Keep Those Nighttime "Pit Stops" Short

by Kimmama | More from this Blogger

30 Sep 2009 09:55 PM

And now for a lesson I learned the hard way: keep those night nursing sessions short and to the point, unless you want to lose a lot of sleep.

It's completely normal for babies to wake during the night, don't let any "expert" tell you otherwise. You don't have to force your baby to sleep through the night. In fact, you shouldn't because some babies get a good portion of their calories during night time feedings. I'm a firm believer that infants wake up to eat because they need to, not because they want to deprive you of sleep. This stage is so temporary, anyway. Before you know it, they won't even acknowledge you in public, so enjoy the night time cuddling! (If your baby is a little older, check out Tips for Night Nursing Weaning or Nightweaning: Ways to Get More Rest.)

There are a few things I've picked up along the way, however, that get me back under the covers sooner than later:

Awake or Dreaming? First of all, make sure they are actually waking up and not just talking in their sleep. I've learned to listen for a minute or two before I jump out of bed. Sometimes they go right back to sleep on their own.

Re-Wrap and Re-Bink: Once you check on them, make sure they are not waking up because they are cold or have lost their pacifier. Before I pick up my son, I always re-swaddle and "re-bink." Half the time, this does the trick and he goes right back to sleep.

Mood Lighting: Whatever you do, don't switch on a light. Even if the lamp is small, you will only increase the chances of your infant deciding he wants to play after meal time. A small night light is all you need. Babies are really good at finding their food source, even in the dark.

No Talking: Resist the urge to tell your baby how cute she is one last time. Keep your lips sealed and do what you have to do.

If It's Wet, Leave It. If It Stinks, Be Quick. Avoid diaper changes if at all possible. The only time I change my son during the night is if it's leaking or he happened to poop, which is not often. I have my childbirth class instructor to thank for this advice! If at all possible, change and then feed, which will hopefully get them to sleep again after being moved around so much. And Pampers is not paying me to say this, but they are the only brand I have tried that lasts a full 12 hours without leaking.

As soon has my son unlatches, a pacifier goes back in his mouth and he is re-swaddled. Most of the time, I can be in and out of his room in fifteen minutes or less, and he is passed out by the time my head hits the pillow!

Learn more about Kimmama

Kim is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to her newborn, Micah. She has been married to her husband, Eric, since 2006.

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