Baby Codes
Top Ten Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep
by Kevin Mills
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2011 Kevin Mills
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
Thank you for downloading this free ebook. It may be reproduced, copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form. Thank you.
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1. Comfort Comes First (Yours, That Is…)
As you find yourself focusing intently on how to help your baby sleep, it’s easy to forget about your needs. Blinded by the endless stream of changing, feeding, burping, napping, and just plain surviving, new parents are often shocked to realize how much they’ve neglected themselves.
Believe it or not, pulling off a successful bedtime routine starts with you. The parent. So take a few moments to prepare yourself before launching into the fray.
Kick off your shoes, let down your hair, and take a deep breath. Put on some quiet music. Engage in some deep stretches. Do whatever comes to mind that you believe will make you feel relaxed, comfortable, and at peace.
Feel that? That cool sense of calmness seeping throughout your veins? Now you’re ready for whatever the night holds in store for you — sleepy baby or not.
2. Routine Is King.
In case you don’t know by now, babies need naps. And lots of them. On average, a newborn will need approximately 14 to 15 hours of sleep a day. Naps are crucial to making sure they get the rest they need today to grow into the happy toddlers of tomorrow. (And happy teenagers… and adults… and senior citizens…)
Sometimes this means rearranging your schedule to adjust to your child’s unique sleep preferences, at least during the first few months. If your baby is naturally a night owl or an early bird, see if you can spot a pattern and try to adjust to it. Over time you’ll be able to nudge her to adjust to your preferred schedule for naps, but in the beginning? Don’t fight Mother Nature.
Babies who have regular naps tend to be better-rested and happier for the remainder of their busy days. They’ll eat better, listen better, and learn better. They’re likely to have more positive energy and will be less cranky. They’ll also sleep better at night. Why? Because while their bodies and brains aren’t utterly exhausted, they’ll still be tired enough to fall asleep on cue at their regularly scheduled bedtime.
If you haven’t already mapped out a naptime routine, take a few minutes to do so now. (You’ll be glad you did. Really, really glad.)
3. Consistency Is Queen.
Consistency. It’s not just for naps anymore. In fact, even as consistency is a vital part of setting a naptime routine, it’s even more important when it comes to bedtime. A consistent bedtime routine provides children with the cues they need to understand what time it is. (Remember, babies don’t wear watches.)
It’s important for you to do the exact same things at the exact same times before putting your baby to bed. There are all kinds of quiet activities you can choose from: singing a song, reading a book, taking a bath, etc. Honestly? The routine elements themselves aren’t nearly as important as keeping them quiet, low-key, and consistent.
4. Find a Sleep Association.
No, I’m not talking about subjecting your baby to endless observation at a clinic. (Wrong kind of association.) A sleep association is what each of us identifies as the last thing we remember before nodding off. So if the last thing your baby remembers is being in your arms, sucking on a bottle, or nuzzling with a blanket, there’s a very good chance he’s going to need that same thing to get back to sleep when he wakes up in the dead of night.
Thankfully, you can help foster sleep associations yourself, and there’s a wide variety of choices for you to offer your baby. My advice? Make it easy on yourself and choose something that’s simple enough to recreate or replace later. A soft blanky, a stuffed animal (check for choking hazards), a pacifier — something that’s small and can easily fit in a diaper bag or purse.
Whatever you choose, however, make sure you buy it in bulk. Because you will lose or forget them in time. And trust me — you do not want to be without your baby’s special token of sleep association when it comes to bedtime.
You really, really don’t.
5. Start Early or Finish Late.
An important question you have to ask yourself is when you want your baby to go to sleep. By this, I mean the exact moment when she’s completely out, down for the count, and you’re finally free to have some quality time. (And by “quality time” I mean “fall into bed in an exhausted heap.”)
A rookie parent’s mistake is to severely underestimate how long the bedtime routine actually takes. You’d be surprised how fast time files when you’re filling it with bath time, story time, a final feeding, etc.
Your best bet? Start the routine early. Start the bath early. Get them in pajamas early. Break out the binky early. Get a head start on everything so that if and when you run into setbacks along the way it won’t disrupt the entire evening. (And by “setbacks” I mean “cranky baby who will have nothing to do with sleep.”)
Remember: the sooner they get to sleep, the sooner you get to sleep. (And that’s what Baby Codes is all about.)
6. A Baby in Motion Tends to Stay in Motion.
…that is, until they fall fast asleep from exhaustion.
Some parents find it incredibly effective for them and their babies to seize the day with as much motional and activity as possible. Numerous studies show that people who engage in vigorous exercise through the day generally tend to sleep better and more soundly at night.
A car ride, a stroller tour, a baby sling, an infant swing — find what works best and plug it into your daytime routine.
Note: Keeping your baby in motion is especially effective if your baby is colicky, because a lot of babies with colic are often soothed only by motion and movement.
