Your 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 them 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 overheat.
- 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 families enjoy a warm bath followed by feeding. Then, rocking and snuggling, singing or reading – these are all bonding times for mother and baby. Find a routine that works for you.
- 9 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, and it is not recommended until babies are at least 6 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:
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1. Watch closely for cues she is drowsy.
2. Place her in the crib just as she is about to fall asleep.
3. If she is tired enough, she might fall asleep and wake up in her crib,
associating her crib with comfortable sleep.
4. 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.
5. If your baby does not fall asleep right away, try putting her in her crib
with the rocker or glider right next to the crib, singing or reading
to her. You can also stand at the crib and rub her chest or tummy to
put her to sleep.
6. After 2-3 weeks, you can try to gradually move your chair a short
distance away from the crib, so the 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.
What have you done for you lately?
If you haven’t already, it’s time for you to get out of the house, guilt free! Plan a special date night with your partner or a stress free night with a friend.
