If you have just given birth to your first child or have several others, you will recognize that one of the biggest issues with new arrivals is getting them on some type of schedule of mealtimes and sleep. A wonderful reference to assist new parents is "On Becoming Babywise" by Garry Ezzo and Robert Buckman. This manual helps parents gain immediate control over their infant's schedule and teaches them how to get their new arrival to sleep through the night between the ages of seven and nine weeks old.
The steps offered include early training where the infant is readied for the process of sleeping through an entire night so parents and the remainder of the family can also get their required rest and rejuvenation. It gives Mom and Dad control so the household is not governed by the demands of an infant. This makes for a more peaceful and organized household. As the authors of this book so clearly state that "While parents cannot change their child's genetic inscription or their child's temperament, they will influence the home environment and thus shape their child's destiny."
The authors advise parents to just enjoy their babies for the first days, allowing them to feed on demand and sleep when needed. As they get older, gradually starting them on a schedule of sleep and nap times will give them an internal clock. When the infant cries, the parent will know exactly what is wrong just by the time of day.
Coddling and giving in to demands at bedtime and mealtimes is discouraged. The point is to be firm about feedings, naps and sleep schedules when the infant is about two months old. Rocking him to sleep, walking around the house with him until he gets drowsy or even riding around the town in your car until he falls into a slumber are all exercises that should be eliminated so that he learns to sleep on his own.
At first, the infant may cry when put down but over time will recognize that when he is put down, it is time to sleep. He should sleep in his own bed and not with Mom or Dad. Quick naps in car seats and other baby paraphernalia should be discouraged.
Some may criticize this parenting system. They feel that the child will not get enough "cuddle time" with Mom or Dad during the late night feedings. Other detrimental effects that have been brought up include the possibility of dehydration or poor weight gain but nothing has been documented to help support these claims.
Enjoying a good night's sleep can set the tone for the entire household. Parents can get rested before a long day in the office or at home with an energetic infant. Other relationships in the household can improve if all the focus is not on the new baby. Mom will not be tired and irritated due to lack of sleep and will be able to pay more attention to other siblings and her spouse. Either or both of the parents who works will get more done on the job due to the extra sleep provided.
In the end, it is the parents' choice to weigh the pros and cons of this unique system. Some believe that this first taste of structure will help children for a lifetime. For those who intrigued by this parenting book, "Babywise II" is also available and expands on this subject.
The steps offered include early training where the infant is readied for the process of sleeping through an entire night so parents and the remainder of the family can also get their required rest and rejuvenation. It gives Mom and Dad control so the household is not governed by the demands of an infant. This makes for a more peaceful and organized household. As the authors of this book so clearly state that "While parents cannot change their child's genetic inscription or their child's temperament, they will influence the home environment and thus shape their child's destiny."
The authors advise parents to just enjoy their babies for the first days, allowing them to feed on demand and sleep when needed. As they get older, gradually starting them on a schedule of sleep and nap times will give them an internal clock. When the infant cries, the parent will know exactly what is wrong just by the time of day.
Coddling and giving in to demands at bedtime and mealtimes is discouraged. The point is to be firm about feedings, naps and sleep schedules when the infant is about two months old. Rocking him to sleep, walking around the house with him until he gets drowsy or even riding around the town in your car until he falls into a slumber are all exercises that should be eliminated so that he learns to sleep on his own.
At first, the infant may cry when put down but over time will recognize that when he is put down, it is time to sleep. He should sleep in his own bed and not with Mom or Dad. Quick naps in car seats and other baby paraphernalia should be discouraged.
Some may criticize this parenting system. They feel that the child will not get enough "cuddle time" with Mom or Dad during the late night feedings. Other detrimental effects that have been brought up include the possibility of dehydration or poor weight gain but nothing has been documented to help support these claims.
Enjoying a good night's sleep can set the tone for the entire household. Parents can get rested before a long day in the office or at home with an energetic infant. Other relationships in the household can improve if all the focus is not on the new baby. Mom will not be tired and irritated due to lack of sleep and will be able to pay more attention to other siblings and her spouse. Either or both of the parents who works will get more done on the job due to the extra sleep provided.
In the end, it is the parents' choice to weigh the pros and cons of this unique system. Some believe that this first taste of structure will help children for a lifetime. For those who intrigued by this parenting book, "Babywise II" is also available and expands on this subject.
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