Why Does A Baby Thump his Head on the Bed when She's Trying to go to Sleep?

Have you seen you baby thump his head while trying to go to sleep? Don't be alarmed. It's simply his way of lulling himself to sleep. The thumping may be scary to you, but it's usually nothing to worry about. Studies show that up to 15 percent of healthy children do it, and it's three times more common in boys. It typically starts when babies are around eight months old. Only fie percent of children continue to do it for more than a few months. If a child head bangs after his first birthday, experienced a language delay, and avoids eye contact, talk to your pediatrician.

5 Ways to Help You Sleep Faster

Here's the latest thinking on how to get that rest and just as important, how to get the very best sleep you can in the time you have, so you wake up refreshed, healthy and happy.

1. Take an evening stroll. Walking around the neighborhood after dinner aids digestion, so your slumber won't be interrupted by stomach gurgling or heartburn. Do it before the sun sets: Insomniacs who were exposed to natural light at dusk tacked on an extra hour of sleep. Evening light helps reset our internal clock, sending a signal to our body that it's time for bed.
2. Minimize midnight worrying. Every evening, write down a few nagging issues that are on your mind, as well as what you plan to do about them. You don't have to have all the answers, just a few ideas. Mapping out possible solutions will quiet your mind and help you rest easier literally.
3. Make your bedroom a blackout zone. Shut the blinds, turn off your computer, keep the TV out of the room, buy a sleep mask. Do whatever it takes to put yourself in total darkness. Even the dim light from a digital alarm clock can affect the body's production of melatonin, the hormone that helps you stay asleep.
4. Establish a sleep ritual. Creating a presleep that's rhythmic and ritualized conditions your body and brain to realize it is indeed sleep time, helping you unwind and fall asleep faster.
5. Let in the a.m. light. Morning light has the most potent effect on helping our body get in sync with the day. So open the blinds the moment you awaken and let the sun shine in.

As simple sleep routine for your baby

Here is a simple sleep routine you can do to help your baby sleep better, longer and have less awakenings.

1. Start with a warm bath. The warm water not only cleanses, but also winds baby down, preparing her for a good night's rest. This helps tell baby that it is time to sleep.

2. Follow with a gentle massage. A soothing massage is a wonderful way to promote bonding between you and your baby. Massage or touch therapy, helps promote weight gain and immunity, in addition to improving your baby's sleep pattern.

3. Spend some quiet time. Ease your baby off to sleep with quiet time together. You can read to her, sing her lullabies or play soothing music, as you watch her drift off into slumber.

Sleeping Guide For Your Baby

• Newborns require 16 to 20 hours of sleep per day and typically sleep in two to four hour periods separated by one to two hour intervals of wakefulness.

• Infants at four months old generally require 14 to 15 hours of sleep per day.

• Most infants between six and twelve months of age require 13 to 14 hours of sleep per day. They nap between two and four hours divided into two naps per day.

• Toddlers aged 12 to 36 months require about 12 hours of sleep per day.