If there is a new baby in the house, there may be issues with scheduling and sleep patterns. Whether a seasoned or new parent, all can benefit from reading "On Becoming Babywise" by Robert Buckman and Garry Ezzo. This book explains to parents how to get control of their child's sleep and meal schedule. It teaches the methods used to get a seven to nine week old baby to sleep through the entire night so everyone else in the house can function effectively.
The steps offered include early training where the infant is readied for the process of sleeping through an entire night so parents and the remainder of the family can also get their required rest and rejuvenation. It gives Mom and Dad control so the household is not governed by the demands of an infant. This makes for a more peaceful and organized household. As the authors of this book so clearly state that "While parents cannot change their child's genetic inscription or their child's temperament, they will influence the home environment and thus shape their child's destiny."
The authors advise parents to just enjoy their babies for the first days, allowing them to feed on demand and sleep when needed. As they get older, gradually starting them on a schedule of sleep and nap times will give them an internal clock. When the infant cries, the parent will know exactly what is wrong just by the time of day.
Parents are advised not to coddle their babies when it comes to bedtime and meals but to have set and firm times for feedings, naps and nighttime sleep at about the two-month mark. They should not be rocked to sleep, driven around the neighborhood in a car, or walked around the house to get them to slumber but should learn how to fall asleep on their own.
At first, the infant may cry when put down but over time will recognize that when he is put down, it is time to sleep. He should sleep in his own bed and not with Mom or Dad. Quick naps in car seats and other baby paraphernalia should be discouraged.
Some criticism of the method is that it does not give the new baby enough one-on-one time with the parents. Experts state that the infant may suffer detrimental effects such as poor weight gain or even dehydration from this somewhat regimented program. No evidence has been documented to support these claims.
Getting a good night's sleep can go far in maintaining strong family relationships and a happy household. Siblings, spouses and friends will all gain from a well-rested parent who can function effectively. This is especially true if Mom and Dad both work as losing sleep cannot be gained back during the day.
In the end, it is the parents' choice to weigh the pros and cons of this unique system. Some believe that this first taste of structure will help children for a lifetime. For those who intrigued by this parenting book, "Babywise II" is also available and expands on this subject.
The steps offered include early training where the infant is readied for the process of sleeping through an entire night so parents and the remainder of the family can also get their required rest and rejuvenation. It gives Mom and Dad control so the household is not governed by the demands of an infant. This makes for a more peaceful and organized household. As the authors of this book so clearly state that "While parents cannot change their child's genetic inscription or their child's temperament, they will influence the home environment and thus shape their child's destiny."
The authors advise parents to just enjoy their babies for the first days, allowing them to feed on demand and sleep when needed. As they get older, gradually starting them on a schedule of sleep and nap times will give them an internal clock. When the infant cries, the parent will know exactly what is wrong just by the time of day.
Parents are advised not to coddle their babies when it comes to bedtime and meals but to have set and firm times for feedings, naps and nighttime sleep at about the two-month mark. They should not be rocked to sleep, driven around the neighborhood in a car, or walked around the house to get them to slumber but should learn how to fall asleep on their own.
At first, the infant may cry when put down but over time will recognize that when he is put down, it is time to sleep. He should sleep in his own bed and not with Mom or Dad. Quick naps in car seats and other baby paraphernalia should be discouraged.
Some criticism of the method is that it does not give the new baby enough one-on-one time with the parents. Experts state that the infant may suffer detrimental effects such as poor weight gain or even dehydration from this somewhat regimented program. No evidence has been documented to support these claims.
Getting a good night's sleep can go far in maintaining strong family relationships and a happy household. Siblings, spouses and friends will all gain from a well-rested parent who can function effectively. This is especially true if Mom and Dad both work as losing sleep cannot be gained back during the day.
In the end, it is the parents' choice to weigh the pros and cons of this unique system. Some believe that this first taste of structure will help children for a lifetime. For those who intrigued by this parenting book, "Babywise II" is also available and expands on this subject.
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