Surprising Baby Sleep Fact

It is important to lay baby down feet first when placing them into their crib at bedtime.
If baby's head is angled down towards the mattress instead, it is likely to trigger a reaction which can cause baby to startle awake.

5 Elements of Healthy Infant Sleep

5 Elements of healthy sleep 
1. Sleep duration both day/night
2. Naps
3. Sleep Consolidation (not interrupted) 
4. Sleep Schedule
5. Sleep Regularity 

And each one must be addressed in order for your baby to have a healthy sleep routine.

Doctor Recommended

Dr. Emmett Holt, a pioneer of his time, suggested in 1907 that babies should be put to sleep in a room that "should be darkened and quiet, the child's hunger satisfied, and the child made generally comfortable and laid in its crib while awake." It is interesting how little has changed. I completely agree Dr. Holt.

One size fits all??

Many parents think that you have to commit to one "technique" when trying to improve your baby's sleep routine.This is definitly not the case. Each family is different just as each baby is different and your sleep schedule/routine should be specifically designed to fit your family. It is not a case on one size fits all.

Dangers of Baby Bedding

There was a story this morning on the Today show about baby stores, such as Babies 'R' Us, selling crib bumpers and other bedding accessories that can be a danger to infants. I was just curious how many parents use bumpers or other baby bedding??   
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/47414692/ns/today-today_rossen_reports/#.T7RHBdw7Xko

Sleep Machine

             Sleep Machines are essential to ensure that your baby has a a good night sleep.

              This one from HoMedics is our favorite sleep machine at Jessica Gleason Infant Sleep Consultant.

2 Sleep Phases

Babies have two phases to their sleep cycle, active sleep and quiet sleep. Active sleep is a very light sleep that lasts for about 20 mins. This phase begins when baby first closes their eyes before they enter into a deep Quiet sleep. This is why baby easily wakes when they are put down immediatly after falling asleep.

Internal Clock

While many new parents keep their new babies indoors much of the day, daylight actually helps baby to regulate his biological clock and learn the difference between day and night. This directly translates into better regulated sleep schedules.

Bring on the noise

Is baby sleeping in the right part of the house? If you live on a noisy street or the neighbors dog barks all night, maybe baby's sleep space should be at the back of the home,to ensure fewer nighttime awakenings.

Naps

Those of you who have babies that do not nap well may have already realized that no nap during the day does not result in better sleep at night. Without naps throughout the day baby becomes so overtired it is actually more difficult for them to settle down for the night.

Back to Belly

Once baby has learned to roll from back to belly at bedtime there is no need to continuously re-position them onto their back throughout the night. Going into baby's sleep space over and over to roll them will soon become a game and baby will quickly learn that a quick roll makes mommy come running.
Rolling over also allows baby to learn how to sleep in different positions which will be beneficial down the road.

The Power of Comfy PJs

I don't know one parent out there that would sleep well in itchy, rough pajamas. Nevermind PJs that are too small or too heavy for the time of year. It is essential that baby is comfortable in his sleepwear. Irritating or uncomfortable clothing will most definitely inhibit baby's ability to settle and in many cases can cause skin allergies. 100 percent cotton is best and may allow baby to be a better sleeper.

These Under the Nile Organic Cotton Long Sleeve Babybody onesies from The Nesting House in Philly, are a great example of comfortable sleepwear for a great nights sleep.

5 Turning Points

There are five major turning points when looking at an infants sleep patterns:

• 6 weeks – night sleep lengthens
• 12-16 weeks – day sleep regularizes
• Nine months – completely eliminate night feedings as well as the 3rd nap
• 12-21 months – eliminate morning nap

Of course each baby is different and these are simply basic guidelines that may help to keep baby on a healthy sleep schedule.

Do you Swaddle?

Swaddling is probably my number one recommendation to parents. It is especially helpful to dress baby in loose fitting clothing throughout the day and then tightly swaddle them during the bedtime  routine. This helps them to associate the  swaddle with feeling sleepy and settling down for the night.