Moms on Call | Basic Baby Care 0-6 Months | Parenting Book 1 of 3

1. Establish consistent sleep routines for better infant rest

"Babies learn by association and routine. Babies will associate swaddle with sleep time, crib with sleep time and white noise with sleep time."

Consistency is key. Establishing a predictable bedtime routine helps babies understand when it's time to sleep. This routine should include:

• A warm bath
• Quiet activities like reading or singing
• A final feeding
• Swaddling (for babies under 3 months)
• White noise
• Placing the baby in the crib while still awake

Timing matters. Aim to start the bedtime routine at the same time each night, ideally between 7-8 PM. This consistency helps regulate the baby's internal clock and promotes longer stretches of sleep.

Daytime affects nighttime. Maintain a structured daytime schedule with regular feeding times and appropriate wake windows. Limit daytime naps to 2 hours maximum to ensure enough sleep pressure builds for nighttime rest.

2. Implement proper swaddling techniques for improved sleep

"The magic is in the correct swaddle technique. It keeps the baby safe and makes the rest of these principles work wonders!"

Swaddling benefits. Proper swaddling mimics the snug environment of the womb, reducing the startle reflex and promoting longer sleep periods. Key points for effective swaddling:

• Use a large, square blanket (at least 44x44 inches)
• Keep arms straight and slightly under the baby's bottom
• Ensure the swaddle is tight around the chest and arms, but loose around the hips
• Practice the technique to achieve the right tightness

When to swaddle. Swaddle for all sleep periods (naps and nighttime) until the baby shows signs of rolling over or reaches 3 months of age. At this point, transition away from swaddling for safety reasons.

Troubleshooting. If the baby consistently breaks out of the swaddle or seems to resist it, it may be time to transition to a sleep sack or other safe sleep alternatives.

3. Create a conducive sleep environment for your baby

"In short, the sleep environment is completely safe and so boring there is nothing to do there but sleep."

Safety first. Ensure the crib meets current safety standards and is free from loose blankets, pillows, toys, or other potential hazards. Key elements of a safe sleep environment:

• Firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet
• No crib bumpers, positioners, or wedges
• Room temperature between 68-72°F

Darkness promotes sleep. Use blackout curtains or shades to create a dark environment, especially for nighttime sleep. This helps regulate the baby's circadian rhythm and promotes melatonin production.

White noise is essential. Use a white noise machine set at a volume loud enough to be heard from outside the closed door. This masks disruptive sounds and helps the baby enter deeper sleep stages. Place the machine about two feet from the crib, at mattress level.

4. Adapt feeding schedules to support healthy sleep patterns

"Keep three hours between supper and bedtime feedings. Follow the schedules listed in the "Typical Days" section of this book."

Timing is crucial. Maintain at least 3 hours between the last daytime feeding and the bedtime feeding. This ensures the baby is hungry enough to take a full feeding before bed, promoting longer sleep stretches.

Gradual night weaning. As babies grow, they can gradually extend the time between nighttime feedings:

• 2-4 weeks: Every 2-3 hours
• 4-8 weeks: Every 3-4 hours
• 8-12 weeks: One middle-of-the-night feeding
• 3-4 months: Potential to sleep through the night

Daytime feeding schedule. Aim for consistent feeding times during the day to support nighttime sleep. General guidelines:

• 0-2 months: 8-12 feedings per 24 hours
• 2-4 months: 6-8 feedings per 24 hours
• 4-6 months: 5-6 feedings per 24 hours

5. Recognize and respond to common infant health issues

"True constipation is a term used to describe hard, pebble-like stools. There is a difference between constipation and infrequent stooling."

Common concerns. Familiarize yourself with normal infant health patterns and potential issues:

• Bowel movements: Frequency and consistency vary widely; watch for hard, pebble-like stools or blood in the stool
• Fevers: For infants under 3 months, any temperature over 100.4°F requires immediate medical attention
• Colds and congestion: Use saline drops and a nasal aspirator for relief
• Reflux: Keep baby upright after feedings and consider smaller, more frequent meals

When to seek help. Contact your pediatrician if you notice:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual lethargy or irritability
• Refusal to eat for multiple feedings

Trust your instincts. If something seems off with your baby, don't hesitate to consult a medical professional. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems.

6. Introduce solid foods gradually and safely

"HAVE FUN, giggle often and take lots of pictures. We are simply getting them used to different tastes and textures."

Timing is key. Most babies are ready to start solids between 4-6 months when they:

• Can hold their head up steadily
• Show interest in what others are eating
• Have doubled their birth weight

Start slowly. Begin with single-ingredient purees, introducing new foods every 3-4 days to watch for allergic reactions. Progression of foods:

1. Iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula
2. Pureed fruits and vegetables (e.g., pears, squash, apples)
3. Pureed meats
4. Soft, mashed foods and finger foods (around 7-8 months)

Keep it positive. Make mealtime enjoyable and stress-free. Don't force feeding if the baby seems uninterested. Remember, at this stage, solid foods are for practice and exploration, not primary nutrition.

7. Balance structured routines with flexibility in daily life

"There is a delicate balance between being so scheduled that you cannot enjoy life and being so flexible that you cannot enjoy your baby."

Embrace routine. Consistent schedules help babies feel secure and make days more predictable for parents. Key elements to structure:

• Wake-up time
• Feeding times
• Nap times
• Bedtime routine

Allow for flexibility. While routines are beneficial, real life often requires adaptability. Tips for maintaining balance:

• Have a "Crazy Day" plan that prioritizes key elements (e.g., consistent wake-up time, bedtime routine)
• Adjust nap times slightly if needed, but aim to keep them within 30 minutes of the usual schedule
• When traveling or during special events, try to maintain core elements of your routine

Listen to your baby. Pay attention to your baby's cues and be willing to adjust your routine as they grow and their needs change. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

8. Foster healthy sleep habits through nighttime management

"Parents are always so afraid the child will feel abandoned. So, we have to ask: Are they abandoned? No! No, they are not abandoned. Now we are free to parent according to that simple truth."

Gradual independence. Teaching babies to self-soothe is crucial for healthy sleep habits. Around 3-4 months, begin allowing your baby to fall asleep independently:

• Put them in the crib drowsy but awake
• If they cry, wait 5-10 minutes before checking on them
• Gradually increase the time between checks

Consistent response. When checking on your baby at night:

• Keep interactions brief and boring
• Avoid turning on lights or removing the baby from the crib
• Offer comfort through gentle touches or soft words

Stay committed. Sleep training can be challenging, but consistency is key. Most babies adjust to new sleep routines within 3-7 days. Remember, teaching your baby to sleep independently is a gift that promotes their overall health and well-being.

9. Navigate developmental milestones and sleep disruptions

"Your child's sleep pattern may be interrupted when: They reach certain developmental breakthroughs—i.e., rolling over, crawling, etc."

Expect changes. Major developmental milestones often coincide with sleep disruptions. Common milestones that may affect sleep:

• Rolling over (3-4 months)
• Sitting up (4-7 months)
• Crawling (6-10 months)
• Standing (8-10 months)

Maintain consistency. During these transitions:

• Stick to your established bedtime routine
• Continue practicing independent sleep skills
• Adjust sleep environment as needed (e.g., lowering the crib mattress when baby starts pulling up)

Be patient. Sleep disruptions during milestones are usually temporary. Stay consistent with your routines, and sleep patterns typically improve within a few weeks. If sleep issues persist beyond 2-3 weeks, consult your pediatrician to rule out other potential causes.

Last updated: October 11, 2024