Daddy Magic: Keep your Baby Asleep for that 12 Hours

Try to keep your baby sleeping during the time you want her to be asleep. So, if you want your baby to sleep from 7:30 PM to 8:30 AM (currently what our toddler sleeps), then you'll want to feed your baby when you have to and push your night time feedings out. Then, when you still feed your baby, you simply feed her and put her back to bed. She doesn't get up until the 12 hour block is over.

For example, our infant wakes up at 5 AM for a feeding. I feed her and put her back to sleep. She doesn't get to be awake until 8 AM or so. That way she's used to being asleep for that 12 hour chunk. You keep moving her night time feedings apart until she's used to sleeping in that time period without eating.

Why do this? For yourself, your husband, your other children, and, most importantly, for your baby.

The happiest baby in the room is the healthiest baby in the room. The healthiest baby in the room is the one who gets the most sleep. Don't worry about over-sleeping. Consider that when they get closer to middle school. =^)

For now, just make sure they are as healthy and happy as possible -- that means lots of sleep.


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