Generally, the first several months of a baby’s life will have the parents up at all hours for middle-of-the-night feedings. This may be the case now, but you can help you baby develop good sleeping patterns. This will help keep the baby well-rested and less cranky, and usually a happy baby equals happy parents.
Try to keep your baby active and awake for the most part of the day. You can do this by singing, talking or playing with the newborn. You will encounter the special moments parents talk about. During this time, you will most likely reach for your canon slr camera to capture these moments. Keeping a baby active during the day will help better sleep at night.
Naps during the day are important. Keep your nap times close to late morning or early afternoon. If you decide you want to get things done around the house while your baby naps, you can do so and keep a watch on your baby. Many new baby monitors come with custom lcd screens that will allow you to watch your baby as they sleep, wherever you are in the house.
Introduce a consistent bedtime routine. Do things that will help the baby associate this ritual with sleep. For instance, a bedtime bath or message, a special song or reading a book will teach your child that this routine will lead to sleep.
Obviously, parents need not play their Ibanez acoustic electric guitar while baby is trying to fall asleep, or is sleeping. Like most adults babies typically need a relaxed environment in order to fall asleep. Note to parent: this does not mean you can not enjoy your music at other times in the day!
Lay your baby down to bed while sleepy but not yet asleep. This helps the baby associate the bed/crib with the process of falling asleep on his/her own. Always remember to clear the sleeping area of toys and lay the baby down on his/her back.
Many times babies need to sooth themselves into sleep. If you find that your baby is a little fussy before actually falling asleep, it is o. K. To let them find their comfortable position on their own. If the baby continues to cry, try calming them with a reassuring tone. Soothing strokes on the back are also welcome.