Having a baby is one of the most wonderful things in the world. It is also one of the most stressful experiences you will ever have.
One major stressor for many new parents is how to get their infant to sleep through the night, or at least some portion thereof. However, there are things you can do to ensure that your little one is sleeping comfortably. Babies have what is called a sleep cycle.
Typically, a newborn baby will sleep for about 90 minutes to 2 hours at a time. By utilizing some of the hacks below, parents can begin to get their children into a healthy sleeping pattern that works best for them and their families.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Sticking to a bedtime ritual is key when trying to get your baby to fall asleep. If you know your baby’s regular nap time it is best to start this routine at the beginning of the nap. However, if you don’t know when your child typically naps, start this after they have begun sleeping through the night.
Here are some tips for creating a bedtime routine:
- Create an evening schedule that starts with bathing your baby
- Follow with putting on pajamas and diaper
- Then read them a book
- Then sing or play soft music to relax them
- Then put them in their crib when they are drowsy but still awake
- Turn on white noise, such as a fan or sound machine, to block out any sounds of household activity
- It is best to keep the lights dim so they will be able to fall asleep without being stimulated by bright light.
Create a Safe Sleep Environment
To ensure that your baby is sleeping safely it is best to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines.
These include:
- Placing your child on their back to sleep
- Using a firm mattress, covered by a fitted sheet
- Keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib
- Keeping the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult
- Putting them to sleep in an empty crib or bassinet, no bumpers or pillows
- And lastly, do not allow anyone to smoke inside of your home where your baby sleeps.
Applying these practices will help ensure that the baby is sleeping safely and comfortably throughout the night. Equally important is getting the best mattresses for your little one from reputable dealers. A good mattress is an important part of creating a safe sleep environment.
Keep a Calming Ambience
With all of the hustle and bustle in our lives, it is important to create a calming atmosphere for your baby. This can help them relax and sleep, especially if they are fussy when trying to fall asleep.
Here are some things you can do to create an environment that will help your baby sleep:
- Keep the room at a comfortable temperature
- Dim the lights in the room
- Play music or white noise if needed to drown out any noise
- Place them closer to where you sleep (though not in your own bed) – Put them on their back to sleep
Embrace White Noise
One of the most helpful things when it comes to getting your baby to fall asleep is white noise. This can come in many forms; the most common are sound machines or fan sounds.
It is best to get a white noise machine if you are not already using one. This can help block out any other sounds in the room, including your own snoring or your partner’s loud breathing.
All of these things can potentially disrupt a baby’s sleep cycle and make it difficult for them to fall asleep. Doing this will help keep the baby calm and comfortable so they can fall asleep quickly.
Be Patient and Consistent
Patience and consistency are key when it comes to getting your baby to sleep through the night. Your child may be fussy and cry for a while, but they will eventually fall asleep on their own without too much of a struggle.
Of course, if you want to soothe them by rocking or feeding them during this time, that is fine as long as you aren’t creating a dependence. Even if they cry for several nights in a row, be patient and consistent about putting them down to sleep at their scheduled bedtime.
Check Room Temperature
One thing you may not have thought about when it comes to a baby sleeping at their room temperature. It can make a huge difference in how well they sleep throughout the night if their room isn’t too hot, cold, or humid.
Before going to bed make sure your child’s room is at a comfortable temperature for an adult. There should be a thermometer in the room to help monitor this. Also, avoid using any blankets and instead use a sleep sack so you can control how much cover the baby has. This will ensure they aren’t getting too hot or too cold.
Remember that these tips can help your child fall asleep quickly and comfortably at night.
Being consistent about following these tips will help them to sleep better and longer as they get older, and create very rewarding sleep habits for the rest of their life.
