Posted on November 11, 2008 in latest news
Babies sleep a lot. Their sleeping pattern varies according to their age. Parents face less hassles if their baby has a set sleep pattern. But at times the baby faces some discomfort and does not sleep on time or wakes up at odd hours. How to tackle such situations?
Tips for Infant Sleep Schedule
- For babies between 3 to 6 months- It is necessary to have a regular bedtime for the baby. Also one should ensure consistent nap- time. The baby’s sleep time should fit into the family schedule. You can have specific sleep time for the baby or let the baby lie down after 2 hours of her waking up. You can adopt a sleep mode pattern that suits you. If the baby finds it difficult to sleep or wakes up during her sleep, let her lie down much earlier.
- Regular bedtime hours would help. One can sing a lullaby or read a bedtime story. Wakeup the child in the morning to ensure that sleep pattern is retained throughout the day. This helps in maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Train your child to fall asleep independently. You can do so by letting the baby lie down when he or she is sleepy.
- For babies 6 to 9 months- Follow a regular routine of sleep. The baby likes to have the same routine, whether it is lullaby song or a play-time, or reading a book. They should be in the same sequence. Let the child have a consistent sleep schedule. One should have a set time for naps as well as going to bed. Let the baby sleep a bit earlier in case he wakes up during sleep and finds it difficult to sleep. Try putting him to bed earlier. The child should learn how to lie down on his or her own incase he or she stands up.
- For babies 9 to 12 months- One should follow a consistent sleep schedule. The baby gets adjusted to a sleep ritual. Also the bedtime routine should be consistent. Allow the baby to sleep off on his or own. One should let her lie down when he or she is drowsy or relaxed.
What aids child sleep well?
The child can be sent off to sleep by singing a lullby, reading a bed-time story, a bath before sleep, tucking him or her in or a quiet game. Talking to child relaxes him or her before sleep. A comfortable bed makes the baby sleep well.
How to tackle infant sleep apnea?
Infant sleep apnea is mainly due to central apnea or obstructive apnea, which occurs when the baby is asleep. Apnea refers to the blockage of airflow at the mouth and nostrils. A central apnea occurs when respiratory efforts come to a standstill for more than 20 seconds. In infancy it is 20 seconds. An obstructive apnea develops when the upper airway is blocked.
Apnea for Infancy includes infants who are older than 37 weeks ( about 9 months) and is not due to any specific cause but due to respiratory immaturity. It is identified by cessation of breathing
Symptoms of Infant Apnea
- Cessation of breathing is observed during sleep, which can include:
- Change in tone- limpness
- Color change
- Breathing noisily during sleep
- Infant sleep apnea is common among new borns and could cause death if not diagnosed on time.
Causes of Infant Apnea
- The central nervous system is not fully developed.
- No adequate control of the breathing reflex.
- Prevention of Infant Sleep Apnea
- Baby may need to be resuscitated.
- Pre-mature babies are kept in an incubator to monitor their heart and breathing rate. Any drop in the rate will signal an alarm and a nurse can stimulate the baby to breathe.
Treatment of Sleep Apnea
- The child is gently stimulated by stroking him or her.
- In extreme cases one may have to give medicines or supply oxygen.
Parents are much concerned with sleep apnea affecting infants, particularly so in the case of pre-mature babies. Parents should be fully aware about the problem and try to tackle it in the best way possible.
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