Getting your baby to sleep through the night is an incredibly common search term on Google. Getting a baby to sleep long stretches is such a challenge for many parents, that they often find themselves tearing their hair out, trying to figure out how to get some rest. While there’s no single magic formula that works for everyone, ultimately, it’s a skill that has to be taught.
Here are some of the best tips to get started.
Create a Cozy Environment
The first thing is – you can’t expect a baby to want to sleep in a place that doesn’t feel cozy. Make your baby’s room a nice place where they enjoy being. Depending on how your ceiling is constructed, you may want to install a hanging mobile over their bed.
Also, consider a projector or night light that provides a dim glow in the darkness. Above all, make sure that they have a cozy bed that meets all safety standards. The idea is to create a comfortable environment that invokes sleepy dreams.
Start a Bedtime Routine
The key to getting your child to get sleepy is to start a routine. Get them used to doing the same thing every time that you hope for them to go back. Some parents do bath time, while others read a story and breastfeed. Whatever it is that you choose, make sure that it’s automatic and routine.
It should be simple enough that it’s easy to carry out every night without becoming a stressful event.
Encourage Self Soothing
If your baby wakes in the middle of the night, it’s okay to go in and reassure them; however, it’s encouraged to leave as soon as you can so they don’t become dependent on your help to fall back asleep. It helps to avoid making eye contact, and don’t turn on any lights. They should understand that it’s not the time to play or leave their bedroom.
Many sleep experts recommend not taking them out of their bed at all. Simply standing by their crib and using soothing words and touch can avoid sleep associations.
Follow the Clock
A schedule is an important part of following through with bedtime routines. It’s important to ensure that your baby is getting the right amount of sleep when they need it. Keep an eye on the clock and put them to bed after they’ve been awake for a certain amount of time. Their age will determine the maximum amount of wake time they should have before being put down again.
Use White Noise
One of the biggest reasons why babies have trouble staying asleep is because they are used to being inside of the womb. To recreate a womb-like environment, you may want to use white noise. White noise is known for keeping babies asleep longer without allowing outside noise into their room.
Originally posted on March 4, 2021 @ 3:08 am
