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The following are some suggestions to help your baby sleep.
Common Questions and Answers.
Question: Why is my baby crying?
Answer: Babies cry for many reasons - hunger,
discomfort, tiredness, pain, boredom or loneliness. Most babies cry for some time each day, sometimes for no apparent reason.
Question: How much sleep does my baby need?
Answer: Most young babies
require one to three hours sleep after most feeds. It is 'normal' for your baby to have a wakeful period each day, maybe from one feed to another. Your baby may not be content all this time. Your baby should
be able to go to sleep on his/her own.
Question: Why does my baby cry or wake up when put in the cot?
Answer: Babies often cry, wake or stir if their position or place they went to sleep in is
changed.
HOW TO SETTLE YOUR BABY FOR A SLEEP
After a feed some babies are alert and playful and others are drowsy and ready for a sleep. A regular routine like this can help settle your baby more
quickly.
1. Make sure your baby is clean, dry and comfortable.
2. Give your baby a quiet cuddle.
3. Put your baby in the bassinet or cot on their side or back. (sleeping on the tummy is not
recommended).
4. Settle your baby in the bassinet or cot for sleeping as they will often settle more easily and for longer in their bassinet or cot.
5. Leave your baby to go to sleep on his/her own if
they are quiet or relaxed.
IF YOUR BABY GRIZZLES OR CRIES
Some babies do not settle easily on their own and will grizzle or cry for some time. If your baby is like this, try the following steps.
1. Speak soothingly to your baby.
2. Try to relax your baby in the cot by doing one or more of the following:
- patting the nappy area
- rocking the bassinet
- playing music
- stroking your baby's head
- offering a dummy (if they use one)
- changing your baby's position
3. Continue this until your baby appears relaxed.
4. Stop this gradually so that
your baby goes to sleep without you doing anything.
IF MY BABY STILL WILL NOT SETTLE
Some babies still have not settled after this time, so try some of the following:
1. Offer warm boiled water
- 20-30 mls by spoon, dropper or bottle.
2. Go for a walk with your baby in the pram.
3. Rock the pram over a bump in the carpet, lino, tiles, etc.
4. Give your baby a warm bath.
5. Massage your baby.
6. Settle your baby in the cot as before.
IF YOUR BABY WAKES QUICKLY
If your baby wakes again in less than one hour, it may be possible to resettle them.
* Change a wet or dirty nappy.
* Burp your baby.
* Assume it may be a stage of sleep.
* Resettle in the cot as before.
If your baby does not settle it may mean that it does not need any more
sleep at that time. |
