Sleep Disorders: 8 Steps to a sleeping toddler

As parents we are aware that quality sleep is an essential part of a child's growth and well being. Most baby sleep disorders are a learned behavior. These can be overcome by changing the child's environment before bedtime and gently teaching them to sleep independently.

Addressed here are 8 ways to help Mom, Dad and Baby have a good night sleep for days to come.

1. A bedtime Routine.
Babies and infants are creatures of habit. They enjoy the predictability of a sleep ritual so a regular bedtime routine will help settle your baby more quickly and also increase the chances of him or her sleeping through the night. Routine helps to establish baby's sleep pattern and once it is established your baby will be happier, more content, and more likely to sleep through the night. This needs to be incorporated right away during the newborn/infant stage. However, its not late to get this routine functioning. It will become harder and take longer as your child gets older.

An example of a good routine is; Put your child in PJ's, set the mood by dimming the lights and establishing a quiet relaxed atmosphere, cuddle time with mom/dad. This is followed by baby in the cot with a story or lullabye. You could give a bath before bedtime as well, or a baby massage which babies love and parents love to do! Be consistent with the above routine. It must be done on a nightly basis until it becomes a habit for your child.

2. Do not feed your baby to sleep.
Feeding a baby to sleep can create a problem with their sleep patterns. The baby will soon begin to recognize that you feed him or her at bedtime. This will become something they depend on and expect. This is the same issue with waking up at night as well. There are several ways to deal with making this change.

• Firstly, change the time or the amount of time you feed your baby when nearing his or her bedtime. Doing so will gradually remove the association of bedtime with feeding.

• Another option is to feed your child earlier in the evening instead of as a bedtime routine. When you do these things your baby will not associate feeding with bedtime. This will help your baby to learn to fall asleep on his or her own accord.

3. Bottle and breast feeding.
Childcare professionals believe that combining formula bottle feedings and breast feedings can lead to sleep problems. With breast feeding the milk supply is replenished naturally by the breast with each feeding that takes place. When formula milk via a bottle is given instead of breast milk, the breast milk supply can lesson. So with the next breast feeding, there may not be much milk supply as previously. With this, your baby will require more frequent feedings and this is why he will wake up during the night, possible several times for a feeding. Of course, infants need to be woken up and fed every few hours but once this stage passes, your baby is able to go through the night without having to be fed, provided his appetite is satisfied in his last feeding before bed.

4. Be aware of when your child is getting tired.
You can recognize this when they pull their ears and rub their eyes.

5. Teach your baby how to self-sooth to sleep.
You can achieve this by associating soothing objects with bedtime (child safety proof of course!) Give your baby or let him choose a toy or favorite blanket to take to bed. This way when your baby wakes up during the night he could reach for it and go back to sleep.

6. Feed your baby enough during the day.
If your baby wants to play all day and not eat enough, he will want to eat during the night instead of sleep. Ensure that while he is playing and having fun he eats a nutritious diet.

7. Create a daily nap time routine.
The sooner you start this the better. A nap helps your child sleep firmer at night. The nap should be timed appropriately to his bedtime so your child has time to play, do other things and have dinner well before bedtime.

8. Childcare provider training.
If you have a childcare provider also responsible for putting your child to bed ensure they are following the same routine and rules you are. If there is inconsistency in the routine the procedure will take longer to take effect and your child will not be consistent with his bedtime behavior.

Parents all over the world struggle with learned baby sleep disorders. You are not alone, as many of us have walked before you. Much patience is required. Consistency is a must. It takes time so do not expect miracles overnight but throughout your journey you and your baby can look forward to a few more nights of sleep by utilizing the eight tips above, until it becomes a regular process.