Sleeping like a baby: Jami Kent is founder and president of B.B. Sleep Solutions Inc., which teaches parents how to help their babies sleep better.

Why is it important to swaddle babies?

Swaddling is an age-old practice used to help babies sleep longer, wake up happier and reduce the effects of colic. Swaddling soothes babies by re-creating the snug feeling of being in the womb and prevents activation of the Moro reflex, also called the startle reflex. Swaddled babies fall asleep more easily, awake less during the night and are more likely to sleep on their backs, the safest position to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. It is also important for parents to protect their babies' need to sleep. Overly tired babies are fussier and have a difficult time controlling their behavior, which later can lead to problems in school. Mothers of poor sleepers are more likely to experience postpartum depression.

When do babies outgrow the need for swaddling?

All babies will outgrow the need at different times. Babies are ready to transition from swaddling when they are consistently breaking free of the parents' tightest swaddle. This signals they are ready to learn how to self-soothe using an item called a lovie. Examples are teddy bears, blankets or any other stuffed animal, which helps the transition to becoming an independent sleeper.

What are other ways to get babies to sleep?

Swaddling is effective for helping babies from birth to four months when combined with three other soothing methods we've termed B.T.B.W. Burrito (swaddle), Tummy-to-Tummy, Bouncing/Rocking and White Noise. A swaddled baby who is rocked with its tummy snug against mommy's, accompanied by "ssshushing" sounds, is instantly lulled to sleep. Over the past two years, thissystem has earned a 100 percent success rate at soothing babies, eliminating colic and improving sleep habits. Another equally important factor in helping babies sleep longer is timing. Newborns need to be put down every one to two hours, and older babies need to sleep 12 hours at night, with two or three naps in the day.

How effective is singing or soft talk as a sleep aid?

Although these might be a great addition to an older child's bedtime routine, they are not an effective method for newborns. Singing and soft talk can stimulate the baby's brain instead of calming it. White noise imitates the whooshing sound babies heard constantly while in utero and is a better solution. Parents can do this by making a "ssshushing" sound close to the baby's ear or purchasing a machine or CD that makes a constant whooshing sound.

- Dawn House

Sleep classes

* Jami Kent will be conducting two sleep classes during Baby Day Expo, South Towne Expo Center - 4 p.m., March 28; and 11 a.m., March 29.