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Nap and Nighttime Sleep Solutions

Tips to Create the Perfect Sleep Environment

By Shannon McKelden

Babies inevitably wake up during the night, regardless of how perfect their sleep environment. How do you keep these awakenings from being too disruptive?

"When a baby cries out, respond, but only to ensure he's safe," Dr. Naqvi says. "Then leave the room. Do not hold, rock or talk to the baby. Any interaction a parent has with a baby during this 'check-in' should be boring to the baby. Next time he cries, wait two minutes before entering the room and starting the routine again. Check to see that he's safe, then leave the room. Continue to double the time that you wait before checking on the baby. This will teach the baby that his cries are important and that he hasn't been abandoned, but that he will not be rewarded for crying." Dr. Naqvi acknowledges this can be a difficult habit for parents to develop, but says it is very helpful in developing good sleep habits for Baby.

And remember, some kids are just better sleepers than others.

Cecille Hansen, a mom from Seattle, Wash., didn't try to give her daughter, Elsa, a perfect sleep environment. The Hansens really wanted Elsa to be able to sleep anywhere. She admits that, "Elsa was a good sleeper from early on. She started sleeping through the night before she was 3 months old, and as a toddler, she amazed people by coming up to me and saying she was tired and ready to lie down."

Lastly, Spivack recommends a bedtime routine. "Make sure to do a 15- to 45-minute bedtime routine at night – or a 5- to 10-minute naptime routine in the environment where your child sleeps prior to putting her down," she says. "This helps to wind her down in the environment where she will sleep so she can relax and acclimate to her surroundings."

Want to see more?

• Hit the Sack, Baby: Why Are Some Experts Recommending Sleep Sacks?
• Bedtime for Toddlers: 10 Steps to Sleep Without Tears
• Sleep Soothers: 7 Ways to Get Baby to Sleep
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!