breast-feeding. Another concern of moving ahead too quickly in a three-
to four-month time span is that your milk supply may become
inadequate. We warn moms not to move their newborns too quickly to a
four-hour feeding schedule before those babies are sleeping through the
night.
- My baby is eight weeks old. I thought I had naps down but all of a
sudden she is waking up after forty-five minutes. What is the problem?
The problem can be caused by a number of things. A disruptive
schedule, unsettled tummy, a problem with sleep transitions, or the 45-
minute intruder. For the answer to this question we will refer you back to
several pages and chapters in the book. Start with pages 115 (Chapter
Six) and pages 144-145 (Chapter Eight). Make sure the early wake
condition is not a hunger or lactation problem. Then return to Chapters
Three and Seven and review the sleep and nap recommendations. - My baby is three months old. We recently went to visit some
relatives for a week and now she’s off schedule. How long will it take me
to get her back into her regular routine?
Whenever you go on a trip, your baby is bound to get off schedule. It
may be due to time zone changes, airports, or grandma’s insistence on
holding the baby when he should be sleeping. On these occasions, let the
relatives enjoy the baby. She will not be a baby for long. Yes, it may take
a few days to get her back on schedule when you get home. There may be
some crying and protesting from your little one, but in about three days
she should be back on track. Again, consider context as you nurture your
baby. There may be variables in your daily routine. Remember, your
routine should serve you, not shackle you.
During travel you should also consider context. This is especially true
if you’re on an airplane and your baby begins crying. Some moms think
that once the baby starts crying on a plane, they must let her cry herself to
sleep before the next feeding. Please consider those around you. Don’t
adhere to a strict feeding routine at the expense of the passengers around
you. This is rigid. Give your baby a bottle or do whatever else you can to
stop her from crying during the flight. Place the preciousness of others
above your baby’s feeding schedule.