As any parent of a young baby knows, sleep is a precious and rare commodity during the first few months following baby’s birth. After reaching the six-month mark, babies should be able to sleep through the night without requiring middle-of-the-night feedings. With a few consistent techniques, it is possible to get your baby on a regular nighttime sleeping schedule, and save your own sanity in the process. Within one week, both infant and parent can indeed look forward to sleeping like babies.
Decide on a consistent bedtime, and stick to it. Consistency is key in creating a bedtime routine that you and your baby will adhere to. Half an hour before bedtime, cuddle with baby in a dimly lit room free of noise.
Note the time. Listen carefully for signs of crying or fussing. If and when baby starts to cry, quietly go into the room to check on her. Do not turn on the lights or pick her up. Ensure that she is not tangled in her blankets, give her belly a reassuring rub, and leave the room. This technique is known as "compassionate crying it out," developed by Dr. Penelope Leach, author of "Your Baby and Child." Leach says, "You may have to repeat this over and over again, but it is the only sure way eventually to convince him both that you will come and that you will not get him up."