Healthy Baby Healthy Sleep: Babies Napping

A new baby will require a lot of sleep and also many feedings. Babies crying at night may be hungry or could need a new diaper. It’s a little hard to know in the beginning what’s making your baby cry. Yet as you both begin to settle into your routines, you’ll become more adept and will be able to know that your baby needs to nap.  To read your infant’s signals early on, you can consider Baby Signing

Babies napping regularly during the day will be better able to go to sleep at night.

1 Month Old: Baby Sleep

Even a tiny infant will rub his eyes when he gets tired. If your baby isn’t getting enough sleep, he’ll yawn; perhaps he’ll become fussy.  If your 1 month old fusses, you may want to try the following: put him in a child seat and set him on the dryer on “Air” setting (you would not want him to become overheated).  Naturally, you would want to monitor the baby, and keep a close watch over him. The purpose of this suggested exercise is therapeutic – babies often find the sound is soothing.

(Note: Overstimulating a Baby at this tender age is not desirable)

A Baby at 2 Months: 2 Month Old Baby Sleep

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What is typical of a baby at 2 months? First of all, your 2 month old will be more alert and interested in exploring his world. He may reach out to touch you. This is natural; he now can see what is directly in front of him (at 1 month old, this was not the case).  Additionally, your 2 month old may be able to stay awake and aware for longer periods during the day. This is not always the case.  And your infant will now raise up his head and chest to look around, while on his tummy.

3 Month Old: Sleep Pattern

Try to keep to regular nap times during the day. If you’re baby is napping 3 times a day, then a mid-morning, early afternoon and late-afternoon nap is appropriate for a baby with a 7:30 or 8 PM bed time.

When evening arrives, this often presents a challenge for families.  This is due to the fact babies  often get tired towards suppertime, and then parents are faced with a big decision. Do you allow your infant to sleep and risk not getting him to fall asleep at bedtime? Or you do you try to keep him awake through dinner and perhaps put him to bed a little bit earlier?

Baby Sleep Requirements: Baby Sleeping Habits

Some parents may decide it’s advantageous to keep baby awake just a little while longer, in order to try for a more regular bed time. Yet you need to take into account that if it has been a particularly busy day for him, allow your child to have a very short nap. Then gently awaken him, and allow him to play a bit and have his last feeding prior to putting him down for the night.

And finally, make up a regular, steady routine which allows for naps as well as bed time, so that your baby gets rest and becomes accustomed to sleeping at regular times. This encourages healthy baby sleeping habits, and will be beneficial for the infant and for your family, as well.

Resources:

Infants Napping     Baby Sleeping Habits Article

Baby Naptime:  http://bit.ly/bpSYs2

Discussion on 3 month olds & Naps:  Amazon Forum

Helpful Resources From Healthy Kids Blog

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Filed under: Baby Sleeping Habits • Infant Health

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