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Sleep Concerns
Help Baby Get a Good Night's Sleep
By Kelly Burgess
Then, when they wake up in the middle of the night and that condition is not present, they can't get back to sleep unless it's re-created.
"If you let the baby fall into a deep sleep when they're not in their crib, it will disorient them when they wake up," says Dr. Brown. "They are expecting whatever they had when they fell asleep, and when they stir in the middle of the night and recheck their environment, it's different, so they wake up."
It's important to help babies develop good sleep habits, but it needs to start after that initial newborn "fourth trimester" period. Dr. Brown says that from 0 to 2 months of age, parents should do whatever the baby needs to do to get to sleep. However, after the second month, it's time to start transitioning them to where they're going to be sleeping. At that point, start setting up a sleep ritual and help them form workable sleep associations. This means don't let them keep eating until they're in a deep sleep. Also, take the pacifier away. Put the baby in the crib, and don't worry if she fusses a little before going to sleep. It's not going to hurt her. In fact, it's healthier for babies because they sleep better.
As for naps, Dr. Brown says they're very important and that naptime and bedtime should be handled in the same manner so the baby has a consistent sleep routine. A baby who doesn't nap well may be too exhausted to sleep well at night.
What you're doing with this routine is enabling your baby to develop self-soothing behaviors. And sometimes these behaviors can be a little startling. It's not unusual for a couple to come into Dr. Brown's office worried that their baby is autistic because he or she rocks in the crib. This is common and is just the baby's way of winding down. Other things, such as teeth grinding or head banging, are also perfectly normal, and the baby will grow out of them as his nervous system matures.
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