How to Help Your Baby Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Hello there, sleep-deprived super-parents! If you’re reading this, you’re probably desperate for a full night’s sleep for the first time in so long. Well, you’re in luck. Today, I’m going to take a look at some of the most effective things you can do to help your baby get a good night’s sleep, which as you know only too well, should help you to get a good night’s sleep too.

Below, you will find some great tips, tricks, to help your little one (and you) get a peaceful night’s rest.

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1. Create a regular routine

Creating a bedtime routine is key to establishing good sleep habits. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, and whatever works for your family is fine but some things that may help include a bath, a book, a song, a feed, or any soothing activities. The idea is to have a predictable series of events that signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Oh, and try to keep his routine consistent – babies love predictability.

2. Soothe and settle

Some babies need a little extra help winding down. If that’s the case, then things like swaddling, rocking, singing, or softly patting their back can help soothe your baby. It’s a good idea to experiment and see what helps to soothe and settle them best. But remember, the goal is to help them settle, not to rock them to sleep. It’s important they learn to fall asleep independently otherwise they will demand your constant presence and you’ll never get a good night’s sleep!

3. The right sleep environment

A quiet, dark, and cool room often helps babies sleep better, so it is the ideal starting place for the right sleeping environment. If you struggle to find a dark enough space, then investing in some blackout curtains could help to create the right ambiance that sends your baby to sleep sooner, rather than later.

Something else that may help is a white noise machine that can drown out any sudden noises that might startle your baby awake. 

If you look at this article on Mini Crib Vs. Crib: Pros And Cons, you will see that choosing the right place for your baby to sleep is also really important. Do you go with a standard crib or opt for a mini crib? Both have their pros and cons.

A full-sized crib is spacious and can last until your toddler years, but it’s bulky and not travel-friendly. On the other hand, a mini crib is perfect for smaller spaces and easy to move around, but your baby might outgrow it sooner.

Essentially, your choice depends on your living situation and personal preferences. Whatever you choose, ensure it meets all safety standards, and remember to adjust the mattress height as your baby grows and starts sitting or standing up!

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4. Try to understand sleep cycles

Unlike adults, babies have shorter sleep cycles and spend more time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is a lighter stage of sleep. This is why they wake up more frequently. With time, their sleep cycles will mature. So, hold tight, the all-night sleep marathon is coming!

5. Look out for sleep cues

Babies often show signs when they’re ready for sleep. Yawning, rubbing eyes, and getting cranky are common cues. Spot these signs and start your bedtime routine before your baby becomes overtired. It’s fair to say that an overtired baby can, although it might sound strange, find it much harder to get to sleep than a well-rested one.

6. Be patient

Remember, every baby is different. Some babies are naturally good sleepers, while others may take a bit more time. Be patient and give your baby the time they need to learn this new skill. Some nights will be good, and some will be not so good, but you need to remember it’s all part of the parenting journey. 

7. Ask for help

If you’re finding this whole sleep thing hard, there is no shame in reaching out and asking for help. Speak to your pediatrician, hire a sleep consultant, or reach out to parent groups. Parenting is not meant to be done alone. There’s a whole community ready to offer support.

Ensuring your baby gets a good night’s sleep is a combination of science and art, trial and error, patience, and love. While these tips and tricks can guide you, remember that every baby is unique and every sleep journey is different. Just do your best!