How to Get a 10-Month-Old Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Most 10-month-old babies sleep between 13 and 14 hours a day, the majority at night with one or two naps during the day. If your 10-month-old isn't sleeping through the night (six to eight hours at a stretch), consider trying a new method to encourage him to stay in his crib and sleep through the night. Establishing a full night of sleep for your baby will improve his mood and health, as well as that of the entire family.

Instructions

1

Discuss your plan of action with your partner or any other caregivers who are with your baby at night. Make sure you are all on the same page for consistency, or your baby will not take to any method you try.

2

Follow a nightly routine that settles your baby rather than stimulates her. A common routine involves a quick bath, feeding, story, diaper change then putting her into her bed. If she falls asleep more easily when you hold her or rock her, consider holding her until she's almost asleep. Try to get her into her bed before she falls asleep so she understands that is where she's supposed to sleep.

3

Reassure your baby that you are there and everything is OK when he wakes up during the night. Do not pick him up when he cries, even if it tears you apart inside. Instead, rub his belly or his back, gently squeeze his hand and tell him, "It's okay; mommy is here." Then leave the room. Come back in every five to 10 minutes, if necessary, but try to make those intervals longer.

4

Leave the baby's door open so she can hear you moving around in the next room or hear whatever normal noises occur in your household. Consider playing a white noise machine or a lullaby CD during the night to establish a comforting sound that may help relax your baby.

5

Change his diaper or perform other necessary nightly duties with the light off and as little disturbance as possible. If you can, change his diaper while he's still sleeping in his crib, but only when absolutely necessary.