10 Baby Sleep Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night

The one thing that unites new parents all over the world is sleepless nights. It's just difficult to get newborns to sleep. Experts say newborns should sleep for 16-20 hours a day, but infants wake up several times, mainly because they are hungry.

It also varies from infant to infant. Some fall asleep as soon as they hit the bed, but others need much more work. Yet others are light sleepers. But with patience and practice, one could help their baby sleep through the night. Here are 10 tips for all new parents to follow:

1. Establish a bedtime routine

A consistent bedtime routine will signal the baby that it's time to wind down and sleep. It may include taking a bath, reading a story, or singing a lullaby. A routine can help get the baby to sleep through the night. Like with any habit, it takes time to establish a bedtime routine, so be patient and consistent.

2. Put the baby to bed drowsy but awake

It may be tempting to rock your baby to sleep and then put them in bed, but this can make it harder for them to learn how to fall asleep on their own. Instead, put them on baby sleeping bed when they are drowsy but still awake. This will help them learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.

3. Keep the lights low in the evening

As the day ends, start dimming the lights at home as a signal to the baby that it's time for bed. A dark bedroom is also more conducive to sleep. Also, consider using night lights in the room to avoid complete darkness.

4. Keep noise to a minimum in the evening

Just like adults, babies sleep better in a quiet environment. So just like lights, try to minimise the noise in the house as the day draws to a close.

5. Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime

This means no TV, electronic screens, or roughhousing before bedtime. Instead, opt for activities that help the baby calm down, like reading or baby yoga, before putting the baby on the baby's sleeping bed.

6. Make sure the baby's sleeping environment is comfortable

A comfortable crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and clean sheets is ideal. The room's temperature should also be kept cool, around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. One can also use baby sleeping bags, an increasingly popular sleepwear choice for babies and toddlers. They offer a safe and comfortable alternative to loose blankets and can help the child stay warm and cozy all night. There are many different types and styles of baby sleeping bags available. You can choose one appropriate for your baby's weight and height.

7. Use white noise if needed

If the baby is a light sleeper, white noise can help them sleep better. There are many white noise machines in the market. Or one can simply turn on a fan in the room. Hearing repetitive sounds helps babies fall asleep. It can be a fan, soft music, the ticking of a clock or baby sleep music. The Internet is full of baby sleep music.

8. Keep feedings regular during the night

If the baby is sleeping through the night, there is no need to wake them up for feeding. However, if they are wakeful or crying, a nighttime feeding may help them back to sleep.

9. Don't rush in when the baby cries

It can be tempting to rush to the baby every time they cry, but this can disrupt their sleep and make it harder for them to settle down again. Unless they are hungry or need a change of diapers, hold on for a minute. They often go back to sleep on their own.

10. Be patient

It takes time for babies to learn how to sleep through the night. There will be nights when the baby wakes up and cries, but with consistency and patience, they will eventually get the hang of it.

Conclusion

The paediatrics society indicates that newborns spend a large part of the day and night sleeping and that in the first month, it is normal for babies to sleep 16 hours, waking up only to eat. The number of sleeping hours will gradually decrease. From their first days, they must learn that the night is for sleeping and get used to falling asleep in the crib.

Article Source:

Renee A. Alli.June 06.2021.Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night.www.webmd.com
Kate Rockwood.January 13,2020.The Best Baby Sleep Tips Ever.www.parents.com