ComputerHunter.org

 

A Babys Sleeping Pattern


Sleeping..

A newborn baby spends most of her time on two things: sleeping and feeding - although, as she needs an average of 8 diaper changes a day, maybe that should be three things :)

Newborn babies sleep for around 17-18 hours a day, but the bad news is she will sleep only for 3 or 4 hours at a time. When she wakes she will probably need feeding and/or a diaper change.

Babies are not born with a conception of day and night, so you have to teach her to take short naps in the day and longer sleeps at night. During the first few weeks you will have to feed on demand and let her decide when she will sleep. Then you should try to encourage her to take the majority of her sleep at night by changing her surroundings: at night she should sleep in a darkened room (either her own bedroom or a corner of yours), in her cot. During the day keep her in bright light (but not direct sunlight, babies get sunburnt very easily), in her buggy.

After about 4 months baby should be sleeping for a total of about 15 hours, but she should now be sleeping for around 8-10 hours at night and without a break. She will benefit from a set routine at bedtime. A bath followed by a feed and a clean diaper, then settle her in her bed while she is still awake and play her some soothing music. Mobiles suspended over the cot work wonders.

Getting baby to establish a routine is a gradual process so don't worry if it takes a while. There will still be the odd night-time feed required until she reaches about 6 months when she should last all night without refuelling! Aren't you looking forward to that!

Sleeping Position To minimise the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (also known as cot death):

  • place baby on her back,
  • tuck in the sheet and blanket (don't use a duvet until she is at least 12 months),
  • make sure the room is neither too hot nor too cold - ideal temperature 65˚F,

Sleeping Problems If baby isn't sleeping well at night, it may be because:

  • she is too hot, too cold, hungry, thirsty, or needs changing,
  • she is getting too much sleep in the day. A recent study found that keeping baby in bright light during the daytime naps will teach her the difference between a night-time sleep and a daytime nap,
  • she isn't tired enough. Introduce more energetic playtimes, then wind down an hour before bedtime,
  • she is over-tired. Introduce a quiet time before bed to calm her down. You might also try baby massage.
  • she has colic. That's a whole different problem and you will find a separate article about colic.

Finally, remember that, like adults, all babies are not the same and some will need less sleep than others.

****************************************************************
Author: Tony Luck who runs a site with advice about babies. You will also find the fascinating chinese pregnancy calendar which is supposed to tell you whether the baby you are expecting will be a girl or boy, and a conception chart to tell you when baby is expected.







Google News - Top Stories

Telegraph.co.uk

Clinton Decides to Accept Post at State Dept., Confidants Say
New York Times - 52 minutes ago
Senator Hillary Clinton at a campaign rally with Senator Barack Obama in Orlando, Fla. in October. By PETER BAKER WASHINGTON - Hillary Rodham Clinton has decided to give up her Senate seat and accept the position of secretary of state, making her the ...
Video: Hillary Will Get SOS Nom Soon CBS
Clinton Set to Be Nominated as Secretary of State (Update3) Bloomberg
Chicago Sun-Times - BBC News - FOXNews - ABC News
all 4,974 news articles


Los Angeles Times

Franken campaign decries frivolous challenges
Minnesota Independent - 47 minutes ago
By Paul Demko 11/21/08 2:39 PM Al Franken’s campaign believes it’s spotted a pattern of frivolity in their opponent’s ballot challenges.
Coleman revisits post-election comments Minneapolis Star Tribune
Franken, Coleman continue to challenge ballots Bemidji Pioneer
Boston Herald - FOX 9 News - The Associated Press - CharlotteObserver.com
all 1,988 news articles


Washington Post

US justice boss leaves hospital
BBC News - 3 hours ago
US attorney general Michael Mukasey has left hospital to go back to work after collapsing on Thursday night while giving a speech on national security.
Video: Mukasey Gets Clean Bill of Health After Collapse AssociatedPress
Mukasey feeling better, returns to work The Associated Press
Forbes - Los Angeles Times - NECN - AHN
all 2,534 news articles


Windsor Star

White House confirms Bush-Medvedev meeting
Xinhua - 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- US President George W. Bush will meet his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Peru on Saturday, the White House said.
Pacific leaders seek economy action on last Bush trip AFP
Peru erects monument for Jose Rizal Inquirer.net
AHN - Voice of America - Aljazeera.net - International Herald Tribune
all 1,532 news articles


Voice of America

US Intelligence Report: World Headed for Multipolar Global Community
Voice of America - 2 hours ago
By VOA News A new US intelligence report predicts that by 2025, China and India could join the United States as top powers in a multipolar global order.
US influence is on the decline, report says Los Angeles Times
Analysis: US Global Trends report BBC News
Global Security Newswire - College News - Washington Post - Atlanta Journal Constitution
all 464 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base