Tips for Getting Your Baby to Sleep

One thing that most new parents struggle with is lack of sleep. Newborn babies wake often for feeding, and sometimes that actual act of feeding can take over an hour, especially for breastfed babies who often fall asleep while feeding and then wake again quite quickly as they are still hungry.

When you consider that some babies wake every two or three hours for a feed, you can see how it is hard for moms and dads to feel rested. However, in most cases this does not last for long, with the majority of babies sleeping for longer periods after about six weeks.

Establishing a Routine

It is worth remembering that most babies will not have a regular sleep cycle until they are about six months old. But establishing a routine as early as possible will definitely help. Experts recommend getting your baby used to night and day by making sure play time occurs during the day only and that the house is bright and airy. You should try not to worry about making noise when your baby is sleeping during the day.

To establish a nighttime routine, it is important to follow similar steps each night. For example, close the drapes at night and keep the lights low. Have the TV volume down and try to keep your voice quieter too.

Some people like to give their baby a relaxing bath before their evening feed so that they are clean and changed and ready to sleep. Once you have fed and burped your baby, put them down to sleep in the crib, even if they are just drowsy and not fully asleep. Avoid getting into the habit of rocking baby to sleep before placing into the crib as this could quickly become the only way that they will fall asleep. If your baby fusses after being put down, wait a minute or two to see if they will fall asleep. If baby continues to cry, check to see if they need to be burped or changed. Try not to interact too much though as this could cause them to wake up fully.

Continuing with this type of routine will allow your baby to learn the difference between night and day feeds and they will soon learn to sleep after the night feed.

Dealing with a Problem

There may be other reasons your baby is struggling to sleep at night. Some conditions make it harder for babies to sleep because they are uncomfortable, such as itchy skin caused by conditions such as eczema. Because babies are unable to tell us what is bothering them, it is hard to know. However, if your baby is constantly scratching their skin and waking up, you might want to try keeping their hands away from the face. Easier said than done, right?

Some parents will do everything they can to keep their baby’s nails short and smooth to prevent scratching, but the experts at CozeeCoo, makers of eczema sleeves, say there is a much better way. Their revolutionary swaddle sack keeps baby’s hands away from the face without restricting movement too much, allowing for a comfortable sleep.

Even if your baby does not have a problem with eczema and scratching, a swaddle can be comforting at night. It can help to provide a better and longer sleep for your baby which is a big win for tired parents.

Establishing a day night routine is the best way to get your baby into the habit of sleeping through the night but a swaddle will help to provide comfort and security for your baby and encourage longer naps.

Infographic Provided By Dental Clinic, Lamar Dental