| We are all well aware of how quality baby sleep is an | | | | into. Your baby can watch the fish as he falls asleep. |
| essential basis for his health and development. This is | | | | 3. Baby reverse psychology. |
| just one of the main reasons getting baby to sleep at | | | | This is for a baby who is old enough to understand a |
| night is a MUST in the parenting books. The pleasure in | | | | bit of what you are saying to him. It’s a little but it |
| seeing a baby sleep is hardly measurable but having to | | | | can go a long way. |
| see and hear him cry all night is torture for a parent. | | | | If you decided to use a small aquarium to assist on this |
| Here is some professional and personal guidance that I | | | | journey place it in an area where he can see it as he |
| used as aids on my journey to having an independently | | | | is lying down in his bed. |
| sleeping baby from 1 year old. | | | | Talk to him about the aquarium and how at bedtime |
| 1. Wind your baby down. | | | | he can watch the fish dance to the music. Give him |
| A fuss-free routine will assist in establishing your | | | | a 1-2 things to see or look at in the tank. |
| baby's sleep pattern and in turn will provide a more | | | | As you are winding him down tell him he doesn't need |
| content child at night. | | | | to sleep (reverse psychology) but instead he can |
| - Choose the same time every night to put baby to | | | | watch the fish dance to the music in the water, but |
| bed. If you want your baby to be in bed sleeping by | | | | must stay lying down in bed. Give him little things to |
| 8pm then begin the routine 20 minutes before eight. | | | | look for in the aquarium. |
| - Dim the lights and set the mood for winding down. | | | | When you put him in his bed briefly remind him of the |
| This will let your baby know it is almost time for sleep. | | | | things to look for and the dancing fish. |
| - A quiet atmosphere with little noise | | | | Do not take too long with the story and/or lullaby. It |
| - Rock you baby or cuddle for a while. Do not feed | | | | should be brief but not rushed. |
| your baby at this time. Dinner should be finished | | | | IF you notice your baby is heading toward the crying |
| before bedtime. Ensure he has been fed before | | | | stage, while on his way to bed something you can try |
| winding down time. | | | | is to make a deal with him that you will read 2 stories |
| - Take baby to his cot/crib, keeping lights in his room | | | | instead of 1 or 2 songs instead of 1 IF he promises to |
| dim. Sing a lullaby, then say goodnight. If you need to | | | | stay in bed and not cry. Don’t push the words |
| stay in the room with the baby for a while do not talk | | | | "Sleep" or that he "must go to sleep now". You must |
| to him and do not have any eye contact. Eye | | | | stick to your promise and he must stick to his. Remind |
| contact and vocal sounds from mom and dad arouses | | | | him of this. Once again, consistency is key to success. |
| your child’s attention. | | | | Do not let your baby see or feel you get agitated or |
| - For a toddler you can give a bath and or a baby | | | | affected by his crying. Often when a child sees this it |
| massage, then a story (with cuddles), then off to bed. | | | | tells him his parents might weaken and allow him to get |
| Sing a lullaby. Then say goodnight. | | | | away with things. If you have to, step away for a |
| The above routine, which ever you choose, MUST be | | | | minute and take a breather. Be sure your baby is in |
| adhered to every night, by any person that puts your | | | | a safe place while you do this. |
| child to bed. When you accomplish this, hassle free, | | | | 4. Afternoon Snooze. |
| parents and baby are halfway to a heavenly sleep | | | | Babies and naptime go hand in hand. A baby that |
| every night. | | | | has a nap in the afternoon is better rested for the |
| 2. Lil' light, lavender and Music | | | | remainder of his busy day. He will eat better, listen |
| Lavender essential oil and music are a fabulous | | | | better and learn better. He will have more positive |
| combination to relax and sooth the senses. Your | | | | energy and be a lot less cranky. But this tip also |
| baby is no different. Simply do the following: | | | | enables your child to sleep better at night because his |
| - sprinkle a FEW drops of lavender essential oil on his | | | | body and brain are not on overload, yet tired enough |
| pillow. Take care to close the bottle tightly and put in | | | | to fall asleep at the routine time mom and dad put him |
| away where baby can't reach it. | | | | to bed. |
| - Play Soft, soothing music for him, preferably | | | | With the above professional advice and personal tips, |
| orchestra music. Do this before you read the story | | | | getting baby to sleep through the night is one step |
| or sing a lullaby so your baby can begin to relax. | | | | closer. Remember, consistency is the key to making |
| - Put a nightlight in the baby's room so he doesn’t | | | | this task successful. All participants must adhere to |
| feel afraid as much when you are not there. Using | | | | the same above practices and be diligent but gentle |
| an aquarium as a night light is an idea worth looking | | | | and patient. |