Rock-a-Bye Baby (21 page)
Authors: Penny Warner
“Fatigue is the best pillow.”
âBenjamin Franklin
Once in a while, it may seem like everything you've tried just won't work and you've reached the end of your rope. This will wear you down quickly, and we all know sleep deprivation can make ordinary irritations seem even worse. Luckily, I've still got a few tricks left. When you think you've tried it all, it's time to step it up a notch and try these tips, which worked for other desperate parents. Your baby may be sleepless, but the situation is never hopeless!
It may sound like cheating, but if you're running low on patience and energy, hire a sitter to come in and try to get your baby to sleep while you take a break.
Lay your baby in the crib with the robe you wear when breast-feeding, so your baby is reminded of you and will relax to sleep. Or buy some similar fabric, express a little milk on it, and put it in the crib with your baby.
There's an amino acid called tryptophan in foods like milk and turkey that produces serotonin, a chemical that helps the body relax, in the brain. So try a few teaspoons of turkey baby food with milk.
Following the instructions that come with the appliance, turn on a humidifier without the water, so it makes a soft noise. (Just be sure it's safe to use without water.)
Some babies need a few minutes to tire themselves through crying. Let your baby cry no more than ten to fifteen minutes, then go in to soothe her. Keep repeating until she falls asleep.
After checking with your doctor for approval and dosage, try giving your baby a little antacid, if he seems to have an upset stomach that's keeping him from sleeping.
You're never the only mom or dad up at night with a sleepless child. Check out these entertaining baby-themed movies while you're wishing you both were fast asleep
.
Baby Boom
, with Diane Keaton
Three Men and a Baby
, with Tom Selleck
She's Having a Baby
, with Kevin Bacon
Look Who's Talking
, with John Travolta
Father of the Bride 2
, with Steve Martin
Nine Months
, with Hugh Grant
My Baby's Daddy
, with Anthony Anderson
Daddy Day Care
, with Eddie Murphy
Some babies need to be “topped off” to keep them from waking in the night. Gently rouse your baby before you go to bed, give her one last feeding, and return her to bed, full and drowsy.
Lay a heating pad on the bed before putting baby down, then remove it and lay your baby on the warm bed. You can also use an iron or a hot-water bottle.
If you've really given it your best shot and your baby is still not sleeping through the night, then it may be time to consult your child's physician again, or to consider a sleep specialist.
Special Care: Soothing Products for Baby
“Always kiss your children good nightâeven if they're already asleep.”