Just For Parents - Sleep in the First Few Months

Shopping cart \| My account \| My wishlist
Your shopping cart is empty

Home

Behavior

Sleep

Eating

Potty Training

Learning

Safety

Expert Panel

Sleep Products

We are currently reviewing products related to Baby Massage, Encouraging Healthy Sleep Habits, Sleep Soothers, Bedtime Stories, SIDS Prevention, Dealing with Nightmares, and Transitioning to a Big Bed. Sign up to join our site and find out about the latest reviews!

Information

The First Few Months
Establish Good Sleep Habits
Breastfeeding and Sleep
Preventing SIDS
Co-Sleeping/Room Sharing
The Second Six Months
Sleep Problems
Improving Sleep
Nightmares and Fears

Parenting Blog

Perspective Parenting:
Regroup, Reframe, Relax!
A Counselor's Guide to Simplifying the Most Complicated of Parenting Concerns... Read More

Next 1 2
Sleep in the First Few Months

This article might be better named Getting Through the First Few Months! When your baby is first born, he will generally sleep in 2-4 hour stretches throughout the day. He may only get up to eat, and then soon after, go back to sleep. In the beginning, it

will feel like all your baby does is sleep, cry, and eat. This is the time period when you will crave for your baby to be awake more, so you can spend more time with him. But soon enough, your baby will start to be awake more and more. This is the time when you will begin to miss the previous period when your baby slept a lot.

In the first couple of months, do what you need to do to get your baby to sleep. Do not worry about setting up bad habits at this stage. Your baby will likely need your help to sleep. Some babies will like sleeping in their swing, others in their vibrating chair or car, and others only in their parents' arms. Many babies like to be swaddled early on, since it helps to lessen their startle reflex which is still very high in the first couple of months. Go ahead and meet your baby's sleep needs as best you can. It is most important that your baby sleep so that you can sleep.

There will appear to be no difference between day and night to your baby. To help teach him the difference, try to make a lot of noise during the day and keep him active when he is awake. For example, when feeding him, talk to him, play music, keep a tv on, etc. At night, when he awakens to be fed, keep the lights as low as you can, move him gently, keep sounds off, don't talk to him, etc. Over time, he will learn that daytime is awake, fun time, and nighttime is sleep time.

Next 1 2

Shop Just for Parents!
Our experts research the best products available and you benefit from free shipping and reliable customer service!