Having a Baby

Every parent dreams of their child being the poster baby for the expression “sleep like a baby.” Oh yes, having a baby that’s a “good sleeper” is golden for any parent, but did you know that if your baby is well rested he/she will be a “happy baby” and that’s priceless to a parent.

A key to having a “good sleeper” starts with having a nursery area that is conducive to getting a good nights sleep. Many parents choose to have a themed decor that starts with baby bedding sets that follow a specific theme and/or design scheme.

Let’s explore some of the reasons why your baby may not be a “good sleeper” or why he/she is crying. Babies cry for the same reason adults talk – to communicate. Crying is the only way for infants to tell us when something is wrong. But while the baby may know what’s wrong, it’s often more difficult for new parents to decipher the meaning of their babies cries. As your baby grows, you will learn to recognize and differentiate among the various cries.

Newborns sometimes cry up to four hours a day, and each cry can send a different message.

• Gas is very common in infants, affecting more than half of all newborns. Gas bubbles can cause discomfort, making baby cry. Many infants with gas will also pull their legs up, lying in a curled position to help relieve their discomfort.
• Your baby could be in pain when the cry is unmistakably loud and sudden, with long high-pitched shrieks followed by a pause and then a wail. If you are unable to find a minor cause, you should call your health care provider immediately if this type of crying persists and the baby is inconsolable.
• Babies are just small adults; they get lonely or bored and when this happens the coos will turn to a wail if they don’t get the attention they want or need. Rest assured that no amount of love, cuddling, hugging, and caring will spoil your baby in the first six months; so go ahead and pick your baby up. You’ll both be rewarded!
• Babies get tired or become uncomfortable. It could be that your babies nursery bedding has become wet, or your nursery room temperature isn’t set correctly. If your babies cries are whiny, nasal, and continuous, chances are he/she is overtired, about to have a bowel movement, too warm, too cold, or otherwise uncomfortable.
• Sometimes your baby just needs to be heard and crying is the only way they can express themselves.  If your baby is “good” all day, sometimes he/she just needs to release energy by crying. This usually occurs at the end of the day, or the “witching hour.”
• Babies all have very distinctive personalities, even newborns, and sometimes they’re just cranky. Some babies are just fussy by nature. Irritable crying varies in duration and occurs randomly without an apparent cause.

So what’s a parent to do?

Having a baby nursery with a decor that suggests time and attention has been given to a safe and peaceful haven for your baby puts both parents and baby more at ease. This can mean a safe and comfortable baby crib with attractive baby bedding accessories. Often parents will choose a favorite baby nursery bedding theme and as the baby gets older, they too will enjoy their special room, i.e. nursery.

When the baby is a small infant, you might want to consider a smaller sleeping area such as a Moses Basket. Moses Baskets can become a part of the nursery decor and come with linens and accessories to match the overall nursery theme.

Newborn babies have no regular sleep pattern in the first few weeks so it’s important that you as the adult caregiver establish a pattern.

• Establish a Routine — Repeat it every night around the same time. This may involve giving your baby a bath, changing him/her, changing the crib bedding by using fresh crib linens. Having a story together and then settling them to sleep can be a useful and relaxing experience for the infant.
• Consistency — Always try to put your baby down to sleep in the same place. They get use to their crib and the nursery decor and this becomes a very familiar place to them. This way your baby will associate that place with sleep time. Waking your baby up at the same time is as important as putting your baby to sleep at the same time.
• Work out a simple bedtime routine lullaby or message such as ”night night sleep tight.” Repeat this every night and your baby will also learn this is another cue to sleep.
• Make sure the sleeping area is dimly lit as bright lights and activity usually keep babies awake.
• If your baby wakes up, check if he/she needs a diaper change or is your baby feeling too cold or hot. Be sure to also check for wet baby bedding. This would include checking the crib sheet, baby blankets and/or comforter.