Rock-a-Bye Baby Read Free Page A

may help him doze off.

Stay on Schedule
    Put your baby on a regular schedule for naps and bedtime, so her body is trained to anticipate sleep on cue.

Doses After Shots
    Babies are sometimes fussy after their immunizations. With your doctor’s permission, you can give her a minimal dose of Infants’ Tylenol.

Rash Judgment
    An irritated bottom can keep your baby from sleeping. At the first sign of diaper rash (redness), use a medication like Desenex to clear it up.

Keep an Eye Out
    Watch for signs your baby is tired—such as yawning, rubbing eyes, whining, or getting cranky—and then put your baby to bed before he becomes overtired.

    SEVEN SIGNS OF (HURRAH!) SLEEPINESS
    So baby doesn’t want to go to sleep—but is she betraying her own exhaustion? Check for these telltale signs of sleepiness before pushing for a nap
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    1
. Rubbing eyes
    2
. Yawning
    3
. Fussing, whining
    4
. Lying down
    5
. Slowing down
    6
. Slow blinking
    7
. Glazed look

    NOTE: These can also be signs of illness, so check with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Skip the Nap
    While parents are often reluctant to give up on Baby’s nap, some babies just don’t need the extra sleep anymore. Omitting an unnecessary nap may help Baby sleep better at night.

On the Other Hand
    Some babies sleep better at night if they have a good nap in the daytime. And if they miss it, they may be overtired and have trouble sleeping during the night.

Set the Stage
    Make sure the room is conducive to sleep, with closed blinds, a comfy crib, cozy “loveys,” and a quiet atmosphere. This helps your baby know it’s nap time.

Hold Off Responding
    Unless your baby is crying hysterically, don’t respond every time she calls out. She may learn to go to sleep on her own.

Wrap Baby Up
    Swaddling your baby—wrapping him snugly in a swaddling blanket or a swaddler—makes him feel more secure, which can calm down a fussy baby. Swaddling also keeps your baby warm and prevents him from startling awake.

    SAFE SWADDLING
    Swaddling can be magical. By wrapping your baby up in a cozy blanket so she can’t flail her arms and legs or startle herself, you’ll make her feel more secure, as if she’s all cuddled up in the womb. And swaddling isn’t just great for encouraging sleep and relax-ation—it also comforts babies who are upset, scared, or overly tired. Here’s a simple way to swaddle your baby. Just be sure to chat and reassure her as you do
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    1
. Choose a lightweight cotton blanket with some give or stretch.
    2
. Lay the blanket on the floor at an angle.
    3
. Fold down the top corner about a quarter of the way.
    4
. Place your baby on the blanket, head above the fold.
    5
. Fold your baby’s arms over her chest—don’t leave them straight at the sides. Remember, you want to wrap your baby’s arms within the blanket so she can’t flail them.
    6
. Wrap one corner of the blanket over her arms and chest, and tuck it into the side of baby and blanket.
    7
. Bring the bottom corner up, allowing a little room for Baby’s legs to move, and fold and tuck it into the top of the blanket.
    8
. Wrap the other corner around baby, and tuck it around Baby’s back.

Got Good Milk?
    Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks if you’re breast-feeding. These drinks go through to your breast milk and not only affect your baby, but they may also cause restless sleep.

Suck to Sleep
    Some babies refuse to take a pacifier, but others seem to need one to sleep. Let your baby suck her thumb or a pacifier to help soothe her.

Check Current Conditions
    Make sure your baby’s room is comfortable—not too cool, not too warm—when the door is open or closed.

Rise and Shine
    Gently rouse your baby in the morning if he sleeps late. Your baby’s body clock may be off, so waking him earlier may encourage better, not longer, sleep.

The Right Bed
    Buy a comfortable bed for your baby, with a soft but