Sleep Tips

• The biggest help was when I read an article in American Baby magazine about sleep,,, it talked about babies being extremely cranky when over-tired, it said from 0-3 months the MAX amount of time a baby should be awake is 2 hours, and no more than 3 hours at 3 months. Also they should sleep a minimum of 45 minutes for a nap. It said that parents often try any number of things when an over-tired baby starts to fuss which makes it worse as you further over-stimulate your child. 
• Keep a log of baby's sleep patterns and see if there are any natural patterns to encourage. When the baby is 4 months, he can distinguish days from nights and can benefit from a more predictable established sleep schedule and nap schedule.
• Keep the area around the crib free of toys and clutter so they know it's time for sleep and not play.
• From the early days, put the baby in his own crib for at least one nap a day - even if they are sleeping in your room at night.  This helps them get used to a little separation.
• Babies sleep better in a cool room, but don't put them directly under a vent because sudden changes can disrupt their sleep. 
• Keep the room dark and don't have shiny things that could wake them - even nightlights are not necessary.  Babies aren't afraid of the dark until 18 months.
• Cotton and natural fabrics are better for baby to sleep in.
• The book "Baby Wise" is all about how to give your child the gift of sleep. It teaches you how to create a pattern of eat, wake, sleep and gives you guidelines for how to put your child down to sleep for naps and at night that will help him/her learn how to sleep through the night by 7 or 8 weeks! My husband and I have been following their philosophies since our baby was born and he is 6 weeks old tomorrow. Last night he slept through the night for the first time! Teach your baby good habits from the start (no co-sleeping, no things they become dependent on to fall asleep like food, or a carseat, vibrations, etc) and you will both be happier sooner and more rested.