support. Firm pillows go well for small babies as they sink less whereas larger babies need soft pillows for more leg-room.
Portability: Mommies on the go may not be comfortable carrying around a big pillow with them. If you’re on the go, it may be beneficial to buy the smaller, portable models.
Stain Resistance: Babies are messy and getting a pillow that doesn’t wash easily is going to leave marks. Consider purchasing only those which are easy to wash.
Fabric Constitution: Infants have sensitive skin so it’s best to avoid synthetic material like polyester as it may cause skin irritation and rashes. Cotton is a healthy alternative that can be used. One must also avoid flame-retardant and wrinkle-free pillows (they contain formaldehyde and may be carcinogenic).
Good Reviews: Talk to your friends, fellow first-time mommies and check online reviews. Sometimes, a product may look great on paper but performs poorly in live conditions.
Clasp: These keep the pillow secure and aid breastfeeding.
Some Safety Measures
A breastfeed pillow requires constant supervision on your part as it comes with the risk of cerebral asphyxia. This means death due to poor supply of oxygen to the brain. This happens when the baby is face down and is unable to recover from this dangerous position. As a precaution, parents can remove nursing pillows from the baby’s crib.
The feeding pillow is designed to enhance the breastfeeding experience by providing structural support as well as freeing the nursing mother’s hand. As there is a feeding pillow for each body type, you can physically try out a pillow before buying one.
Also Read:
Breastfeeding with Small Breasts: Concerns & Tips
Tips for Breastfeeding with Large Breasts
Myths & Facts About Breastfeeding Your Baby Read more
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How to Create the Best Environment for Your Fetus during Pregnancy
If you’re reading this article, I assume you are already pregnant with a wonderful baby in your belly.
Being a mom is such a wonderful privilege.
Pregnancy is one of the most unforgettable moments in a woman's life.
I am sure you miss a heartbeat when you realised you are pregnant. Your little bundle of joy is
growing within you (the changes are less visible in your first trimester.). The pregnant woman is not alone; she is breathing for two hearts, hence it's important to create and provide a safe and nurturing environment for your fetus.
Let me note down the most important aspects to provide a safe and healthy environment for your baby.
1.Surrounding Atmosphere
As much as the mom and dad are important for your fetus the atmosphere of the house and surrounding environment affect the baby as well. So it’s obligatory to keep the environment appropriate for your baby.
The atmosphere of the household should be positive and free from
negativity.You can light dhoop or fragrance sticks daily.
Even family members should ensure there are no fights and arguments in front of a pregnant woman and should also ensure there is no bad language or bitter words used in the house.
The house should have fresh air and proper sunlight.
The environment should be happy, enthusiastic and loving as much as possible.
2. Communication with the fetus
The first voice the baby hears is his mom' s voice. It's necessary that the mother should
always stay happy and use appropriate language. Talk, read, sing to your
fetus. Read books such as the biography of legends such as Shiv Charitra, Chava(Shivaji Maharaj's biography) etc, mythological books such as Bhagvat
Gita, Panipath , Ramayan, etc, and books including ethics and morals. This will help
improve baby’s mind and personality.
3. Music
Basic definition of music is vocal or instrumental sounds combined in such a form as to produce beauty of form, harmony and expression of emotion.
Music is the best way to sculpture your baby’s mind. Babies' ability to hear develops in 9th
week of pregnancy; the fetus can recognise voice in the 18th week of pregnancy and your
fetus will respond to the voices in 25-26th week of pregnancy. Music is the best way to connect with your fetus, make sure you listen to positive music, instrumental music, soft music which will soothe your fetus.
4. Meditation
Normally when we want peace of mind, we try to meditate; meditation brings peace and calm’s our mind.
A pregnant woman should always meditate to reduce the tension and pressure. With all the changes happening in your body and mind( yes,
I’m talking about Hormones!!!)it’s necessary that one should be calm and adapt the
changes in positivity. Try to meditate early morning as possible.
Just sit in a comfortable position, put you hands on your belly and just inhale and exhale, you can imagine how your baby looks (baby's eyes, nose, face, lips, hair, etc.).
This will help you relax and develop your baby’s mind as well.
5. Diet
Diet is an essential aspect during pregnancy. What you eat helps your baby grow in your
belly. Everyone will recommend you should eat healthily.
Try avoiding junk/fast food. Increase your intake of ghee, milk, dry fruits in your diet.
Drink one-two glass of milk daily and eat at least one type of dry fruit daily. Avoid eating food which is heavy or generates heat in your stomach.
Try and eat as healthy as possible and don’t forget to fulfil your (baby's)cravings.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Development Tracker for Preschoolers Aged 4-6 Years
As your little one reaches the age of four, you’ll notice that he has started hearing more and speaking more. He is adding the bulk of words to his vocabulary and is trying to speak bigger and complete sentences.
