Babies with Sleep Problems

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There are many factors that may be considered when it comes to babies with sleep problems. Parents are advised to have their babies checked by their pediatricians. There may be some health or physical conditions that may be affecting the sleeping patterns of their babies. Parents also have to check the environment where their babies sleep. The sleeping area may not be comfortable and noisy or there are other distractions as well. They will also have to check that the room where their babies sleep has the right temperature, not too warm but not too cold either. The home atmosphere may also affect the sleeping patterns of babies. It is important that all family members including the babies live in a harmonious and tension-free home.

Babies with sleep problems need to be cared of properly especially with the correct feeding. Parents have to see to it that their babies are dry and comfortable as much as possible. They may also need to cuddle and reassure their babies from time to time. This is essential in the development of their babies. Parents may also put some soft and cuddly toys around their babies when they sleep. This may add to their feelings of assurance whenever they have to sleep alone.

Parents having babies with sleep problems may need to try soothing activities. They may sing lullabies or nursery rhymes which they can do together with some gentle back rubbing to put them comfortably to sleep. It is necessary that babies are put to sleep at the same time every night especially when they are growing. They will be able to learn about the routine and it would not be too difficult to put them to sleep at night. Although letting the baby cry is natural, parents have to check first what is making him or her uncomfortable. Parents are now advised to put babies on their back to sleep rather than the usual sleeping position on their stomach.

Babies with sleeping problems may be given other relaxing activities before bedtime such as a warm bath. There are those that would feel comfortable when they are wrapped with soft baby blankets especially for younger babies. Some parents are not able to cope with the stress of handling babies with sleeping problems. As such they may seek some help from their support groups or they may ask someone to help them when they are too tired to deal with the problem. Babies may cry throughout the night but they simply are communicating something that they cannot yet understand and verbalize. If there are no underlying medical conditions that may be causing it, parents will have to learn how to handle babies with sleeping problems.

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Baby Bath Time

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New mothers may be hesitant at first when they think of baby bath time. They may feel nervous about holding the slippery and fragile newborn on one hand and use the other for bathing the baby. Newborns may also feel stressed with their first baby bath time. However, new mothers and infants in time will learn how to enjoy baby bath time. New mothers do not have to bathe their babies daily. Frequent bathing may dry up their delicate skin. New mothers will have to pay attention to the face, neck and especially the diaper part which should always be kept clean most of the time.

There is no definite time of the day when new mothers would like to schedule baby bath time. There are mothers who would prefer to bathe their babies in the morning while others would like to do it before bedtime. What is important is that mothers and babies would both enjoy baby bath time. The first baby baths do not have to be done in a tub of warn water. New mothers may give their babies a sponge bath instead until the umbilical cord dries up and fall off on its own.

New mothers who are giving their babies a sponge bath instead of the usual baby bath should prepare all the things needed. They may undress their babies but should wrap them in a towel. They may simply wet the washcloth and wipe the face. They may do the same with the other parts of the body. They have to see to it that they only expose the part that they are wiping. Mothers may not use any bath soap unless their babies need it to remove smell and dirt. When their babies are ready for tub bath, then they may prepare the tub if not the sink will do. Others may use plastic basins or they may use inflatable tubs instead. However, new mothers have to be very careful and check that everything is safe for their babies.

Baby bath time should be a pleasant experience for the baby as well. Mothers need to keep them warm always whether they are giving them sponge bath or tub bath. They also have to make sure that they hold their babies firmly but not too tight especially in tub baths. As the babies grow, it will be a lot easier for new mothers to handle baby bath time. Mothers and babies will both look forward to baby bath time if the first experiences have gone well without much problem.

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Handling Baby Tantrums

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There are times when parents do not know how they would handle baby tantrums. They may be taken by surprise by the sudden display of uncontrollable emotions from their little bundle of joy. Parents may also be in some state of shock to witness how their cute and cuddly little baby shows this behavior by shrieking or stamping. Other times the baby may be making his or her body go very stiff. Parents have to be very calm in responding to this situation. They are the adults and they should know how they can handle the situation without them losing control over their own emotions and start yelling or spanking their baby.

There are several reasons for baby tantrums. Parents may best avoid the trigger factors to lessen the frustration of the child and theirs as well. When a baby is tired or overtired, he or she needs to take a nap or be put to sleep. A baby also needs to be fed in small quantities but more frequently. Parents have to see to it that they feed their baby on a regular basis. There are times when the baby feels frustrated because he or she is not able to achieve something like climbing the stairs. Parents may provide some distractions to get the attention of the baby from the thing that he or she is not able to do. They may however, help their baby to attain the goal that he or she is trying to reach.

Baby tantrums may also occur if the child feels fear or anxiety. Parents have to reassure their baby that everything is alright. They can hold their baby close to them or remove the baby from the scene or the difficult situation. Parents have to be sensitive about the needs of their baby. They will have to discern what their baby wants because of his or her inability to verbalize exactly what he or she feels and thinks. There are situations that the baby would not be able to adjust like when changing activities. Parents need to provide enough time for the baby to make some adjustments and not to stop the baby from the activity that he or she is enjoying at the moment.

Parents may also prevent baby tantrums from happening if they have a safe place for their baby to play and to explore. They may also need to check that the toys they give for the baby is safe and appropriate for his or her age. Parents have to understand how their baby feels especially if they are in unfamiliar places and with other people. When baby tantrums happen, parents need to stay calm and try to soothe their baby’s nerves. Feeling angry and frustrated with their baby would only make matters worse and they could end up hurting their baby in the end.

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