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Where Should Your Baby Sleep?

admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:13:00 +0000

Where Should Your Baby Sleep?
By David Crowton

Are you expecting or have just had a baby then you might, like so many others in your situation, be concerned with where your baby should sleep. Should you have a nursery for your baby or would it be best if the baby slept in the same room as you? These are questions you really should find the answer to before you start doing it one way or the other.

Once a pattern has been established for your baby it may at times be very hard to change so before you make a final decision in where you want the baby to sleep, find out what is right for you. Both of these options have its pro’s and con’s and therefore it varies from each individual what is right for them.

For many first time parents it might be difficult to put the baby to sleep in a different room where they can’t see the baby. The insecurity of maybe not hearing the baby cry at night is a big factor in them making the decision of having their newborn sleep with them. This is understandable but actually something which should not be a great concern as long as you are not a very heavy sleeper or have the nursery so far away from your room that it would be impossible to hear the baby cry.

After having a baby a mother, especially, will automatically tune in to her baby’s cry and should not worry to much about not hearing it if this is what the issue is about when it comes to having separate bedrooms for you and your baby. Something else a first time parent often do is constantly having to check if the baby is ok and still breathing, this is very normal and you are not alone in doing so.

In the first few months after your baby is born the urge to go and check on your baby can be quite an inconvenience if your baby has its own room and you are having to get up and out of bed each time you get this urge. If you are breast feeding your child it can be more convenient to have the baby in your room because you don’t really need to get up, all you have to do is just bring him or her in bed with you, rather than if you are bottle feeding you have to get up regardless.

If you do start out by having the baby sleep in your room you should know that it can be very hard to get him used to sleeping on his own. By the time you decide to give the baby its own room he is already used to being by you and hearing the familiar sounds of you and your husband. It is comforting for the baby if that is all he is used to and putting him in his own room it may take quite a while before he gets adjusted to this new and unfamiliar place. You may experience quite a few sleepless nights.

Letting the baby sleep in his own bedroom from the very beginning can actually be very good for you and your partner. It will give both of you a place to retrieve and have privacy, a place for only the two of you where you will not disturb the baby by coming and going, watching TV, reading or just spending some time together. For many people this seems to be the best solution, a place where they still can have their privacy after the baby has taken over everything else.

By letting the baby have its own room from the beginning also eliminates the hassle of adjusting him to his own room later on which, like mentioned earlier, can be quite an inconvenience. So, before you decide where the baby should sleep find out what is the best for you. None of these options are wrong or right, it is simply what you think would be best for you.

David Crowton is an established expert copywriter. He is known for doing in-depth research before writing his articles.

http://www.Ispjv.com
http://www.Submitcontent.com

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Using Music To Calm Your Baby

admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:11:28 +0000

Using Music To Calm Your Baby
By Emanuele Accenti

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and soothe your baby, especially during the first year. How many times have your heard parents say that there was nothing that they could do with their crying, fussing baby until they tried music. This is because music does indeed soothe the savage beast, or in this case, the baby.

There are certain distinct sounds that have been proven to calm even fussy babies: the sounds of nature, white noise, and music. Even if your baby isn’t fussing or crying you may want to use music as often as you can to encourage that feeling of calm and peacefulness. All it takes is a few minutes every day and before you know it your baby will be looking forward to hearing that certain song emanating from the CD player.

There is nothing complicated or mysterious about introducing your baby to music from day one. You don’t need to search for the perfect song or a certain type of music. All you have to do is start by having your baby listen to your favorite songs and music. If jazz is on the top of your list, let your baby listen to the sounds of John Coltrane as he sits in his baby seat watching you in the kitchen. It doesn’t matter if you play the schmaltzy songs of the eighties or some wicked African beat, your baby is going to listen and his mood is going to be altered by any musical sound that he hears.

Besides the music that you yourself can introduce your baby to, there are hundreds of CDs on the market today that are filled with baby songs and lullabies. At the end of the day you may want to play a CD of quiet baby songs that have a slower beat. There are so many CDs for you to choose from that you will have a hard time making up your mind. Choose something that interests you. Many baby CDs will have lullabies and faster beat songs on the same CD.

