Patented Q & A Database

My baby thinks playtime is nighttime and we are exhausted. Any way to get her on track? exhausted. Any ways to get her on track?

Homero Tamez Replied: Babies process all the information they are presented on a daily basis. They gather all kinds of data based on what they can see, hear, feel, sense, perceive and imagine in their developing brains. A great resource to help parents better understand this phenomenon is a video which is part of from the I Am Your Child Foundation, narrated by Rob Riener, entitled "The First Years Last Forever." Parents to whom I have presented this video to, report they have benefited greatly from all the information presented in this video. One of the best ways of getting babies back on tract is by addressing their needs and softly and smoothly caressing them back into what parents know as a sense of normality in their lives.
Posted On 2004-04-04 20:19:26

Sally Goldberg, Ph.D. Replied: Begin the bedtime routine right after dinner. Make the time after dinner into an enjoyable part of the day. Use this time to wind down from the day's activities. Enhance the atmosphere with soft music, and engage in activities like talking, singing, reading, playing with toys, and giving your baby a warm bath. Stay with your baby for the normal 15 minutes it takes to fall asleep and then check on him frequently until he is sound asleep. You can also talk about this special part of the day earlier in the day. In addition, you can describe the benefits of sleep—how it is nature's time to take care of his body, rest it, and prepare it for a wonderful new day.
Posted On 2004-04-04 19:43:32

Bernie Pepchinski Replied: You can try to reverse the pattern by extending your baby's active times and decreasing daytime rest periods. Observe your baby's activity and make note of when, where and for how long he naps, plays etc. to help formulate a plan to change the pattern. Try extending awake periods by 5-10 min; try keeping the baby in areas that offer more stimulation and opportunity to interact with the environment, ex: babysat in the kitchen. Naps should be kept to 1 1/2 to 2 hours, less in the late afternoon. Gently wake the child with soft music or soft touch. Reverse this at bedtime keeping the stimulation low. You might consider changing bath time to early evening or even AM since a bath can often be stimulating.
Posted On 2004-04-04 18:47:21

Rhonda Clements Replied: Babies, like adults, need to develop a normal daily routine that signals the most appropriate time to sleep, and when to be active. Although babies are only born with a collection of basic reflexes, they soon learn to control more body parts and desire greater physical challenges and additional playtime. This is good, since physical play experiences enhance your child's brain and physical development. Play baby games such as peek-a-boo and pat a cake, and carry your baby from room to room and rock him to stimulate his level of physical activity. Your child will sleep at the normal evening hours if you begin these play sessions approximately two hours before bedtime. Place a blanket, towel, or rug on the floor, and encourage your child to move on his or her stomach, while reaching for objects such as large blocks or textured balls. Other early evening play sessions and include activities that encourage rolling over, sitting up, crawling, creeping, and standing. Your child will fatigue in a healthy way, and increase the likelihood of a good night.
Posted On 2004-04-04 06:23:05