Diet and Routine

MYTH No. 1: Feeding your baby more milk at night or putting cereal in her bottle will help her sleep longer.

Studies have shown that, babies fed rice cereal in their bottle slept no better or longer than those who didn't. In fact, a common cause of night waking is indigestion. If you put babies to bed with a too-full tummy, they're going to feel bloated and gassy and sleep poorly. Try adding extra feedings during the late afternoon and early evening. Your goal is still to feed "on cue," but more nourishment during the day can gently encourage better sleep at night.

MYTH No. 2: If you keep baby up late, he'll nod off faster and sleep better.

When babies stay up late, their stress hormones kick in and they enter a hyper-alert state. They can't easily wind down, which makes it harder to fall asleep and can lead to frequent night waking. Get your baby on a predictable nap and bedtime schedule and try to stick to it. To find baby's optimal bedtime, look for signs such as yawning, rubbing eyes, and getting cranky, which mean baby is overdue for sleep. Keep a chart for a week of when these "tired signs" appear, and then start his bedtime routine a half hour in advance.

The Importance of Naps

MYTH No. 3: Some babies don't need to nap.

While nap length varies, all babies under 1 need a daytime snooze. If they don't nap, they get overtired and cranky and sleep restlessly. Give baby a nap at the same time each day, using a mini bedtime routine to set the tone. If baby refuses to sleep, have some quiet time -- seat her on your lap and read books or sing lullabies.

MYTH No. 4: Babies sleep through the night when they reach 2 or 3 months.

At 3 months, breastfeeding babies may wake every three to five hours, and bottle-feeding babies about every six hours. If they're hungry, hot, cold, or can't breathe, they wake to get help. Babies may begin snoozing five to eight hours at 6 months, but not all do. It's best to keep your baby on a consistent sleep schedule and then just follow her natural rhythms.

MYTH No. 5: Never let baby fall asleep in your arms or he won't learn to sleep alone.

Babies are built to relax and fall asleep after they eat, especially since being cuddled makes them feel confident and secure. It's fine to let newborns drift off in your arms, but once they're 6 weeks old, jostle them before placing them in the crib. Rousing them just enough so they open their eyes will give babies the experience of putting themselves back to sleep.