Playing music has other benefits besides soothing your fussy, crying baby. These benefits include:

•Babies are introduced to musical sounds.

•Music enhances your baby’s behavior and cognitive skills.

•Relieves stress for the entire family.

•Will stimulate curiosity and an interest in music.

Take time to find a variety of music CDs for your baby to listen to. You’ll soon notice which music your baby is most drawn to and can use that music when he is particularly fussy or is crying.

Emanuele Accenti is the author of the best-selling Ebook “Babies First Year – What Every Parents Need To Know” – and offers a free newsletter for new parents at http://www.babies1styear.com

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Sleep Problems – Helpful Tips for Your Baby and You

admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:10:29 +0000

Sleep Problems – Helpful Tips for Your Baby and You
By Daphne Nancholas

Sleep needs

Did you know that newborn babies need 21 hours sleep a day and children from six months to two years of age need at least 12 hours sleep? Sleep deprivation can cause problems for everyone in the family: fractious babies during the day, exhausted mothers and an anxious, stressful atmosphere.

Sleep deprivation

Sleep starvation is a huge problem for today’s parents. A survey of 2,000 new parents and 2,000 people aged 55 to 65 was carried out by Mother and Baby and Yours magazines.
It found today’s parents try all kinds of things to get their babies to sleep through the night, including taking the infant into their own bed. In contrast, parents in the 1960s and 1970s tended to say their babies had slept peacefully in their own cots.

Today’s parents

New mothers of young babies reported that, on average, they only have three and a half hours sleep a night, compared to five hours which the older generation said they used to get.
Two thirds of those surveyed said this “sleep starvation” left them feeling bad-tempered, with the same proportion reporting irritation with their partner. Other problems included being tearful, forgetful, depressed, more accident prone or clumsy, unable to function properly, and irritable with their baby.

So what’s different?

In the 60s and 70s roles tended to be more clear-cut. Fathers went to work and earned the money, mothers stayed at home and brought up the family.

Mothers today often feel they are expected to bring up the family and earn money doing something interesting. This situation can create anxiety: family members can often be living miles away from each other, so there’s very little support for the parents.

30-40 years ago you probably had relatives living nearby who could help with babysitting and be there to offer advice – generally to calm the situation. I saw a lot of young families while running a homeopathic clinic in Bristol. They rarely had family support nearby. Here in Cornwall it is noticeable that there is more family support, possibly because this is primarily a rural area, strong in traditions.

Vicious circle

Anxiety breeds anxiety. If you’re feeling tense and anxious the chances are that your baby will pick up on this and react in a similar way, so you get caught in a vicious circle. When other family members come home they pick up on it too.
Obviously when you’re getting up several times a night to breast-feed you’re going to feel very tired, but there is a great difference between being tired and tense and tired and relaxed.

The chances are that if you have periods of time when you can relax then your quality of sleep will improve. Your baby will pick up on this and learn to relax as well and your baby’s quality of sleep will improve because of this.

Sometimes a baby can be irritable simply because he or she hasn’t had enough sleep. When a young baby isn’t sleeping at all well it can affect the whole family. Obviously with new born babies disruption is expected but when the problem persists, sometimes for years, the results can be devastating.
Benefits of good sleep

While your baby is sleeping his or her cells are being regenerated, so the quality and amount of sleep is very important in the development of your infant.

Often over-stimulated babies calm themselves by looking away, yawning or sucking on their lips – this self-relaxation increases their parasympathetic activity and reduces sympathetic nervous activity.

In plain English the parasympathetic nervous system chills us out and the sympathetic nervous system stresses us out.
The two systems work side by side to create a flow in the system. However, for example, through lack of sleep, this balance gets thrown out and your baby is more stressed out then muscles tense up and blood vessels are constricted.

In this culture, with all its inherent pressures, people’s Sympathetic systems very often stay on guard, unable to give in to the softer, more gentle flows of the Parasympathetic system.

If we’re used to being tense we might not even think it a problem if our baby is also tense – and, as with adults, a chronic state of tension leads to stress related symptoms and illness.

What can help?

Learning to relax for a start. There are many forms of relaxation. Yoga, meditation, tai chi, pilates – these are just a few choices. There may be classes nearby or you could watch a video at home to learn the right moves.

