Principles for Starting Late

Unfortunately, not all parents start out with the advantages provided by

the Babywise infant-management plan. Many awaken to the need after
their babies are six, twelve, or eighteen months old and still are not
sleeping through the night. Is it too late for these parents? Absolutely not.
If you are in this situation and desire to correct the problem, the change
must begin with you.
Below are some rules and guidelines that will help your baby
establish continuous nighttime sleep.

General Rules

1. Make sure you have read and understand the entire contents of this
   book before proceeding any further.


2. Don’t try to make any changes while out-of-town guests or
   relatives are visiting. You don’t need the added pressure of explaining
   everything you are doing.


3. Start the process of change when your baby is healthy.

General Guidelines

1. Work on your baby’s daytime routine for the first four to five days.
   Keep in mind the three activities you must include and their order—
   feeding time, waketime, then naptime. Review chapter 6, “Establishing
   Your Baby’s Routine,” to determine how many feedings are appropriate
   in a 24-hour period, given your child’s age. For example, at three months
   of age your baby should be receiving four to five feedings a day. If he or