a public education project supported by the Singapore Paediatric Society (www.sps.org.sg) and Lion CorporationQ1
I am a first-time grandmother. My three-month-old grandson sleeps well during the day but when night falls, he wants to be carried until he falls asleep.
However, the moment we put him down, he wakes up crying. How can I change his sleeping habits? I have tried waking him during the day so that he will feel tired during the night but it still does not help.
A
By three to four months, most babies sleep for 15 hours a day — roughly 10 hours at night and the rest of the sleep time divided into about two to three daytime naps.
If you haven’t done so, establish set bedtimes and naptimes, and a bedtime routine and stick to them.
A good bedtime is usually between 7pm to 8.30pm. Staying up too late at night often tires baby and makes it more difficult for him to fall asleep. Some bedtime routines you can follow include giving him a bath, reading or singing to him and cuddling.
Thereafter, put him down on his bed, even if he is not asleep yet. Then leave the room. If he cries, don’t rush in straightaway and pick him up. Give him a chance to soothe himself to sleep. If necessary, go back into the room, pat him for a while to reassure him but don’t turn on the lights, pick him up or cuddle him. Be gentle but firm and consistent. Do this repeatedly until he falls asleep, extending the time between visits.
Avoid sleep associations. It sounds like your grandson needs to learn to go to sleep by himself, instead of going to sleep only in your arms. It will take time for him to learn self-soothing skills if he has formed a sleep association.
Be patient and good luck!
Q2
My four-year-old son cries and shouts every time I wash his hair and face, even when I do not use shampoo. Is there anything I can do about it?
A
This is not uncommon and is probably a phase that he will outgrow. If he hates having water on his face, try the lean-back-and-dunk method of washing his hair and use a damp face cloth to wipe his face instead. An alternative is to use a wet wash cloth to wet his hair and “wash” it that way. If what he hates is water getting into his eyes, you can try using a pair of goggles to prevent that.
It would also help if his hair is cut short so that the time needed to wash it is as brief as possible.
Finally, you have to stay firm and let him know that this is something that has to be done for hygiene reasons. Then, let him choose which way he would like his hair to be washed.
Q3
My seven-year-old son does not like to use baby bath or shampoo when taking a shower. The only time he agrees to using soap is when he is washing his hands.
A
If he is already seven, he would be able to tell you his reasons and his choices. For example, he may prefer to have a bubble bath, rather than a shower. He may find it too cold to have a long shower (what with soaping and rinsing) and so, wants to shorten shower time by not using soap.
He may have had a bad experience getting shampoo or soap into his eyes during a shower. It would help to give him alternatives or suggest ways to overcome whatever fears he may have.
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Questions were answered by Dr Chan Mei Yoke from the Singapore Paediatric Society. The information provided is for your general knowledge only. You should seek professional advice or treatment for your child’s condition.
Q1, our question of the week, wins a Kodomo gift set worth $60. The winner has been notified. You too can stand a chance at winning this gift set by emailing your questions on baby care to babycare@newstoday.com.sg
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From TODAY, Health – Tuesday, 07-April-2009
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