Start early

During pregnancy, especially the final trimester, there can be anxiety about the impending birth. Regular listening to relaxing music to help create a relaxed state during pregnancy can actually help during the birth itself. By the time your baby is born, your body will have learned to relax even more deeply to the music, as a conditioned response

Mothers-to-be are encouraged to play music to their unborn babies because research has shown babies can respond and be soothed by soft music both before and after birth. According to Dr. Thomas Verny, author or ‘The Secret Life of the Unborn Child’ your baby can kick in time to music from 25 weeks. The right musical stimulation can enhance development, encourage sucking and promote weight gain in newborn babies as well as help them to be relaxed and calm.

A relaxing day

Imagine the difference you could make to your life by getting into the habit of relaxing through activities like yoga, meditation or listening to calming music every day – especially if you set a regular time. It’s worth it.
If you and your baby are more relaxed then sleep is going to be a lot easier. If your baby is spending his or her time in a relaxed and calm state during the later part of the day or around the time you would like him or her to start dropping off, it can only help.
We’re the same – if we’ve just been dancing away at a party we’re hardly likely to be in the mood to sleep straight afterwards – we’d be buzzing – so why should babies be any different?

Daphne Nancholas is a registered homeopath and for the past 10 years has specialised in the female cycle, including pregnancy, birth and babies. Her book, Taking Off, a handbook for newly qualified homeopathic practitioners was published in 2003. Her website is: http://www.daphnehomeopath.co.uk Daphne and her partner Graham Smith have written a relaxation CD especially for mother and baby – the website is: http://www.calmtime.co.uk Calmtime helps anytime your baby is restless, irritable and/or has sleep problems. Helps all the family relax

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What to Do When Nighttime becomes Fight Time

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:57:41 +0000

What to Do When Nighttime becomes Fight Time—Bedtime, Kids… Discipline? Is Punishment the Answer?
By Kelly Nault

When parents say, “It’s bedtime, kids!” discipline frequently follows.

If any (or all!) of the following sound familiar, know you’re not alone:

• “One more story…pleassssse!”

• “I need another glass of water.”

• “Can I stay up just 15 more minutes?”

Bedtime delays are an epidemic problem that plagues most households. If it’s not
one more story, it’s “ten more minutes” of their favorite show or dawdling in
the bathroom. We’ve all been there.

Bedtime + Kids + Discipline + Anger = More Problems

When your child puts up a fight at bedtime, responding with anger can often
create even more problems. Your best bet is to be firm, yet loving. How?

One of the most effective methods I have found is outlined on page 152 of my
book When You’re About To Go Off The Deep End, Don’t Take Your Kids With You.
Here it is:

1. Tell Your Child What You Are Going To Do. Say something like, “Part of
what I love to do with you is read stories at bedtime, but sometimes I feel
frustrated when bedtime takes a lot longer than it needs to be. So from now on,
I will be at your bedside promptly at ____PM to tuck you in. If you are not
there at that time all ready to be tucked in, I will start getting ready for bed
myself. If you would like a hug you can come and find me for a quick one, but I
will not return to your room.”

2. Follow Through. As stated be in their room on time. Give them one
five-minute warning if you feel it is necessary (although it is not). If they
are not ready, leave and be prepared to keep your mouth shut at all costs,
regardless of tears, angry words or pleas to be tucked in. Go into the bathroom,
lock the door, and get yourself ready for bed. Give one hug if they ask, then
continue with your tasks. If they try to get you involved, simply say, “I’ll be
happy to speak with you in the morning. Sweet dreams.” And that is all.

Responding to difficulties in this way encourages your children to be punctual
and when it comes to bedtime.

Kids’ discipline doesn’t have to be harsh to be effective. Going to bed without
a story is a commonsense consequence that results from bedtime dawdling.
Usually, even a small consequence like this is enough to encourage your son or
daughter to make good time management choices the next night.

Dealing with the Boogieman

Fears are natural, and your children will face many throughout their lifetime.
The best thing you can do is to help them learn to deal with these fears,
including the fears they face at bedtime.

Take time to understand your son’s or daughter’s fears, and validate their
feelings—but stay firm on the need for them to stay in their own room at night.

