Common Sleep Problems for Babies (and How to Solve Them!) - What to Expect

Dreaming of a full night's sleep? Sleeping through the night may be just around the corner or several months away for your baby.
Learn more about common baby sleep problems at WhatToExpect.com: www.whattoexpect.com/first-ye...
Download the What to Expect app:
itunes.apple.com/us/app/pregn...
play.google.com/store/apps/de...
Heidi Murkoff, creator of What to Expect, is here to guide you through every stage of your baby's life. Watch all of our first year videos: • Your Baby's First Year
FOLLOW US:
Facebook: / whattoexpectwhenyouree...
Twitter: / whattoexpect
Pinterest: / whattoexpect
Instagram: / whattoexpect
Transcript:
Your baby is busier and more alert than ever these days, but sleep is still job one. Between 14 and 16 hours out of every 24 are spent on that job, hopefully more than half of it now at night. Though, chances are, those nighttime Zs aren't being scored in a single stretch just yet.
Dreaming of a full night's sleep? Sleeping through the night may be just around the corner or several months away. But it's still never too early to help your little one develop healthy sleep habits, ones that will last, with a few adjustments along the way, for a lifetime of restful Zs. And, short term, that will boost her immune system, fuel her appetite and growth and kickstart her development, not to mention, make everyone in the house happier.
Start with the right place, the right time and the right temperature. The place is easy. A basinet or a Pack N Play with a basinet top make a safe and snug sleep space for now. Timing is easy too if you watch for baby's sleepy ques and schedule in bed time accordingly. Go goldilocks with the thermostat for safe and comfortable sleep, not too hot, not too cold. You'll know your little snuggle bear is just right by touching the nape of his neck.
Does your baby burrito love a good wrap? Swaddling may still be soothing for sleep, but it's not a keeper for your little sleeper. Once she's on a roll, sometime in the next month or two, it's time to lose the swaddle. A sleep sack can help ease her transition from the comfort of her cocoon. In the mean time, free her hands if she's a sucker for those fingers.
Should there be quiet on the set? It makes sense to keep the volume down when baby's sleeping, but don't push mute. He'll sleep better in the long term if he's used to sleeping in the real world, a world where phones ring, dogs bark and parents can't always speak in a whisper. In the short term, the hum of a fan or a white noise machine can help summon his sand man.
Should it be lights out? The darker, the better, especially for night sleep and particularly for a baby who's still having trouble sorting out her days and nights. Night light's optional and mostly to keep you from tripping yourself up in the dark.
Has bedtime become routine yet? It should. A series of predictable steps will unwind your little one, gently applying the brakes to his ever more active mind and body, cluing him in that it's time to stop buzzing and start getting sleepy and laying the foundation for a childhood of happy bedtimes and healthy sleep.
Begin with a bath, perhaps a lavender scented massage, a book, a feed, some sweet lullabies and cuddles. Add mood lighting, soft music, an extra mellow vibe, whatever relaxes your baby and eases him off to slumber. Once baby's tucked away for the night, or at least down for the count, you'll want to respond to her cries.
Just remember that babies don't sleep like a baby. They're noisy and restless sleepers, which means you'll all sleep better if you wait out whimpers and middle of the night murmurs and wait until you're sure she's really awake before you swoop in for those snuggles or a feed. Here's to happy sleeping.

[@2c-deokylanicole724]

Hi

[@aeriheirsling2735]

Babies need to have a response to their cries. Even if it is groaning he may be in pain ALWAYS CHECK ON HIM.