Tips For Dads Putting Baby to Sleep

 

There is nothing as sweet as the sound of a newborn baby sleeping. Apart from the rest it brings to Mum and Dad, and the opportunity for Mum and Dad to reconnect, the quiet inspiration and expiration of a tiny set of lungs brings joy to all. The quiet in and out of a delicate breath reminds you of how precious life is and how fragile a little human can be.

Dad's can be involved in the sleep routine, almost as much as mums are. In the first few months, with feeding usually set firmly in Mum's domain, the opportunity to connect meaningfully with the newborn has to take the shape of other activities apart from feeding. Dads can be part of the nurturing process, and holding, and bathing and settling - all vitally important activities. Often it is a few months before feeding takes on a meaningful activity for Dads. But sleeping is something that Dads contribute significantly to. Dad can be the one who takes the first rise in the night to a stirring little one. It may be feed time, but Dad can respond and settle, and if the time is right pass her on to Mum for the feed.

The settling of an upset child is a skill that requires a bit of practice. So what are some of the tips to getting precious-pie to sleep? Firstly it is essential that baby gets into a routine. Everything has to be predictable and ordered in the first couple of years of life. Routine must be constant and consistent. The best routine is sleep, feed, play, sleep. Baby should wake up because she is hungry-then she will feed better. She should go to sleep after play, exhausted after all that concentration and activity. You can not underestimate the importance of routine - both to the baby and her parents.

Learn to read baby's cue that she is getting tired. An unsettled or crying newborn is past its concentration time and is ready for slumber. It is important to act on that as soon as you see it.

You should always put baby to bed wrapped up, in the first few months. This makes baby feel secure, cosy and warm, and feels like the great place she just came from. A light cotton or gauze material is sufficient in summer months.

Try and put baby down when she is awake. This trains the child that going to bed awake is the normal procedure, not relying on falling asleep in someone's arms.

There are numerous tips techniques and nuances that you will learn and pick up. The best teacher is your baby, herself. Learn to read her signs, and provide a structured routine so that she can get the sleep she needs.