While there could be many reasons why your baby is not sleeping through the night, it is possible that you may be making any one of these five mistakes.



(1) Making the room nice and dark and quiet when you baby naps during the day.

You may think this is a good idea in hopes that the kid will sleep longer so you can catch a break. BUT – it really isn't helpful in the long run - i.e. Bedtime. When your baby takes naps during the day have plenty of daylight in the house. Let normal household and street noises exist. The less time the kid sleeps during the day could mean longer sleep at night.

(2) Letting your baby just lie around in the crib or baby carrier.

It is tempting to just let the kid lie around so you can do other things. However, once again this is not in your best interest. The kid needs to be active when awake. This could bring better sleep at night. Don't you sleep better at night when you have been out all day running around?

Find ways to introduce physical activity for the kid. Play games, take the kid out for a fun outing to see new places and things. My little niece loves to people watch.

(3) Picking up your baby as soon as the crying starts at night.

Believe it or not, the kid might not even be really awake! I know I did this all the time with my kid. I did not know any better. I learned that if you rub the tummy, the kid just might stop crying and go back to sleep.

(4) Play games that excite the baby.

When all the family is home in the evening they want to play with the kid. That is okay as long as the activities are RELAXING for the kid! Tell Dad not to play airplane or catch the kid in the air before bedtime. If you have other kids, let them know not to excite the baby.

The best thing would be to hold your baby and read. Clear out the crib i.e. get the toys out. Give the kid a favorite toy to settle down with.

(5) Have no routine for bedtime.

So, one night you do everything in your room after the bath. The next night in the living room and the next night in the kid's room or even the kitchen! This is not a good idea. Your baby needs to recognize when it is time for bed – end of the day – finito!

So do your best to begin the ritual at the same time everyday and in the same room. Have a special nighttime song i.e. lullaby or music. Have a bedtime book to read.

And I'd like to invite you to use these tips but please don't try to do them all at once. This could annoy your baby.