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Which is the best way to help a baby to sleep?
Doctor, my daughter has just turned one and is still sleeping more than 10 hours per day,is this normal?
Yes, it is absolutely normal. If you think
about it, she slept up to 20 hours a day just after she was born. Then gradually the number
of hours she sleeps has decreased, but this is completely natural and normal.
Oh, then I should expect her to continue to sleep this much for the next few months
Yes, of course. Just remember that a regular waking and sleeping rhythm is linked to positive
emotions during the day. Let me explain better, during the day children need to be cuddled,
embraced and feel at peace. And, of course, another important factor is the environment
in which the baby is put to sleep. It doesn't' have to be completely silent, but it should
be a room with soft lighting. Another important thing that I always recommend is to create
a pleasant nap time ritual that will help children fall asleep in the most natural way
possible. For example, you may read a story or sing a lullaby.
And if the baby doesn't fall asleep, should I pick her up or give her a soother?
Well, children really shouldn't fall asleep in your arms, but in their cribs. Because
this way the last memory they have when they fall asleep is that of the bed, so in case
they wake up at during night they do not feel out of place, but have the feeling of being
in a familiar environment. And so, even if they wake up during the night you should not
pick them up to get them back to sleep but stay close to them, cuddle them and let them
feel mum and dad's presence so they can relax. And since you asked me about using a soother,
of course you can use a soother because it responds to natural need the child has to
suckle from the first moments of life. Actually, I'm lucky that she sleeps well.
It's me that runs into her room whenever she makes a sound.
Well that's normal, too. When children are young, parents experience nap time as a sort
of separation from their children, and that is why they feel the need to go and check
up on them. That's why I recommend using an audio or video monitoring system so that you
can see and hear the baby from anywhere in the house.
Thank you, I'll take your advice. Thank you!