Guest Author - Paula Petrie

Now you’ve gotten baby to settle for the night, things should fall into a more relaxing routine, right? Not quite. 99% of babies will go through a period of waking up at some point in their development. The challenge becomes determining the reason.

At one time, once baby was in bed, new moms were advised not to pick baby up as she would become manipulative and demanding. Thankfully expert research now shows the opposite is in fact true, a baby is more secure if she trusts her needs will be met in a considerate, loving, and nurturing way.

Sometimes a dark night is more than baby’s emotions can bear; separation anxiety can keep baby on edge until you reassure her you are still there. A very young baby may be settled by swaddling her in a layer appropriate for the room temperature. Babies and young children also look for nighttime security during stages of emotional growth, this helps them develop a positive feeling about bedtime. Sometimes a calming tape of mom singing is all it takes.

Follow your heart, some babies prefer their crib, some sleep better if the crib is in mom’s room, other babies sleep better in mom’s bed. Sometimes a baby’s head snuggled near the bumper pads offers the right amount of comfort. A dark room or a night-light? You’ll discover which sleeping arrangement works for you and your baby at certain stages of growth. Your best approach is creating conditions that allow baby to easily fall asleep.

If baby suddenly starts waking up at night you should check her comfort. Is the diaper OK, pajamas comfortable, is she warm enough. If a baby’s cries sound sharp and painful there could be a medical reason, check with a doctor. A doctor may recommend Tylenol for teething. There are also homeopathic teething gels available. When a mom responds sensitively to baby’s cries, a baby feels safe.

Sometimes an over-stimulated baby will want to play or practice new skills at midnight. Your best approach is to create a calm, restful environment for the hour or so before bed and maintain this calm until morning. Playing with baby or watching TV as you pace the floors in the middle of the night will also stimulate an infant. Keep baby safe but talking to a minimum. If you need sleep a baby will settle quickly snuggled into your bed. But never place babies on too-soft surfaces or beside someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Instead of centering all of your energy on the sleep interruptions, as this may lead to frustration and resentment, invest some thought into ways of catching up on rest and staying healthy until things settle down. Nap or rest, instead of cleaning, when baby is napping. Rely on family or a friend to help you get an extra hour, or perhaps a whole night of uninterrupted sleep. Watching your baby sleep is one of life’s beautiful portraits, nature’s reward for a “hard won” accomplishment.