https://www.thebusinessforumshow.com Gentle music to put your sweet child to sleep. The first hour of pics are for baby, the 2nd hour are for Mom or Dad. Once your baby is sound asleep, we've added pictures in the second half to put you into a dreamy state as well... that is, if you love the most amazing vacation places all around the world! To help you and your little one earn the much-needed shut-eye that you both so deserve, here are some of our favorite sleep tips, tricks and facts. Avoid eye contact: The last thing you want to do right before bed is excite your baby. Prolonged or animated eye contact with you is one of the most stimulating things for your little love. So, avert your eyes when you're putting him to sleep or calming her when she wakes. Bathtime. Warm water, combined with soft and loving strokes with a washcloth can relax just about anyone. Forgo the squirt toys, and keep voices and activity low to make bath time a soothing experience for your little one. Co-Sleeping. Whether you're for or against co-sleeping, studies show that children who co-sleep with their parents grow up with higher self-esteem and less anxiety. To co-sleep safely, place a co-sleeper or bassinet next to your bed. Dreamfeed. If your baby is the type that wakes at night hungry, a dreamfeed might help. Coined by Robert Bucknam, M.D., in On Becoming Babywise, the term dreamfeed refers to a parent-directed, late-evening feeding. Instead of waiting for her to wake up hungry, feed your baby before you go to bed, while she is asleep. Some believe the extra feeding fills her belly just enough to earn a bit more uninterrupted sleep. Empty the Crib. Keep the sleep surface free of everything but the cutest thing in the room, your baby. Blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals can be hazardous, increasing the odds of suffocation or choking. A fitted sheet is all he needs on his mattress. If you're worried about warmth, try a sleep sack instead of a loose blanket. Fragrance. Some little noses can be lulled to sleep with the scent from a drop or two of natural lavender oil on a tissue near the bed. Although lavender and other essential oils are known for their relaxation and anti-anxiety benefits, fragrances are not recommended for children less than 6 months old. So for those too young as well as those with sensitive skin or noses, forgo the fragranced tissue and try an unscented laundry detergent when washing crib bedding to reduce discomfort. Hands-On. When you transfer your baby into the crib at bedtime, try putting your hand gently on her stomach, arms and head to comfort and soothe her. Something as simple as having you close can do wonders for your little one's security at night. Ideal Bedtime. An overtired baby is often impossible to get to sleep. Setting an established bedtime is important, and many experts believe that between 6:30 and 7 p.m. is an appropriate bedtime for most babies under 1 year old. "Take into account your work schedule and your little one's need to spend time with you," says Nancy M. Silva, M.D., fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and certified pediatrician in Brandon, Florida. Surprisingly, early to bed does not necessarily mean early to rise, and a good night's sleep often results in later wake-up times. Lights Out. To help your little night owl understand when it's bedtime, keep her room dark. Forgo nightlights and use dark curtains or blackout shades to simulate nighttime during the day. When it's time for her to wake up, whether in the morning or after a nap, open the curtains and let light in to help her to understand the difference. Massage. Babies and toddlers who enjoy a 15-minute bedtime massage fall asleep faster than those who are only read a story, according to studies conducted at the University of Miami Touch Research Institute. So break out the baby-safe oil and rub him down using soft strokes and moderate pressure. Naps. Aside from the obvious benefits of napping, naps are also important to your baby's mental and physical growth. Don't omit naps in hopes that your baby will sleep longer at night, as the opposite is usually true. Overnight Diapers. If she sleeps through a wet diaper (bowel movements should be changed immediately), and you're not treating a diaper rash, don't wake her. Super-absorbent overnight diapers, along with an application of diaper cream for skin protection, if needed, will keep her comfortable and, one hopes, asleep. Pacifiers. A binky at bedtime can help your little one soothe himself to sleep, and studies show that it may also protect against SIDS. Mom trick: When your baby is sound asleep, remove the pacifier from his mouth so he doesn't wake up if it falls out. Make sure the pacifier you use is soft like the Soothie (soothie-pacifier.com), so it doesn't hurt if he rolls onto it. Routines. It's no secret that consistent nighttime routines can help your baby understand that it's time to sleep. Choose a soothing ritual and stick with it.

• published: 24 Dec 2015
• views: 340