The Middle of the Night Routine
If you have done all the "preparatory work" and your baby does not start sleeping through the night on her own by the time she is seven months and weighs at least 14 pounds, you can start the "sleep routine training." Similarly, if your baby did sleep through the night for a while and started waking up again (a very common occurrence), start the sleep routine. However, if your baby starts waking up after having slept through the night, first, ask yourself what is going on in her life.
Any of the following events, and other similar changes, can cause sleep disruption:
- Changes in the family's routine, such as a trip, someone's absence, an illness, a move to a new house or a new room, or even rearranging the baby's room and crib
- A new separation from mother or father
- The onset of "stranger anxiety" (usually around eight to nine months)
- Teething
- Starting to crawl or walk or other major developmental advances
- Visitors staying at your house.
If any of these changes has occurred, you must first address the new situation. With an illness or teething, wait for it to pass. With changes involving separation or greater mobility, allow some time for adjustment and increase your physical closeness during the day.