.: 8 Simple stradegies to help baby sleep through the night

Why In-home Child Care?

A good family home child care can be a great alternative to center care. Home childcare often appeals to parents who want their child in a warm loving home environment. It is comforting and reassuring to kids and they usually have smaller numbers of children than most centers. Your child has all the comforts of a home, only with other children to play and socialize with. Kids have a consistent caregiver and other consistent people in their environment. Your children are exposed to fewer illnesses due to lower child numbers and more sanitized and consistent cleaning. A good home daycare is one you feel comfortable leaving your child in. One where you are encouraged to visit unannounced anytime and feel comfortable roaming around any part of the home that is common area to the children. All areas of the home should be safe and appropriately childproofed. In-home caregivers often become an extended part of your family and an important person in your child's life.

Welcome

Hello all! Welcome to Burps and Giggles Child Care. I have started this blog to supply all my families and potential families with all the information they need about my home care. I will be using this blog as a place to post information about sickness, vacations, payment reminders, personal days and any other pertinent information. I will also post articles on feeding, sleeping, development, behavior etc. as a resource to parents. You will see information about upcoming family activities in the area, sales for children, and links to business' that focus on the needs of your kids. Please feel free to comment on pictures and posts or to add your own exciting news or information as you would like. I welcome your interaction! Email me at t_hunt71@msn.com

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Friday, March 26, 2010

8 Simple stradegies to help baby sleep through the night

Nighttime waking is one of the most common dilemmas for new parents. Sometimes a baby who started out sleeping through the night will begin waking again, much to the dismay of his or her mom and dad! I wish I could offer you a magical solution to help you get more sleep at night. Here are a few simple tips you may want to try to get a bit more uninterrupted sleep:

1. Keep to a routine. If your baby wakes up late in the morning to help make up for some of his late nights, begin waking him at an earlier time each day to help encourage him to get the sleep he needs at night -- when the rest of the household sleeps.

2. When your baby naps, allow him to sleep in a well-lit area. This will help encourage shorter naps, which in turn may help him sleep better at night.

3. During the day, nurse in a quiet, darkened room. Babies of this age are often caught up in what is going on around them. Feeding him more during the day will allow him to meet his nutritional needs at a time more convenient to you.

4. Is your baby using a pacifier? If so, allow him to meet his sucking needs at your breast instead, offering nursing in lieu of the pacifier. Regular nursing sessions during the day may help to reduce his middle of the night waking.

5. When nursing, allow your baby to finish the first breast offered. This will provide him with more of your rich hindmilk, which may also help to space out his nighttime feeds.

6. Carry your baby -- with the aid of a sling or other baby carrier. This will help to keep your baby relaxed, especially during the early evening hours, encouraging an easy transition to sleep.

7. Keep the evening calm to avoid overstimulation. If a bath is relaxing for your little one, you can bathe him before bed. If it's too stimulating, bathe him at another time.

8. Nurse in a darkened room at night if your baby wakes and wants to feed. Avoid nighttime diaper changes if at all possible. Let him know that night is for sleeping.

And don't forget to take care of yourself!

Rest while your baby rests. This is especially important when you have a high-need baby.

Take a walk. Sunshine and fresh air are good for both of you. Going out together, with your baby in a sling, baby carrier or stroller can be a great stress reliever.

Hoping these ideas help you to get some much-needed rest!