wee ones (0–18 months)

All Through the Night

Remember, your baby’s ability (or inability) to sleep through the night isn’t a reflection of your parenting. A baby who sleeps through the night at 8 weeks isn’t the offspring of superhero parents. Our wee ones are as unique as us crazy moms. So, relax. You can do your best to encourage a longer night’s sleep with the following: Get a schedule. Our wee ones are creatures • of habit. As they get older, encourage activity during the day and establish nap times. At night create a consistent routine that allows baby to wind down. A happy baby is one who knows what’s coming next.

Consider a nuk, binky, pacy, or whatever you • call it. A pacifier may help your baby sooth herself. Also, using a pacifier at night is believed to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Babies will wiggle, squirm and twitch. No need to run to the nursery with every squawk or grunt. Babies may fuss as they settle down. It’s OK to wait a few minutes to see what happens.

Not the C Word

With regard to newborns, you will notice we didn’t talk about colic, that nasty diagnosis when nothing works, and you’re sure your baby will soon re-enact the scene from the Exorcist. When an otherwise healthy baby cries for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week for at least 3 weeks, it is considered colic. It usually starts between the 3rd and 6th week and ends when the baby is about 3 months old. While crying is a part of colic, there are some issues that require a call to the doctor:

• reflex and good appetite. If your baby isn’t eating well or doesn’t have a strong sucking reflex, call your doctor.

Colicky babies should have a healthy sucking

If your colicky baby is vomiting, not just spit- • ting up, and/or losing weight, call your doctor.

If your colicky baby has diarrhea or blood in • his/her stool, call your doctor.

Our tots are cuddly, sweet little munchkins, but they can also be a ticking tantrum time bomb only intensified by a lack of sleep. In a 24 hour period your tot will sleep approximately 12–14 hours. A nap may still be needed, but remember that nap time plays into the total hours of sleep needed for the day.