The most trying time for new parents is night time. Often your child will stay up all night or only sleep in little bits at a time. Baby care can be difficult for new parents and there are some skills parents must use to keep their sanity. The most important skill in taking care of a baby is being able to put him/her to sleep through the night so you can get some sleep. Stressed out over tired parents tend to not provide the best baby care.
I have three children and was able to have each of them to begin sleeping through the night at two weeks old. I was new to babies, I am the youngest therefore never had to take care of any babies. Friends and family would always provide baby care pointers and some of them had merit while many of them were just nonsense.
One pointer I received to have my children sleep through the night was to put a little bit of whiskey in their bottle. This, of course, is absolutely absurd and I would never follow this baby care technique.... Neither should you. This is how I got all three of my children to sleep through the night beginning at two weeks old.
1. Have a Consistent Bed Time Schedule
Babies, like children crave schedules. It's important to them and makes them comfortable. All parents that I know who have babies that do not sleep well do not have a set bed time. An important baby care pointer is to always put your bed to bed at the same time every single night. If you are out and about, put your baby in a quiet area and put them to sleep.
2. Have a Consistent Bed Time Routine
Again, babies require routine. If you give your baby a bath every night, make sure you do it around the same time every night. If you give your baby a bath every other day... be sure to do it every other day. Always read your baby a story before bedtime. This is a great baby care pointer because not only does it introduce reading to your baby, it also begins having you set the habit. It also, of course provides a baby care routine.
3. Adhere to a Feeding Schedule
Most infants need to be fed every 2 - 3 hours. Now, I understand 2 or three hours is not a good night sleep for you or your partner and you'd be right. But feeding your baby on a consistent basis throughout the days show your baby that food is always available and they will begin to know when to expect it. Always make sure you feed your baby 20 minutes before bed time.
4. Playtime Before Feeding
Baby care is much more than just caring for your baby. It is also stimulating and teaching your baby. Playing with your baby about 30 minutes before that last bottle will help wear your baby out and teach them coordination.
5. Putting Your Infant To Bed
Here is the most difficult baby care pointer to stick with. Putting your infant to bed, especially if you rare a first time parent, can be difficult. They will cry. It is okay for a him/her to cry and many doctors believe it is good for their cardiovascular system. Do not go and grab your baby. You are showing you care, by trying to establish a schedule. If baby cries for more than 20 minutes, time it, go and check your baby's diaper. Swaddle him/her nice and snug and leave them room. A nice tight swaddle will make your baby feel secure.
If you follow these baby care pointers on putting your baby to sleep you and your baby should begin sleeping through the night in no time.
More baby care pointers can be found at http://www.babycarepointers.com.
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