Frequently asked questions about infants and sleeping

Where should my baby sleep?
For the first four to six weeks, and even for the first one and a half years if you can manage it, your baby should always sleep near you—in your room at night and near you in the daytime. This is a critical time for his adjustment to the outside world, as she needs to be carefully watched when asleep. It is a way of preventing cot deaths.

Which type of bedding is safest for my baby?
You should put a lot of thought in acquiring bedding for your baby. Bedding should be easy to wash and warm. Avoid duvets and electric blankets, because the baby can get very hot. and this can cause cot death. It is recommended to get a cotton sheet to cover her mattress, one sheet to cover her and two light washable blankets. These can be adjusted depending on the weather and the other clothes the child is wearing. Avoid tucking in the bedding so the child can move around freely. Wash and air bedding regularly to get rid of the dust mite which cause allergies, coughs and sneezes.

Should my baby always have silence when he sleeps?
Silence is not always necessary for a baby to fall asleep. In fact you should train your baby to fall asleep regardless of the exterior noise. This is because silence is not always practically obtainable. It should never be necessary to tip toe around or talk in whispers when a baby is sleeping in the house. However, a sudden noise could wake up the baby, so avoid switching on loud music, or using machines like blenders or vacuum cleaners when the baby is asleep.

What is the best sleeping position for my baby?
All babies should always sleep on their backs, unless there is an overwhelming medical reason not to do so. Contrary to popular belief, your baby will not choke in this position. Also, it helps reduce the incidence of cot deaths. The cot or crib should be made such that the baby’s feet are in contact with the end of the bed. This will stop him wriggling down the bed, getting his head under the bed linen and suffocating or overheating. This is known as the feet to foot position and should be applied whenever the baby sleeps.

How much sleep does my baby need in the first six weeks?
Parents who expect their newborn babies to just eat and sleep are usually in for a rude shock. Up to the age of six weeks, babies may be awake from four to 10 hours in every 24 hours. Sleeping times usually circulate around feeding times. Some babies will be sleepier than others and this is perfectly normal. Babies will usually sleep when they need to, unless they are ill, wet, hungry, too hot or too cold.

Why do some babies seem to need less sleep than others?
All babies are different. Some women will insist that babies who are extra active in the womb sleep longer when they are born. Others insist that more intelligent babies require less sleep. There is no scientific evidence to back any of these theories.

Silence is not always necessary for a baby to fall asleep. In fact you should train your baby to fall asleep regardless of the exterior noise.

How can I get my baby to stay asleep for longer?
The interval between naps shortens as the child grows, and the period of night sleep lengthens as the child grows a well. However, you cannot force a child to sleep if he i hungry, wet or no longer tired. However, you can prevent him waking because of discomfort by dressing him in comfortable clothes that are not too warm. Also, you could change his nappy and give him a feed just before you put him to sleep. As the weeks pass, a darkened room will help him distinguish night from day. If your baby sleeps for six hours at night, you can juggle with these hours by delaying his last feed, so as to maximise on the number of hours he allows you to sleep. If the above measures do not help you just have to stay sane until he sleeps through the night Once you accept that you have a very awake baby, it will help you stay calm, and you will in turn unwind more easily when you get the chance.

How can I catch up on my own sleep?

When you put your baby to sleep at night, you should sleep as well. Do not start watching television or complete household chores. Involve your partner in the feeding and changing as much as possible. This way you will also rest and not get too tired.

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