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 by: Peter Andrews

As with most aspects of parenting, you’re sure to come across a wide variety of opinions about baby’s sleep! Friends, relatives and others have their views on how much sleep babies need, the best sleep routines and more.

Here are some practical guidelines you can follow. They’ve worked with many babies and so are worth trying out. Of course, every baby is different, so nothing works all the time for all babies.

One of the first decisions you must make is about where the baby should be sleeping. Should you let the baby share your bed? Should she use her own crib? If she’s to use a crib, should it be located in your bedroom or in a separate room?

For safety reasons, many experts advise against the baby sharing your bed. It’s easy for the baby to get trapped under you or your partner.

If you’re a heavy sleeper or are overly tired, you should probably avoid sharing your bed with the baby. The same goes if you’re on medication that makes you drowsy, of if you’ve had alcohol.

Place the baby on her back when putting her to sleep. This helps her breathing. Avoid anything that can interfere with her breathing -- such as plush toys, heavy blankets, comforters, etc. Use a firm mattress. If you use a soft mattress, the baby’s head can get stuck into it and she may not be able to breathe.

Consider having the baby sleep in a crib in your room. That way, she can sleep safely and you are available on hand to attend to her needs.

One of the best actions you can take to help with baby’s sleep is to establish a sleeping routine. This adds to her comfort and eventually becomes a clear signal to her that it’s time to sleep.   (continued...)

Parenting: Strategies to Get Your Baby to Sleep
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