If you have just given birth to your first child or have several others, you will recognize that one of the biggest issues with new arrivals is getting them on some type of schedule of mealtimes and sleep. A wonderful reference to assist new parents is "On Becoming Babywise" by Garry Ezzo and Robert Buckman. This manual helps parents gain immediate control over their infant's schedule and teaches them how to get their new arrival to sleep through the night between the ages of seven and nine weeks old.
The various steps offered are simple and easy to follow. The child can be slowly readied for the process of sleeping many hours through the night. Mom and Dad will gain control so the household in not run on the whims of an infant. The home will become more restful and organized and everyone will get their required rejuvenation and rest.
Parents are advised to take their time in getting to know their infants in the first few days. They can be coddled and fed on demand while they get used to the strange new world that they have been thrust into. Slowly, parents can start introducing them to a schedule of napping and meals until they establish an internal clock. Eventually, parents will know what their infant's cries mean just by looking at the clock.
The authors of the book advise parents not to coddle their infants when it comes to meals and bedtimes. It is suggested that they set specific times for naps, feedings and nighttime sleep around the two-month mark. They should refrain from walking the child to sleep, rocking him or driving around the block to make the infant drowsy. The object is to teach the baby how to fall asleep on his own.
Your infant may fuss or cry at first when put down in the crib but over a certain length of time will begin to recognize that this is his time to sleep. Always place the infant in his own bed and not in the parents' bed. Napping in car seats or other baby seats or playpens should be discouraged.
Some may criticize this parenting system. They feel that the child will not get enough "cuddle time" with Mom or Dad during the late night feedings. Other detrimental effects that have been brought up include the possibility of dehydration or poor weight gain but nothing has been documented to help support these claims.
Enjoying a good night's sleep can set the tone for the entire household. Parents can get rested before a long day in the office or at home with an energetic infant. Other relationships in the household can improve if all the focus is not on the new baby. Mom will not be tired and irritated due to lack of sleep and will be able to pay more attention to other siblings and her spouse. Either or both of the parents who works will get more done on the job due to the extra sleep provided.
It is the new parents' choice as to whether to follow the principles in this book. There are many who believe that this very first exposure to a structured environment will assist the child for life. For those who enjoyed reading "Babywise, " "Babywise II" is now available for further study.
The various steps offered are simple and easy to follow. The child can be slowly readied for the process of sleeping many hours through the night. Mom and Dad will gain control so the household in not run on the whims of an infant. The home will become more restful and organized and everyone will get their required rejuvenation and rest.
Parents are advised to take their time in getting to know their infants in the first few days. They can be coddled and fed on demand while they get used to the strange new world that they have been thrust into. Slowly, parents can start introducing them to a schedule of napping and meals until they establish an internal clock. Eventually, parents will know what their infant's cries mean just by looking at the clock.
The authors of the book advise parents not to coddle their infants when it comes to meals and bedtimes. It is suggested that they set specific times for naps, feedings and nighttime sleep around the two-month mark. They should refrain from walking the child to sleep, rocking him or driving around the block to make the infant drowsy. The object is to teach the baby how to fall asleep on his own.
Your infant may fuss or cry at first when put down in the crib but over a certain length of time will begin to recognize that this is his time to sleep. Always place the infant in his own bed and not in the parents' bed. Napping in car seats or other baby seats or playpens should be discouraged.
Some may criticize this parenting system. They feel that the child will not get enough "cuddle time" with Mom or Dad during the late night feedings. Other detrimental effects that have been brought up include the possibility of dehydration or poor weight gain but nothing has been documented to help support these claims.
Enjoying a good night's sleep can set the tone for the entire household. Parents can get rested before a long day in the office or at home with an energetic infant. Other relationships in the household can improve if all the focus is not on the new baby. Mom will not be tired and irritated due to lack of sleep and will be able to pay more attention to other siblings and her spouse. Either or both of the parents who works will get more done on the job due to the extra sleep provided.
It is the new parents' choice as to whether to follow the principles in this book. There are many who believe that this very first exposure to a structured environment will assist the child for life. For those who enjoyed reading "Babywise, " "Babywise II" is now available for further study.
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