Article Presented by:
Dylon Sanger
Many new parents worry about their ability to be the best parents that they can be. This is very common and is also completely understandable. You will hear many people say that it is too bad that newborns do not come with an instruction manual. It's too bad they don't, because it sure would have made my life a lot easier, and it could have made life a lot easier for generations of parents and their children alike.
One of the most common problems that new parents face with their newborn child is how to get the baby to sleep through the night. If you are a parent, then you know how true the stories are of people being awoke every few hours. Expectant parents may have some fears of just how true this really is and wonder if it will in fact happen in their situation.
The truth is that many people do struggle with getting a baby sleep pattern down so that both the parents and the baby can get all the rest that they need in order to be healthy and happy. There are a number of tips and ideas that parents of a baby can employ to help solve the baby sleep problem.
The White Noise Concept
One tool that is not always considered is the use of white noise. In case you are not familiar with what "white noise" is, or how to generate it, let me introduce you to the concept behind it. White noise is a constant soft sound that helps to drown out other noises that can disrupt an individual's peace and quiet. The soft hum of an air conditioner, the sounds of a furnace running, or the sound of a television channel without an actual broadcast signal (snow), are all good examples of white noise. White noise is not so loud that it disrupts and annoys a person; white noise simply helps drown out disruptive sounds.
White noise is a combination of all the frequencies of sound. Because of this combination of frequencies the brain is able to block out background noises. If you have ever turned on a fan in a quiet office to drown out the voices of coworkers talking or answering phones, then you have utilized the same concept.
As you well know, everyone sleeps differently. Some of us can sleep through a train wreck, while a feather falling wakes other people up. Babies have similar traits, but if you are reading this article then it is likely that your baby is one that seems to be awaken by the slightest sounds.
Baby sleep aids, like a sleep noise generator, can help your baby to fall asleep and to stay asleep. Another reason white noise is recommended is because white noise helps to mimic the sounds of the womb, making the baby feel as comfortable as possible. Many hospital nurseries also use white noise generators to keep the newborns calm. A comfortable baby that is able to get all the sleep that he or she needs tends to be a happy baby. While happy cows are from California, happy babies lead to happy parents.
Tip Toe Through The Baby's Room
If you tip toe through your house while your baby sleeps, then a sleep noise generator may be just what you need. The reality is that many of us use those naps that babies take to get things done that we cannot do while the baby is awake and demanding our full attention. Things like cleaning house, doing dishes, laundry, etc. are all things that many parents try to accomplish while the baby is sleeping. The problem is that if your baby is one that is awaken by the slightest sound, you may be trying very hard to stay silent while getting those things done.
By blocking out background noises with the use of baby sleep aids, you can help to make sure that a baby sleep pattern is maintained for your child. Babies have patterns of sleep that they should optimally follow when possible. When a baby is able to follow this sleep pattern, or schedule, the baby tends to be less cranky and will become accustomed to that sleep pattern.
Creating Patterns And Rituals For Your Baby
Sometimes, following certain rituals will help to get your baby on a sleep pattern. For example, some parents will put their baby to bed shortly after bath time. Doing this on a regular basis will result in your baby knowing that it is time for rest after a bath.
It also happens quite often that a baby is ready for a nap after a meal. This can become yet another ritual for your baby. As you set up these rituals, that let your baby know that it is time for sleep, you will want your baby to be able to sleep uninterrupted for the appropriate amount of time. Using sleep noise generators will keep your baby from waking up prematurely.
The background noise generator will in itself become a ritualistic representation for your baby and will help your baby to fall asleep. Just as your baby associates bath time or meals with getting ready to sleep, your baby will also associate the soothing sound of white noise with sleep.
The Benefits Can Extend To Parents Also
And for the record, you might find that the white noise generators can help you sleep better at night as well.
By utilizing these tips, it is our hope that you will be able to teach your baby how to rest well and on a schedule. And in doing so, we hope that you will find the rest that you so richly remember and deserve.
About the Author:
Dylon Sanger writes about children and parenting. Dylon recommends "Baby Sleep Training - how to get baby to sleep through the night" to any parent who has had to struggle with helping their baby to sleep. Learn more at: http://www.babysleeptraining.com
Dylon regularly writes for: http://www.pencircles.com You may reprint this article if all links are kept intact.