If you have a baby or are about to have one, you may think you are being proactive by reading all sorts of books about babies. Most books about babies and their development will tell you that at some point or another, your baby should be able to sleep through the night. But I will let you in on a little secret. Lots of babies don't do that. Oh, you'll hear tales of those who do, mark my word. You'll know the parents of these babies by their healthy complexions, clean hair, clothes and houses. They may feel smug and superior and be convinced their baby sleeps through the night because they have taught their baby "healthy sleep habits." At best they will simply believe their baby behaves like the books say. You will come to hate these parents because chances are, you won't be one of them.
For your sanity, and to spare you the despair my partner and I have faced over not one but two babies that never sleep/slept through the night I'd like to share are a few of my insights about babies and sleep.
1. There is no age at which babies should sleep through the night. They're all different and they have a lot going on.
2. Bottle-fed babies don't always sleep better than nursed babies. Sometimes they do because formula is harder to digest and therefore tires them out more. But, weaning an infant is no guarantee that she will sleep better.
3. You will hear about letting babies "cry it out." This is also no magic bullet. I've known some babies who responded quite well to that approach, and others for whom it was a complete disaster (hysterical crying for over an hour with or without results; having to do it all over again after a disruption in the schedule, such as illness or a vacation). Before you consider this approach (the most common one is the Ferber technique), do read up on it and be fully informed as to what it entails. I urge to read about the topic on websites like mothering.com; askdr.sears.com; kellymom.com. Ultimately, be realistic about any "technique" you use and be prepared to look for another solution if that doesn't work.
4.Do some research on babies and sleep. It's possible your baby has a problem at night (food intolerance, for instance). Or there may be homeopathic treatments available to calm your baby down at night, or even a supplement (like magnesium) that could help.
5. Babies and young children seem to sleep much better when they are cooler. Don't overdress your baby at night or go crazy on the blankets.
6. A sound machine is a great way to block out household noise for light sleepers.
7. Such a cliché but something I regret: Nap when your baby naps during the day. As tempting as it is to have a few precious moments to yourself, you can handle any challenge your baby throws at you better if you're getting as much sleep as you can.
Sweet dreams.
