For the first several month’s things might seem to be a little difficult. You probably have realized by now that it will not be as easy as you once thought, not in the beginning anyway!
Most new parents feel a little uneasy and a lot confused about what they should do when it is time for the baby to sleep. We recall the different myths we have heard over the years, and every one of them just seems to come back to your memory all at once. Most of them are plain weird, many are false, whereas some have come from someone with a vivid imagination.
It is sometimes difficult for parents (who have concerns already) to tell if a myth is true or false.
Below Is a List of the Top Ten Baby Sleeping Myths:
Giving a Bottle to Your Baby
Let us first clear the air; this is not about judging anyone’s feeding choices. Apparently, there have been a lot of new parents were told that their baby would sleep better if they were breastfed. Not true!
Not only is there no research that can back this up, but hundreds of parents will tell you the same thing. If you would like to breastfeed, by all means – go for it! But please do not think for a minute it is going to change how well your baby sleeps. How well a baby sleeps and how long before waking up for a bottle is something every individual parent must go through and work out on their own.
Feed Baby Every Three to Four Hours Only
Some people think a baby sleeps better if it has had a strict routine. They think if you let them wait for a longer period between feedings that it will make them want more when they do feed, thus, make them go long before they want to be fed again.
The issue with this is that all babies are different to an extent. Having a strict routine for your baby does not work for 80% of the world’s population, but it can put everyone involved under a lot of stress. Whether the parents are inflexible or restrictive, not every baby is able to be fed a large portion, all babies are going to eat a different amount. Doing so could turn out to make both you and your baby displeased and even make things worse.
Starting Solids
This idea has not been backed by research. Milk is more nutrient-dense than any food(s) we could give to our babies. You are not going to overfeed your baby by feeding him/her a dish of broccoli and steamed carrots. Babies do not always wake up due to hunger, as they may also wake up if they have a wet or nasty diaper or both. Along with many other reasons, such as feeling ill, bad dreams, earaches, etc.
Stop Feeding Baby Breast Milk
Breast feeding is your choice to make. The length of time that you decide to nurse your baby is also up to you. This myth buster has nothing to do with those choices.
It is just that I would not want to see a new parent thinking that a myth such as breastfeeding keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. This is certainly not true!
Regardless of whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you will begin on the first night baby goes home from the hospital, devoting your nights to your newborn. You can expect to get out of bed on average every 2 to 3 hours for some time to come. Not to worry, it is not as bad as it sounds, as it does not take long to have a routine. For instance, here comes the two-to-three-hour mark, and the baby begins to cry; you get up, change the baby’s diaper, and cuddle while feeding, then back to bed.
In fact, there is a better way to go about this, and that is to set your clock and be up before the baby wakes up. This saves a lot of time, and you can do it all without the baby having to wake all the way up; plus, this is enhancing the baby’s ability to sleep for a longer period.
This is also something that you can get help with it. Maybe the hubby must work long hours or not in the picture at all, in which case, then someone else. For those who are breastfeeding, simply pump your breast milk into the little bottle available today; these are also handy for other occasions.
Either way, you should relish this time as it will be gone like a flash of light, then and only then will you wonder where the time went!
Time to Stop Sharing Your Bed with Baby
There have been studies that found that sharing your bed with baby and waking up through the night to be linked. However, parents have the tendency of letting their baby come sleep in their bed if their baby wakes up a lot throughout the night (usually it is when they are dead tired), making it their response and their baby’s wakening often the cause.
Always consider any risks that could be involved before sharing your bed with your child.
Keep in mind, sharing your bed often could become a problem when it comes time to stop sharing!
Put Your Baby in a Room of Its Own
It is healthier for a kid(s) to have a room of their own to sleep in. However, from birth to about 6-7 months of age, a baby needs to be monitored more closely. They do have baby monitors available, but some parents are not comfortable enough with that. So, it is alright to put your baby’s bassinette in your bedroom for a while if that is what you want to do.
Your Baby’s Cries Should Just Be Ignored
Ignore your baby’s cries! This does sound a little harsh. However, it is true to an extent. It does not mean to ignore your baby totally; it is referring to drowning it out. Once you get your baby home and establish a routine, things will get a little less hectic. You will soon be able to tell the difference in your baby’s cries.
A baby will have certain kinds of cries. For instance, it will not take long for you to be able to tell if your baby just wants attention or if they are hungry, need a diaper change, in pain, or are scared! You should not jump and rush to your baby every time they cry; if you give it a couple of minutes, you may be surprised if they stop crying and go to mumbling. Of course, by all means… Jump and go to your baby when they are crying out of pain and fear, which you will learn the differences.
Lay Them Down to Sleep After They Get Drowsy
The best way to put your little one down to sleep is when they are feeling drowsy but are awake.
