Expert Tips for Baby Sleep: Nighttime Routine & Strategies

"Sleep while your baby sleeps." Every new mother hears this advice very often. This is because, after childbirth, a new mother's body needs to rest, recover, and prepare for the sleepless nights, all at the same time.

But despite all the advice you received and your intent to sleep well, you are not alone if you cannot have a night of uninterrupted sleep. Sleepless nights come as a gift for all new parents. As big as it may seem, this is not an unsolvable problem. This article will help you explore some tried and tested tips on how to make a baby sleep.

How To Get Newborn To Sleep At Night

Each child is unique, and so are their babies' sleep patterns and durations. Thus, it is not advised to go by any rule of the book regarding how many hours a baby might sleep. However, there is a wide range of hours a child of a particular age might sleep. In case your baby is sleeping way more or less than this range, you should speak to your baby's paediatrician about the same.

This chart might help you understand this range of babies' sleep patterns:

How To ENCOURAGE GOOD SLEEP HABITS IN YOUR BABY

Until your baby is still on breastmilk, getting up a few times at night to demand a feed is going to be a regular thing. Nonetheless, it is never too early to adopt good sleep habits to help them find comfort in routine and become good sleepers.

Here are some tips that can encourage good sleeping habits in your baby:

1. A calming and consistent bedtime routine – An overtired baby might not be able to sleep easily and peacefully. Plus, routine and consistency help babies feel secure from a very early age. So that you follow the routine and get all the baby essentials — like a comfortable Mustard seed pillow, peaceful, calming dim lights for bedtime, light music, lullabies, storybooks, etc. — before bedtime.

2. Settling down time before bedtime – Babies start to feel anxious if they are alone or don't see known faces around after a certain age. So it is good to be around them, lightly pat them or sing to them and help them settle comfortably in their crib before they sleep in their baby sleeping position.

3. Avoid playing, keep nighttime low-key – Any sudden movements, loud sounds, or harsh lights can startle a baby, and they might not be able to sleep easily after that. So keep the hour before bedtime low-key, and do not overstimulate them with games and toys.

4. Cuddle up – If nothing works, a nice warm cuddle full of love will help your baby feel comfortable and help them sleep peacefully in their baby sleeping position.

5. DEVELOPING A RHYTHM: For the first few weeks, a baby might sleep for up to 16 hours a day, waking up just for feeds, burping, and diaper changes. But as the baby outgrows the newborn stage, its sleep patterns and timing will change.

In addition, keeping the baby active and engaged for extended periods might disrupt their sleep schedule and irritate them. This will further disturb their sleeping pattern and cycle for a few naps or a night. Thus, it is essential to identify the patterns and rhythms of the sleep cycle.

Swaddling newborns and early infants in SuperBottoms Swaddle is essential in the early days in India, as the 100% Mulmul cotton keeps the baby comfortable and snuggled up for sleep and nap time, even helping them develop this rhythm in their sleep cycles.

How Rocking And Lullabies Can Work?

The rocking motion replicates the movements the baby feels in the mother's womb. And babies start to recognise their mother's voice from when they are inside the womb. Thus, rocking and singing to the baby by the mother or any other caregiver helps him feel secure and sleep better.

You can also give the following a try during the newborn baby's sleeping time to help them sleep better –

● Light massage before bedtime to help their muscles relax.
● Swaying or swinging in a swing creates movements like rocking and can work after the baby is a little bigger and complex to hold for long hours in the arms.
● Dimming the lights ensures that their senses are not overstimulated, and they calmly sleep.
● Dry newborn diapers will ensure that babies do not wake up again and again due to the discomfort that a wet nappy or a full disposable diaper can create. A reusable diaper, such as SuperBottoms Newborn UNO Cloth Diaper, is an ideal choice here.

3 THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID:

While all the baby sleep tips and tricks mentioned in the article are good to follow, there are a few things one should avoid when it comes to getting a newborn to sleep at night.

Here are those things one needs to avoid –

1. Missing the nap time – Sometimes parents think children will sleep longer and better at night if they don't take naps. However, if children go too long without napping, they may become overtired and cranky, making it difficult for them to sleep well at night.

2. Providing a heavy snack before going to bed - Some parents mistakenly believe that the baby sleeps after feeding, and giving a big snack before bedtime will help their baby sleep longer. However, this can make the baby gassy and uncomfortable during the night.

3. Holding the baby while you fall asleep – Falling asleep while holding the baby can be risky, as one may accidentally harm the baby without even knowing it.
By using these proven techniques that parents have tested, parents may find that baby sleep tips and strategies can improve their nights. When children sleep soundly, parents can get the rest they need, too!

Happy Sleeping!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. It is critical to discover and track the patterns and rhythms of their sleep cycle, as well as to assist children in developing this routine in their sleeping cycles.

2. It is safer for babies to sleep in their crib or a specifically built infant bed.

3. If your infant sleeps significantly more or less than this range, you should consult with their paediatrician.

FAQS:

Q1. What are some tips for establishing a bedtime routine?

Ans. Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes activities such as bathing, reading, and singing lullabies.

Q2. Should I feed my baby right before bed?

Ans. It's generally recommended to feed before bedtime to ensure they are full and comfortable, and the baby sleeps after feeding.

Q3. How do I create a conducive sleep environment?

Ans. Keep the room dimly lit, maintain a comfortable temperature, and use white noise machines to block out distractions.

Message from SuperBottoms

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Reference Link

1. Helping baby sleep through the night