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Routine and consistency are the keys to getting sleep while caring for a baby.I have children ranging in ages from 6 months to 8, and we have a set schedule.While everyones schedule is different, the consistency is the main trick.

Have set nap times for your baby.Yes, you can train your baby to sleep even when you first bring them home. This is easiest when you co-sleep with your baby,it is natural for baby to want to be close to you , after spending 9 months in your womb. Simply bring baby to bed with you when you go to sleep. Nursing infants will sleep snuggled up next to you all night. Of course you will need to wake and change a newborns diaper. As far as feeding goes, you will become a pro at nursing while you sleep!

I would not recommend co-sleeping if you are taking sedatives,or other medications that make you sleep too deeply. A co-sleeping bassinet is also an option,if you are concerned about safety.

Getting your baby to nap follows the same protocol.If you have only the baby ,lay down and nap with him/her.Newborns have more of a sporadic sleep pattern, but will still nap for awhile if you are next to them. Keep your nap around the same time every day, and babies internal clock will adjust.

Taking naps is trickier when you more than one child.Try having a family nap time if your children are young.Put everyone down for a nap at the same time, and you can also take a much needed rest. If you have older children, designate nap time as movie time for them.This works especially well, if this is the only time you allow tv. I have a small tv in their bedroom,next to mine and they are not allowed to roam around the house during nap time.

This is an everyday event at my house , and my children look forward to naptime everyday.Even if you sometimes choose not to nap , if you have established a pattern baby will still sleep.

I have followed this pattern for 8 yrs., with all 6 of my children. I can count on my fingers the amount of sleep I have lost due to a new baby. If you are going to co-sleep ,use every safety precaution,especially if sharing bed with a partner.

These tips will not work for everyone,but they are my lifesavers!I enjoy my infants so much more when I am well rested.

Learn more about this author, Natasha Mitchell.
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