7. The Search for Super-Secret Sleep Signals.
Okay, they don’t really have to be super-secret. But I’m a sucker for consonance, so I decided to sneak it in there. (See what I mean?)
By keeping a record of your child’s sleep signals, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for when you need to identify their sleep-readiness. This will help you more easily spot the patterns so you can anticipate when to schedule the ideal nap and bed times.
Common Signals Your Child Is Getting Tired:
Newborns — yawning, frowning, clenched fists, blank stares, and, of course, uncontrolled crying.
Older Babies — eye rubbing, fretfulness, separation anxiety, and a sudden loss of interest in toys or playing. And crying.
Toddlers — slow to respond to questions, clumsy physical movements, emotionally tense. And (any guesses here?) crying.
8. Naptime: Synchronized Sleeping.
Some of you Type A, always on-the-go people are probably going to balk at this idea, but I’m including it anyway. It’s for your own good. (Trust me.)
You need to sleep when your baby sleeps.
There. I said it. Let the protests begin. But not until you hear the reasons why. Whether you admit it or not, you’re pretty dang sleep-deprived. You’re up at all hours of the night and day, you’re stressed out, and you’re desperate. At the same time, you’re overwhelmed with guilt about the state of the house, the dirty dishes, and the mountain of a laundry pile that continues to grow and taunt you in the other room. It’s time you faced the facts. You’re exhausted.
So listen to these words from a stranger who cares: Get Some Sleep! As soon as your baby is down and out, you need to lie down. For you to be the parent you want to be — the patient, loving, giving parent your baby needs — you can’t keep overextending yourself. It just won’t work.
Please. I’m begging you here. Give yourself a much-needed break and start making your sleep a priority today.
9. You Are Now Entering the No-Fun Zone.
I’m a fun-loving person by nature. Making people laugh is my hobby, and it’s even more rewarding when my kids are the ones with the chuckles. But at bedtime? That’s when we put fun back in the box and settle down.
It’s incredibly important that you make the last 30 minutes before starting your bedtime routine a time of rest and relaxation. It needs to be as calming and peaceful as possible. No hide-and-seek. No tummy tickle time. No swinging the baby from her feet or throwing her into the air. None of that.
Dial it down a few notches. Prepare them for the smooth transition to the downtime their bodies and minds need.
10. Combinations Are Key.
As you read Baby Codes, you’ll discover many of the ideas are blatantly contradictory. There are two reasons for this: 1) As you know, there is a wide assortment of baby sleep books written by other experts. And guess what? Some of them actually disagree on ways to put a baby to sleep. 2) Each child is unique. What works beautifully for one baby won’t necessarily work on another. By the same token, what’s discouraged for one child might end up being just what your baby needs to sleep at night.
Stay flexible. No single approach will work with all babies, all the time (or even all the time for the same baby). If one code doesn’t do the trick, move on to the next one. Combine two or three at a time or switch up their order. You’re free to explore and experiment to find the right combination for unlocking your baby’s sound sleep. (So you can finally get yours.)
You know that deep, restful sleep you’ve been dreaming of? Get ready.
It’s about to become a reality.
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My name is Kevin Mills, and I wrote Baby Codes for you. As a stay-at-home father of three kids, I know firsthand that each child is unique. Their preferences differ from food to fun to their individual love languages. Bedtime is no exception. What works for one won’t necessarily work for another.
The expanded book, Baby Codes: 101 Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep, provides sleepy parents just like you with 101 unique combinations to help you unlock your baby’s good night. Still not convinced? Not to worry… I created a Top 5 list just for you!
Top Five Reasons Baby Codes Will Rock Your World:
1. It’s Affordable. Almost all of the combinations are absolutely free or easily affordable. So you don’t have to spend a lot of money to spend the night in peace.
2. It’s Easy. Each entry is short, to-the-point, and easy to remember.
3. It’s Organized. Baby Codes is arranged by the five senses, so you can easily find the method that best suits you and your baby.
4. It’s Comprehensive. I read almost every baby sleep book ever published to find unique and effective solutions that simply work.
5. It’s Guaranteed. If you finish reading Baby Codes and honestly feel that absolutely none of the solutions inside have helped your baby sleep, I will gladly refund your purchase price. No questions asked.
Regardless of whether you buy the Baby Codes book or not, I just hope these Top Ten Tips have helped you consider new ways to help your baby get more sleep in her life. So you can get more sleep in your life.
Kevin Mills
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Advance Praise for Baby Codes
“Every new parent I work with is worn out, sleep-deprived, and simply exhausted! They need quick and easy solutions to helping their baby sleep through the night. Too many parents are running on empty and are unable to fully enjoy this special time. By reading Baby Codes you will quickly discover 101 unique, diverse & practical suggestions to help you relax, knowing you have lots of tried and tested solutions at your fingertips.”
