Babies awaken during the night for many reasons - hunger, dirty diapers, teething, illness, nightmares, anxiety or strange environments. Babies also learn that their parents are people they can count on. Research shows that when parents respond appropriately to their babies cries the babies are more secure and attached than those whose parents are less attentive.

1. Try to accept it and know that this will pass.

2. Use a dim nightlight in your child's room and in areas you may go with your child during night waking. Then you won't be turning on bright lights and causing the child to think it is time to be up and around.

3. Be matter -of- fact and business like when you take care of your baby's needs - so the child knows this is not the time for playing or waking up. If only a little comforting is needed - comfort by patting the baby's back and talking softly.

4. Try waiting a few minutes before responding to the baby's first cry. Sometimes they fall right back to sleep.

5. Make your own decisions about taking the baby to bed with you.

6. It helps to have the baby's room near you -- it saves steps.

7. If you're feeding the baby during the night, it may be helpful to change the baby's diaper halfway through -- finish feeding after diapering - baby is usually asleep at this point.

8. Keep a warm robe and slippers close to the bed, a comfortable rocking chair with an afghan in a cozy corner -- if you have to rock the baby to sleep you might as well do it in comfort.

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