Free Rock-a-Bye Baby by Penny Warner Page B

sleepier, most newborns sleep sixteen hours a day—in three-to-four-hour periods, that is. (Can you imagine your baby sleeping sixteen hours straight? Talk about sweet dreams.) The good news is by three months of age, 70 percent of babies sleep from midnight to 5 a.m. But that means that 30 percent do not. And that’s perfectly normal—sleep problems are typical in the first year or two of your child’s life. After that, 85 percent of children go to sleep peacefully—after that last drink of water, that last bedtime story, and that last goodnight kiss, of course.
    Also, you’re not alone. This book, not to mention the support of your family, friends, and doctors, will help make the process quick, easy, and effective foryour baby. As a matter of fact, this is a great resource to keep cribside for your babysitter, nanny, or parents to use at bedtime. Just flag your favorite techniques and leave with confidence that everyone will rest easy.
    At the end of the day, sleep does not have to be a mystery. I’m certain you’ll discover the answer to the age-old question: How do I get my baby to sleep? You’ll find the Sandman is there before you know it. I should know. Many of these tips worked for me and they worked for all the parents and other experts who contributed to this book. We’ve got the bright eyes and restful smiles to prove it!

A Few Important Caveats
    To be sure your baby is safe and healthy, always follow this medical advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Safety Council before trying a particular method for getting your baby to sleep.

Check with Doc
    The first thing to do is discuss your baby’s sleep problems with your pediatrician, so you can rule out any medical or physical reasons for poor sleep.

Back to Sleep
    Always put your baby on his back to sleep, to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Studies have shown that having babies sleep on their backs cuts their risk of SIDS in half.
    SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME—WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS, is one of the most frightening concerns of parents with infants. A lot of research has been done, and continues today, on the syndrome. While we don’t yet have all the answers, some promising discoveries have been made, and there are a few ways you can help prevent SIDS from occurring. Here’s the latest information
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    â€¢ SIDS is defined as “the sudden death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after thorough case investigation.”
    â€¢ Researchers believe that babies who die of SIDS have one or more innate conditions that make them vulnerable.
    â€¢ SIDS occurs in all types of families, regardless of race or socioeconomic level, and is the leading cause of death in infants.
    â€¢ SIDS usually occurs between one month and one year of age, with the highest risk between two and four months.
    â€¢ SIDS is sudden, silent, and associated with sleep, with no signs of suffering involved. It is not caused by vomiting, choking, minor illnesses, vaccines, or child abuse.
    â€¢ Risk factors that apply to the mother of the child include cigarette smoking during pregnancy, maternal age less than twenty years, poor prenatal care, low weight gain, anemia, use of illegal drugs beforeor during pregnancy and breast-feeding, and history of sexually transmitted diseases.
    While you cannot eliminate the risk of SIDS entirely, you can lower the risk by:
    â€¢ Having your baby sleep on her back. (Turn her head to the side to prevent it from becoming flat, known as flathead syndrome.)
    â€¢ Using a firm mattress without excess padding or loose bedding.
    â€¢ Not putting more than one or two soft toys in the crib.
    â€¢ Not sleeping with baby (to prevent rolling over on her), but having her sleep in her own crib in your room.
    â€¢ Encouraging baby to use a pacifier.
    â€¢ Not smoking during pregnancy (and