IS YOUR BABY A NIGHTOWL

Lots of babies, especially newborns, are nighttime babies. These little night owls don't seem to understand that they are supposed to be active during the day and asleep at night. Instead, they sleep a lot in the daytime, wake to feed, play a little, and go back to sleep. During the night they're fussy and won't go to sleep.

So what can you do? Not much, unfortunately, at least during the early newborn stage. You may have to turn into a night owl yourself, but rest assured that things will soon get better. When your baby is a few weeks old, you can do some things to reset her clock: - Get her up in the morning at a normal waking time rather than letting her sleep late to make up for lost nighttime slumber. You may be tempted to let her sleep so you can catch a few winks yourself or get a few minutes of peace and quiet, but you'll pay for it the next night.

Throughout the day, play with her as much as you can. Even if she seems to be sleeping soundly, wake her for feedings.

Keep the shades open in her room, and be your usual noisy self. Don't turn the phone ringer off; go ahead and run the dishwasher. This will help ensure that your baby doesn't become the world's lightest sleeper and force you to spend the next 10 years of your life tiptoeing around the house when she is sleeping.

Don't play with her too much at night. Keep her room dark, with only a night-light or dim light on for feedings and diaper changes. Be quiet and soothing. Move and talk in slow motion. Essentially, be as boring as possible.



National Geographic - In the Womb

Paralumun New Age Womens Village