How to Stop Night Waking 3by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 13 Apr 2009 03:29 PM If you are struggling with getting your baby to sleep through the night, you are not alone. Most parents I talk with describe night waking as an issue with their babies. It is a serious challenge to have a contentedly sleeping baby all night long, but once the problem is solved, the benefit helps everyone involved, including your baby. Now here are some more physical reasons why your baby may be waking at night. Hunger In very young babies, this is probably the number one reason for night waking. Little babies have tiny tummies, and then just need to eat every two to three hours no matter what the time might be. Their little digestive systems are actually built for small, frequent feedings. Your baby should grow out of needing to eat so often, as he or she grows. However, older babies may still wake up to feed, either out of habit or because they are so busy playing or being fascinated with the world that they actually forget to eat. Then night time comes, and their bodies tell them that they haven't had enough calories. For very young babies, there isn't much you can do, other than wait it out. It is NOT recommended to add cereal to formula. Not only could this possibly cause your baby to choke, but an immature digestive system may not be able to handle the cereal until at least four months of age (most experts recommend waiting until six months to introduce cereal and other solids. For older babies, try to get in some extra feedings during the day to keep the tank full. With your pediatrician's approval, night wean using distraction and comfort to eliminate nighttime feedings. Temperature Babies sometimes have a harder time regulating their body temperature than adults do. Furthermore, they can't tell you when they are too hot or two cold. This discomfort can wake them up and keep them awake. Although most parents err on the side of dressing their baby too warmly, it is not uncommon for a baby to feel too cold, be picked up and warmed by mom or dad and drift off to sleep. Later, the baby goes back to being in a cold bed and wakes again. The parents may think it was emotional comfort that the baby needed (a cuddle) when it might actually have been physical comfort. Cold hands and feet generally indicate more warmth is needed, and sweaty, clammy skin means a cooler sleeping environment or less clothing. The general rule for dressing a baby at night is to first put on the same number of layers and thickness of clothing that you would wear for yourself to be comfortable, and then add one more layer. Blanket sleepers are wonderful for keeping a baby comfortable at night without the hazard of suffocation. But blanket sleepers can be too heavy if your baby is co-sleeping and sharing warmth with mom and dad. Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right. Related Articles: Even More Ways to Get a Toddler to Eat Foods to Build Your Child's Immunity Early Solid Food Causes Allergies? Maybe, Maybe Not Loving Less Expensive (and Junky) Food The Real Mom's Guide to Feeding Your Baby Solids: The Quirks Rocking and Bouncing Can Affect Your Baby's Music Preference You Tube: How to Swaddle Your Baby What the Average 12-Month-Old Should be Doing Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantbaby tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags baby, infant to sleep, night waking, sleeping through the night Discuss this article
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