Instead of letting them take refuge in your room, help them find ways of making
it safe. Each time your child comes into your room, take them back to their own
room and stay with them for a couple of minutes. Tell them that you have faith
in their ability to handle the situation. Instead of telling them there is no
boogieman, ask them what the boogieman is like, why he is there, and what he
wants.

You can even brainstorm with your child possible ways to live together
peacefully with this creature. Suggest writing a note to the boogieman or
visualizing a magical fortress that protects their bed. When they make it
through a night on their own, encourage them.

Silent Night…All Is Calm

With a little bit of practice, nighttime doesn’t have to be fight time at your
house. You don’t have the fear the words, “It’s bedtime, kids!” Discipline and
angry words aren’t good approaches, but gentle, loving, firm patience that
encourages your child to make good decisions is right on target.

Before you know it, bedtime dawdling will be gone for good!

Kelly Nault, MA author of When You’re About To Go Off The Deep End,
Don’t Take Your Kids With You inspires moms to put themselves first—for the
sake of their children. She shares time-tested tools that motivate children to
want to be well behaved, responsible and happy! Sign up for her
free online parenting course here.

You are free to print or publish this article provided the article and bio
remain as written and include a link to http://www.mommymoments.com as above.

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Sleep Problems – Helpful Tips for Your Baby and You

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:55:10 +0000

Sleep Problems – Helpful Tips for Your Baby and You
By Daphne Nancholas

Sleep needs

Sleep deprivation

Today’s parents

So what’s different?

In the 60s and 70s roles tended to be more clear-cut. Fathers went to work and earned the money, mothers stayed at home and brought up the family.

Vicious circle

While your baby is sleeping his or her cells are being regenerated, so the quality and amount of sleep is very important in the development of your infant.

In this culture, with all its inherent pressures, people’s Sympathetic systems very often stay on guard, unable to give in to the softer, more gentle flows of the Parasympathetic system.

If we’re used to being tense we might not even think it a problem if our baby is also tense – and, as with adults, a chronic state of tension leads to stress related symptoms and illness.

What can help?

Start early

A relaxing day

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Sleep Deprivation

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:53:45 +0000

Sleep Deprivation
By Lisa Cole

My legs get heavier with every step I take. My eyes grate around in their sockets and one eye has a regular nervous twitch. I am a husk, a dried out shell and everything aches. All I want is sleep. Friends call to ask me out; I’d rather sleep. I am argumentative, grumpy, irrational and can’t concentrate. Sleep deprivation is affecting my relationships and my parenting skills; I don’t give a moo for Old McDonald right now. After a run of sleeping for 4 to 5 hours at a stretch, my son got a fever and last night was screaming hell. I slept in half hour chunks, woken abruptly by an inconsolable boy who yelled for what seemed like hours. I got angry and had to leave the room before I shouted at him to ‘go to sleep, please just go to sleep.’ I don’t normally shout at him and I feel terrible now because it is not his fault.

In a coffee shop, having a hard time choosing a drink, I feel I have to justify my scattiness. ‘He was up all night’ I explain. I earn sniggers and giggles and feel as if no one believes what absolute torture it is. Other mums look at me vaguely, their child has always slept through, no bother at all. I tell myself that their child is extremely dull, unlike mine who has never slept that well. I tell myself that it’s because my child is so active and so bright but in truth I know that it’s just the luck of the draw, some kids sleep, some don’t. After a couple of nights of erratic broken sleep, insomnia sets in. I get overtired, my mind full of must do’s and my body restless. I can’t get to sleep in case I get woken up. He could sleep for 10 minutes or 4 hours, there is no way of telling. And anyway, I am a mother and surely I should be on duty 24 hours a day? No I shouldn’t! I need to look after myself so I can look after my child.

Here is a list of things that help me cope with lack of sleep:

If I let him sleep on me I can’t rush round and do dishes/paint hallway/clean the bath/achieve world domination. Even if I don’t sleep when he is at least I am resting.
I learnt that babies cry in their sleep sometimes and often go back to sleep again quickly, on their own. He doesn’t want to be cuddled at ever moan he makes.
I don’t beat myself up about how little I manage to do, instead I praise myself for existing on so little sleep.
Prioritise sleep. When you get a chance, nap!
Get someone to look after the baby for a set time. You are more likely to rest if you know how much time you have. If they can take the baby out for a walk you will not be listening out for it all the time.
If you get time to yourself, make sure you rest, have a long bath, read a book or watch some mindless TV. Do not do housework!
Lavender is supposed to help you relax,
Try to avoid coffee because it will only give you a short boost and may stop you from sleeping later in the day.
Cut down on daily tasks. Not everything needs to be ironed, older kids and some men can be taught to tidy up and dirty dishes don’t matter.