- Sue Atkins, Founder, Positive-Parents.com
“Baby Codes is an organized, easy-to-read and humorous book of varied techniques to help your baby sleep. Whenever a sleepless parent needs help – fast – Baby Codes is ready and waiting with a quick tip to help get babies to sleep.”
- Shirley Cress Dudley, Licensed Professional Counselor, Author of Blended Family Advice
"Baby Codes shines with creative tips for all parents, new or experienced, on how to get their babies to sleep. As a bonus, it’s guaranteed to make even the most sleep-deprived parent laugh (or at least stop sobbing). Your first thought upon finishing it will be wondering if Kevin Mills would be willing to move in to put your newborn to sleep for you (I asked him already. Sadly, he declined at this point). Your second thought will be to question how anyone managed bedtime before Baby Codes arrived."
- Beth Orchard, Experienced Mom of Six Reluctant Sleepers
“With a sense of humor that can only come from experience, Kevin Mills offers concise, easy-to-understand advice for sleep-deprived parents. Based on personal experience and extensive research, Baby Codes is a full of creative ideas to get your kids to sleep. As a father of three young boys, I have found Baby Codes to be a great resource.”
- Jeremy Nicholson,
Department of Biology
Human Anatomy and Physiology
South Plains College, Lubbock, Texas
“Baby Codes is one of those books you just have to have around if you spend any time around babies. Old and new ideas alike are sprinkled with humor and interesting facts. We all need to get our good night’s sleep, and Kevin Mills gives some great tips on how to do just that!”
- Robin R. McCoy, http://www.championscentre.com/biz “Equipping People to Live Successful Christian Lives”
"This isn't your grandmother's baby book! As a busy mama of five, I thought I knew all the bedtime tricks for babies. Baby Codes is full of fresh remedies for exhausted parents. Easy-to-use with a nice dose of humor. I love it!"
- Elisa Op't Hof, Founder & President of Undercover Mama, www.UndercoverMama.com
“Baby Codes is an invaluable resource for anyone who has or cares for a baby. The tips are short, sweet and to the point. And there’s a solution for every baby! Definitely a must-have on any parent’s bookshelf!”
- Leigh Spoon, High Point, NC (i_mommy on Twitter)
“Baby Codes is great! Very simple, useful tools that I have personally used and know for a matter-of-fact that they work. As a mother of two, I would highly recommend this book!”
- Ashley Buie, Oklahoma
“Having raised three children and spending many sleepless nights trying to get them to sleep, I wish I had had this book on my nightstand. I will definitely be giving Baby Codes to my two nieces who are expecting early next year. Maybe I can give them the greatest gift of all...SLEEP!”
- Jalene Trower, Oklahoma
“Kevin Mills presents a fresh (and fun!) approach to the time-worn problem of getting a baby to drift off to neverland. Baby Codes offers a comprehensive list of remedies, each concisely written for those parents who need assistance with getting their baby to sleep but do not have the time (or the desire) to read an exhaustive manual.”
- Lynn Jacobs, Tennessee
“Kevin is onto something big with Baby Codes. As a weary mom, if I ever get a chance to read it has to be quick and easy to follow because, let’s face it, I can barely string five words together to make a complete sentence (let alone read that same sentence). You’ll find yourself laughing out loud with Kevin’s clever wit and sly confidence as he suggests code after code to use in deciphering your baby. Baby Codes is full of great, easy-to-use options that inspire hope that one day soon, you will sleep soundly. A refreshing resource for weary moms everywhere!”
- Alysa Clark, Mother of Two, Chicago, IL. (www.WaterStreetDreams.com)
“Sleep deprivation makes crazies of us all. Raising a newborn while working on 2 hrs sleep (a week) is sometimes a cruel reality! The humor and insight that Baby Codes offers during this insanity-inducing time is a welcome treat for any new mom!”
- Starr Cliff, Lubbock, TX. Mom of Three. Wife of One. http://www.lostinlaundry.com
"You're a new parent, you're sleep deprived, and everyone keeps telling you babies don't come with instruction manuals. Don't believe them. Baby Codes is that elusive manual every parent is looking for. Read it. Read it NOW, (while you're still able to keep your eyes open)."
- Anya Richardson, Unofficial Blurbologist, Mulhall, OK
“As a mother of two, Baby Codes is a godsend. My first child? No sleep problems whatsoever. My second? She’d sleep for an hour or so. A day. Baby Codes is wonderful! (I only wish he would have written it sooner!) With so many techniques to offer, I’m confident Baby Codes will be around forever.”
- Connie Stevens, Lilburn, GA
“Baby Codes is beautifully organized, filled with wonderful advice and laced with belly laughing humor. It's fun reading, even if you don't have kids! Baby Codes is a must-have for all parents, grandparents and babysitters! When you're stressed out trying to get the little one to sleep, you can't think of everything – but Kevin has, and he put it all in this amazing book. Loved It!!!”
- DaLette Stowell, Mother of 3, Grandmother of 5
