The Sleepeasy Solution by Jennifer Waldburger

Author:Jennifer Waldburger
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: ebook, book
ISBN: 9780757398865
Publisher: HCI, The Life Issues Publisher
Published: 2010-09-01T16:00:00+00:00

Now, all of that having been said, we do occasionally come across an unusual baby who seems to get by on mostly 30- or 40-minute naps. By “get by,” we mean that these babies, miraculously, really do seem rested after a shorter nap and seem alert and awake and happy until the next nap time. One question that we are asked over and over is, “How do I know if my child is getting enough nap sleep?” It’s a good idea to use the guidelines for nap sleep outlined in this book, but the definitive answer always lies in the individual child: if she seems rested after the nap and stays awake and alert till the next sleep period, she’s doing just fine.

Development

At 4 months, there is good news and bad news. First the good: your baby is now transitioning out of the “fourth trimester” and beginning to wake up to the world around her as she becomes increasingly alert and aware of her surroundings. Her senses are sharpening considerably, and her depth perception is increasing. Her sleep and feeding patterns are beginning to regulate. Her personality is beginning to emerge, and she’s becoming more playful with you, delighting in games, and sharing with you the new discoveries she’s making each day. It’s magical to watch her start to become the person she will be.

Now for the bad news. If she’s been struggling with sleep up to this point, chances are she will not just outgrow these difficulties with time. Instead, she’s going to need your help to sleep well, because her needs are changing considerably.

By 4 months, babies have entered a significant cognitive milestone; their brains are going through an enormous growth spurt, which accounts for all of the increased alertness and distractibility. A baby who used to feed intently will now pop off and on the breast or bottle, turning to look when Daddy or big sister walks into the room or if a noise catches her attention.

Distractibility During Feedings

At 4 months, it may seem as though the baby has lost interest in the breast or bottle. Not true—she’s just distracted by sights and sounds that are new to her! The “wow” factor of all the environmental distractions will wear off after a week or two, when she’s adjusted to the sensory stimulation. Until then, you might want to try feeding her in a quiet, dark area of your home, or draping a blanket over the two of you in public, to help her focus. You can also allow more frequent grazing, temporarily, until the excitement of her new discoveries starts to calm down.

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