BABY SLEEPING
HABITS
As baby gets older, baby sleeping habits will change and he'll sleep less during the
day. He may cut his naps to one day. For this long afternoon nap, put the baby
in his own room with the door closed and leave him there for the full period. If he
cries hard, find out what the trouble is, but leave him there for his full nap
time.
Don't begin now, or ever, the practice of staying with him until he goes to
sleep. See that he's comfortable, then leave his room, and close the door behind
you.
Babies' sleep needs vary, which makes it difficult to state specific number of
hours they should sleep at night. By the time, your baby will have established
his particular habit and this should be religiously adhered to for years to
come.
HE STARTS TO WALK
Is your baby walking? Once Baby tries to pull himself
let him practice at his own speed. Some babies may not even try until they're over a year, while occasionally one
may try
at seven months. Just be sure to give him plenty of opportunities to use his newly found power whenever he
chooses to.
If your baby stands until he's tired and starts to cry, let him sit easily.
Chances are he just hasn't figured out for himself how to sit down yet.
After he gains confidence in his standing ability, he'll begin to take a few
tentative steps, still holding on to the furniture
playpen rail. Don't urge him at this point. Let him take his time, and
somewhere between the twelfth and fifteenth months, He'll probably take out on
his own.
Brothers or sisters, especially in the two-year age group, often seem to take
delight in pushing a baby that is learning to walk. He may get discouraged if he's
continually pushed down and won't even try to walk. If you notice this pushing
going, divert the older child's attention and give the baby a good chance
to try his new-found wings.
PRAISE HAS ITS PLACE
Your child probably shouldn't be praise extravagantly for
every small act of the day. Either it make him a terrible egotist, or praise
will lose its meaning- no, you want him to conform to good habits as a matter of
course. But when he does perform creditably, don't hesitate to praise him.
Praise, in the beginning at least, is what everyone works for. When certain course
brings the approval of others, efforts
wade to continue in that direction. Your praise of Baby when he succeeds helps
him know that he did what you wanted, and encourages him to do it that way the
next time.
Just don't carry praise to the place where it's ridiculous and meaningless.
Having said that, also remember that as parents you are your child's biggest
cheerleaders. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your child. As you are of the baby's feats, keep your
comments in their importance.
If your baby fails or disappoints you? The less attention, to this fact the better,
for small youngsters love drama and are apt to repeat the undesirable conduct just to
hear you sound off.
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