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My Baby - Week 9
Can you believe it has been two whole months since you brought your baby home from the hospital? If you are lucky, it is very possible that you will hear your child’s first laugh this week. You may hear a giggle, or a squeal, after a quick tickle, or even after you smile hello to him in the morning. If your little one isn’t laughing yet, don’t despair. Most infants will share a giggle by the end of their third month.
How is your baby sleeping?
There are a few important tips you will want to follow when putting your baby to sleep. Make sure your infant is sleeping in a safe, comfortable space. This means she should be lying on her back with enough clothing to keep her warm, but not overheated. Be sure there are not any dangerous objects nearby, like toys, pillows, or thick bumper pads that could mold to the shape of her face and impair her breathing.
Follow a ritual at bedtime. Some enjoy starting with a warm bath, followed by feeding. Next, rocking and snuggling, singing or reading – these are all bonding times for mother and baby. Find a routine that works for you.
Nine-week-old babies are still too young for the Ferber Method. This method teaches parents to let infants and toddlers cry for progressively longer periods until they accept a sleeping arrangement. It is not recommended until babies are at least six months of age.
If you are having any trouble putting your baby to sleep, you may want to see if the following tips work for you:
- Watch closely for cues signaling he is drowsy.
- Place her in the crib just as she is about to fall asleep.
- If he is tired enough, he might fall asleep and wake up in his crib and associate his crib with comfortable sleep.
- If you place her in her crib, and she immediately wakes up, don’t give up! Being persistent will pay off. Just pick her back up and soothe her until she is again feeling drowsy and content.
- If your baby does not fall asleep right away, try putting him in the crib; then with the rocker or glider right next to the crib, sing or read to him. You can also stand at the crib and rub his chest or tummy to put him to sleep.
- After two to three weeks, you can try to gradually move your chair a short distance away from the crib, so your baby can see you. You can continue the rituals, including talking, reading, and singing for your baby, but reduce the amount of time you spend each night. You might find that, eventually, your baby has no trouble falling asleep.
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