| You bring your little bundle of joy home from the | | | | Deaths from SIDS has dropped considerably, down |
| hospital. As new parents you're probably thinking now | | | | 40%. Since more babies are lying on their backs, they |
| what? You've read all the baby books out there. | | | | may have flat spots or flat head syndrome. You can |
| Every family member has given you words of advice. | | | | help to prevent this condition by changing your baby's |
| Now is the time to put what you know into action. So | | | | head position, alternating the position from one night to |
| take it easy and relax a little bit, were going to talk | | | | the next. |
| about your baby's sleep habits. | | | | Let your baby sleep near you but not with you. Your |
| Your little one will probably sleep a total of sixteen to | | | | baby needs a bed of their own, just as you do. A |
| eighteen hours a day. Of course, the sleep time will be | | | | family bed is not safe for your baby! |
| broken up into four or five episodes. This can be a | | | | Your infant should be sleeping in a crib that meets |
| great time for mom to grab a little nap as well. Babies | | | | safety standards. Do use a firm mattress. Also make |
| usually sleep longer during the night than through out | | | | sure the sheet fits the mattress, keep it form fitting |
| the day. By two months of age, your newborn will | | | | and snug. Remove objects and soft bedding from |
| start sleeping through the night usually lasting at least | | | | your baby's bed. A sleep sack, made of natural or |
| five hours. This gives the new parents a chance to get | | | | organic fabric, is a great choice for keeping your little |
| some rest and to return to a more normal sleep | | | | one safe and warm during sleep time. |
| pattern. By the time your child turns one year of age, | | | | When your baby is awake, provide plenty of "tummy |
| they'll sleep twelve to fourteen hours per day. They will | | | | time". Give your little one ample space to move, kick |
| have a long sleep period at night and usually a morning | | | | and stretch. Limit the time your child spends in a swing, |
| and afternoon nap. | | | | carrier or car seats. |
| There are ways to make sleep time a little easier for | | | | I used to love to watch my children sleep. So sweet |
| you and your baby. Do place your infant on their back | | | | and innocent, its a shame they grow up so fast. Enjoy |
| during nap time. In the 1990s the "Back to Sleep" | | | | every minute while you can. Unfortunately, you can not |
| campaign educated parents about reducing the | | | | turn back the hands of time to recapture those special |
| incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). | | | | moments. |