Infant Sleep Patterns

Babies can be taught the difference between night and day. Because the average infant sleeps about sixteen hours per day, this only leaves about eight hours that he will be awake. Therefore, try to concentrate these wakeful times in the daytime hours. It only makes sense that your baby will be livelier at night if he has been sleeping all day. Although you may not see the effects right away, you will be beginning a process that will slowly evolve.

Your first step is to wake your baby every few hours during the day for feedings. Play with her before or after these feedings, depending on her inclination. If a friend or relative comes to meet her, don’t hesitate to wake her up. You can also keep your house stimulating during the day-time hours by playing music and giving her brightly colored toys.

On the flip side, don’t entertain your baby at night. When you go into his room, don’t turn on the light. A light in the hall or a night-light can give you enough light to see what you are doing. Change his diaper only if he is very wet. After you have fed him, try to get him back to sleep as quickly as possible. It is important that you not stimulate him during the night even if he seems anxious to play with you.

Excerpted from “Helping Your Child Sleep Through The Night” by Susie Schevill and Joanne Cuthbertson, all rights reserved.