The Mothers Milk Marketing Board at http://www.lactivist.co.uk sells slogan t-shirts that promote breastfeeding and gentle parenting for babies, toddlers and mums.

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Pillow Use and SIDS

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:51:44 +0000

Pillow Use and SIDS
By James Hunt

Studies have shown that soft bedding should not be placed under infants, regardless of the way they are placed to sleep because it has the potential to cover their noses and mouths, blocking their airways. This is true for pillows as well.

Of 206 cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) the study examined to discover what factors were associated with the cause of death, about 30 percent of the infants were found with their noses and mouths covered by soft bedding.

The majority of the infants in the study were placed on their stomachs to sleep, and were found lying face down on top of pillows, comforters or other bedding with enough softness to allow a pocket to form beneath the infant’s head. Pillows, which were often adult-sized, and comforters were usually placed beneath the infant for added comfort.
In spite of the original sleep position, the researchers established soft bedding to be unsafe. Nine infants in the study had turned from either their backs or sides onto their stomachs, and were found with their airways covered.

Always use a firm crib mattress for your baby, ensuring that there is no space between the mattress and the crib rails for the baby to get caught in. Do not place soft, fluffy products, such as pillows, comforters or sheepskins under infants while they sleep or nap. Place healthy infants on their backs to sleep, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Studies have shown that placing babies on their back to sleep may reduce the risk of SIDS by nearly fifty percent. Though there is no sure way to keep your baby safe, following the advice of your pediatrician is the best route to go. Never give an infant under 1 year of age a pillow to sleep with, and ask your doctor before you begin use of a pillow with your baby.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest.
Read more at http://www.pillows-central.info

Newborn Sleeping Positions

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:34:10 +0000

Newborn Sleeping Positions
By Sarah Veda

It can all be very confusing. Put the baby on her tummy, no her side, no her back. Over the years, we’ve been told many different things about sleeping positions for babies. Here’s the scoop, from my perspective, anyway.

Years ago, it was common practice for babies to sleep on their stomachs. And, there was good reason – babies sleep more soundly on their tummies than in any other position. Most of us were put to sleep on our stomachs, and we turned out fine, right?

But, now we have a little more information. Putting your baby to sleep on her back or side can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by as much as 50 percent. Therefore, most pediatricians will recommend that you put the baby to sleep on her back from the beginning. There were a few years there where doctors recommended that babies sleep on their sides, as this not only reduces the risk of SIDS, but also reduces the risk that the child might choke on her vomit if she spits up (which, by the way, is rare). But, today most doctors say the back or side is fine – it’s really hard to keep a newborn on her side.

If your baby fusses a lot when sleeping on her back, try swaddling her, or try putting her on her side with a rolled up blanket for support. For many babies, this is enough to make them comfortable. If your baby is sleeping on her back, do be sure to give her some waking time on her tummy, to help with muscle development, and to give her a new perspective on life!

Now, all that said, if your baby is really having a hard time sleeping on her back, talk to your pediatrician about having the baby sleep on her stomach. If your baby is healthy, your doctor may say it’s ok to put her to sleep on her stomach, as long as the mattress is firm. In addition, babies with respiratory problems, upper airway malformations, and babies who spit up a lot, may actually be safer on their tummies.

Each baby is different, and you have to treat them as such. Sleeping on the back is the guideline, but with your doctor’s help, you should evaluate your baby, and her sleeping habits, individually. Keep in mind that in a few months your baby will begin turning over, and will choose her favorite position on her own.

Sarah is a 41 year old wife and mother of two boys and one girl. She spent many years as a manager in the corporate world, and gave it up to be a stay at home mom.

Go to http://www.infantresources.com now and get her incredible baby minicourse – absolutely free.

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