Now, your preschoolers are more social and know relations such as friends, uncle, aunt, grandparents, etc. They also start realizing emotions and what do feelings like sad, happy, angry, annoyed, etc., mean. You might have noticed that initially when you used to be upset your child didn’t care, but now he has started reacting to expressions and feelings.
Changes during this Stage
Your somewhat calm child is now turning into an energetic, bubbly kid. A lot of changes related to physical, language, cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural, etc., happen during this age.
At 4-5 years Age, your Preschooler
Socializes with friends and family
Speaks sentences with 3-4 words
Understands opposites
Can recognize basic colors and shapes
Explains how some things work
Can speak out names of self, parents
Can count till ten
Is able to recall a part of the story
Can climb, hop
Can pretend play
At 5-6 years Age, your Preschooler
Is aware of his/her surroundings and knows about things used in home and school
Tells longer stories
Can take a bath, brush teeth, go to the toilet, etc., under your assistance
May try skipping with a rope
Is more independent and move around by herself/himself
Can use fork, spoon, kid-safe scissors, and kid-safe knives
Can dress/undress or button/unbutton or zip/unzip by self without assistance
Takes on skills of finger painting, vegetable painting
Is able to write alphabets and numbers
Can ask a lot of what-if, who, why questions
Sings and dances as per the music beats
Is able to ride a bicycle with or without the supporters
A preschooler is still trying to learn about the world and what it really is all about. As a parent, it’s very important to be patient and try answering his queries. In case you do not know the answer of something, be honest and tell him that you’ll let him know later. Sometimes simple practices followed at home can go a long way in making your child a well-behaved kid.
Also, remember the development of an individual highly depends on the environment he/she is growing. So do not worry, or force anything or get irritated if your child is not able to do a task. Just try it with him or consult a doctor if needed. Read more
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What do you want Disciplined, Obedient and fearful or Happy Kid?
Riya, stop playing and go to your room and study. I will ask questions from you after one hour. Riya's mother Hetal was instructing her. As soon as Hetal completed her sentence, Riya trembled with fear and ball slipped from her hand.She went with fear filled eyes.
Hetal and her daughter lives alone most of the times. Riya's father was always remains on buisness tours. We are neighbours. When we got free, we met usually.
Today also we were talking, when this incident was happened.
I always saw sadness in Riya's eye. It bothers me most of the time. I asked Hetal, why she scold her. It's her age to play and enjoy. She is only six years old and when she grew up, she will understand herself.
Hetal told that she didn't listen to her. If there is anything everyone will blame her for not bringing her up good. It's a lot of hectic things to getting blamed for all.
I asked her, Hetal tel me, one thing, what do you want a happy kid or an Obedient and disciplined kid?
Off course, I want happy kid, Hetal said.
I told her, not to pressurised kid, as its their age to play and roam as soon as they grow up, they will be Obedient and disciplined themselve.
If they will get happy and lovely environment in home, they can share everything with you and it will be helpful in long run.
So, if you want her to be happy and confident always, give her happy environmental and let her live her childhood as time passes, she will developed as a good human being. Believe on your upbringing.
Yes, you are right. She afraid to tell me anything, I observed.
Now, I will follow your advice. Thank you dear
Hetal said. Read more
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Santu has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
11 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
1) till how many days after delivery baby needs to keep on uterus temperatures/warm temperature?
2) Can baby & mother both take bath after 24 hours of delivery?
Santu
Mom of 2 children
11 hours ago
A. It depends on moms and babys health I feel and suggest It's better to check with your doctor and follow their advise. That would be one of the best and safest option for your baby as of now. Take care.
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. dual marker test is for what purpose??
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
10 hours ago
A. The double marker test helps determine whether the unborn baby has any risk of developing neurological abnormalities or mental disorders
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 7 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
How to cure constipation in Babies
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. Constipation in Babies less than 1 year is very common and more in formula fed babies and also when initially the semi solid food has been started after 6 months .
you can give bonnisan drops and some enzyme preparations in proper dose suggested by doctor angyd cow's milk should be avoided before 1 year of age . Medications are required but it shobuld be given only in medical supervision .
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. Hello, I'm a hypothyroidism patients consumes 25mg tab,
can I take apple cider vinegar?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. I don’t think so ACv is going to be a problem but it would be better that you check with your doctor because Apple cider vinegar has couple of side-effects also also which a lot of people are not aware about so do not take it without your doctors advice and consent
Anitha S has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts can i go for long trips with my 7 months old baby
Anitha S
Mom of a 7 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. if you want you may go by taking all the necessary things for baby but see through that your baby doesn't feel any discomfort
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts plz suggest me medicine for toothache
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
24 mins ago
A. A proper assessment is required here so regarding this it is vmore favourable to contact your local doctor and accordingly he will guide in a proper manner.
If any more queries you can tgake online consultation on the platform for a detailed discussion .
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