Dear Grandpa Robert -- Baby Crying

Dear Grandpa Robert,
I literarily have 2 hours a sleep a night with my baby crying. It's stressing me out any tips for me to get some proper rest?

First of all you need to know that what you are experiencing is not different than what many other parents are faced with. I know that doesn’t help you get sleep, but it is nice to know that you and your new baby are normal.

It doesn’t take long before you start wishing your baby would sleep through the night. Some parents are lucky and have babies that sleep longer than others and even go back to sleep on their own. Others don’t and as a result they are up numerous times during the night.

Believe me when I say your child will eventually sleep through the night. They often wake up because they are hungry. As they grow they are able to go longer periods without having to be fed. They will also start going back to sleep easier after they are fed.

As I mentioned before some babies will sleep through the night early while others take more time to learn to stay asleep. Every baby has their own personality and their own time table. Time management is a big factor. You will have to learn to sleep when your baby is asleep, day and night.

You also have to take steps that will help your baby sleep. Get the child in a normal routine. If you find that the baby gets excited with their bath, do it earlier. Make sure you slow down near bed time. That is the time to read, or talk gently to the baby why in your arms. Get your child in the habit of going to be while still awake. Give them a bottle, a pacifier, toys, or whatever to play with. It is important they learn to sleep on their own. If your baby is put down early but wakes up often, put them to bed and then wake them up when you are ready go to bed and feed them. This will often give you more sleep time because they too will sleep longer.

Routine is important to set the habits of your baby. Many parents will tell you that you need to let the baby cry till they learn to sleep. I do not agree. You will learn your baby’s cries. You will know when they are just fussing and when they are hungry or upset. Every cry has a meaning. Don’t run in every time the baby makes a sound. See if they will go back to sleep on their own, if not go to their room.

There is usually a reason why the baby is awake. They might be hungry, have a wet diaper, too hot or too cold, not feeling well and have a fever, or other reasons. Fix the problem and the baby will most often go back to sleep. They are just like you. If they are uncomfortable they will not sleep. When you do go to the baby don’t make a big production out of it. Do what you have to do as quietly as you can. Use the least amount of light you can. Bright lights will wake the baby. Also picking the baby up will wake them. Try to keep them in their bed with just enough light to see and rub or pat their back gently so they are soothed back to sleep. Remember, it is sleep time, not play time.

All babies cry and a little bit of crying doesn’t hurt them. Let them have some time of their own. It’s hard and you won’t sleep but give them some time. If they don’t stop in a short time (around 10 minutes) go back in and check to see what’s wrong. If they are okay rub their back and calm them down and try again. You will end up successful.

If you try everything and still can’t get your child to sleep, go to your pediatrician. Your doctor will generally be able to help you. Be clear with the doctor, tell everything. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your parents or other people you know that has babies. Although every child quickly develops their own personality chances are you will find ways to help your situation. Don’t be afraid to ask your parents or spouse or brothers and sisters to help. Even if it is to watch the baby for a few hours so you can lock yourself in the bedroom and get some sleep.