What to Check if Baby Wakes During the Night (Part 2)

lullabybabies — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:41:25 +0000

• Milestones. Has he reached any developmental milestones recently, such as sitting, crawling, walking, talking, teething etc? These go hand in hand with a few sleepless nights I’m afraid! Teething problems can be strongly suspected by the appearance of a wet bed sheet under baby’s head, a drool rash on the cheeks and chin, swollen and tender gums, and a slight fever. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to find the right medication to ease the pain.

• Separation Anxiety. This deserves a post of its own.

• Temperature. Is he too hot or cold? Be careful not to overdress him and see the table at the end of this post for the right temperatures.

• Dressed for sleep. In the early months, many babies like to “sleep tight,” securely swaddled in a cotton baby blanket. Older infants like to sleep “loose,” and may sleep longer stretches with loose coverings that allow them more freedom of movement.

• Distractions. Is his room too noisy or too light? Block out disturbing backing noise with a soothing lullaby CD. Purchase darkening blinds to shut out the light which may be awakening him. This may also lead to an extra hour of sleep in the morning.

• Blocked nose. In the early months, babies need clear nasal passages to breathe. Later they can alternatively breathe through their mouth if their nose is blocked. Reduce the amount of problem-causing articles from baby’s room as these can cause stuffiness (cigarette smoke, baby powder, paint fumes, hair spray, animal dander, plants, clothing, stuffed animals, feather pillows and fuzzy toys that collect dust.) If your baby is particularly allergy-prone, a HEPA-type air filter will help. Consider buying a salt-water nasal dropper and give baby a few drops if he has a stuffy nose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist first. (Lavin, Glaser 2007).

Correct Room Temperatures

Room temperature	Amount of bedding
12°C	sheet plus four or more layers of blankets
14°C	sheet plus three or four layers of blankets
16°C	sheet plus three layers of blankets
18°C	sheet plus two layers of blankets
20°C	sheet plus one or two layers of blankets
22°C	sheet plus one layer of blankets or sheet only
24°C	sheet only
Source: Department of Health www.doh.gov.uk Table 1.Bedding guidelines for babies wearing a nappy, vest and babygro.

Sleeping Through the Night- Baby Sleep Blog » room temperatures

What to Check if Baby Wakes During the Night (Part 2)