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Sample Chapter
Excerpt from
A Word About
Sleep—Yours and the Baby's
Yours
There are many different ways to take care of your baby. If what you
do makes you and the baby happy, it’s OK. Mom and Dad will get little
rest for the first several weeks. Both of you will be tired and crabby.
You will get to sleep again eventually, and life really does get better
after a few months...honest.
Baby’s
Babies sleep better when they do not sleep in your bedroom. Your baby
needs a flat surface to sleep on, like a cradle or crib.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is safest for
babies to sleep on their backs. This is because there is concern
sleeping on the stomach increases the frequency of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS). Babies sleeping on their sides have a lower risk of
SIDS than those sleeping on their stomachs, but sleeping on the back
appears to be the safest.
After your baby learns to roll over, how you position him or her
doesn’t matter. Your baby will sleep in the position in which he or she
is most comfortable.
Your baby does not need a pillow, and soft pillows may be dangerous.
Get off to a good start by putting your baby down at a regular time
for naps and bedtime.
When it is bedtime change and feed your baby. Put your baby down, say
“Good night,” and leave. If you make a habit of this from the start,
your baby will be quiet and go to sleep. For the first few months, pick
up and comfort your baby after a few minutes of crying.
After six to nine months of age, if your baby cries, go in and
comfort him or her. Do not pick the baby up unless you need to feed or
change your child. After a few days, when your baby learns that crying
does not result in being picked up, he or she will stop crying at nap
time or bedtime. (See also Recommended Hours of Sleep—Infants, Children,
Teenagers, page 183)
Best Advice:
Most babies do not sleep through the night for many months; they get
hungry, and need food before the morning. But don’t worry, both parents
and baby will survive, and this ordeal gives you “bragging rights” when
talking to friends and relatives.
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