3 Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Better

As a new parent, sleep is probably the last thing on your mind. Often it is no wonder that parents often leave their own needs until last. After all, there are diapers to change and feedings to get through, not to mention all the other challenges of caring for your baby. As you begin to adjust to life as a parent, one of the most challenging aspects is modifying your schedule to cater to your baby’s needs while at the same time meeting your own. You might feel like you never get enough sleep and always have excuses as to why you can’t visit friends or have time for yourselves, but it gets easier with time, patience, and lots of practice! Here are some tips to help your baby sleep better. 

 

Establish a bedtime routine 

A bedtime routine can be a great way to help your child wind down and transition from a busy day to a restful night of sleep. Babies who experience a consistent bedtime routine will learn to associate it with sleep, which will make it easier for your child to fall asleep on their own whenever they need to. Keep in mind that the ideal bedtime routine for your child is likely to change over time as your baby grows. For example, while they’re very young, a nightly ritual might include a bath, bottle feeding, and a lot of cuddling and rocking. But as your baby gets older: they will likely be ready for an older kid approach, such as a bath, reading a story, and leaving out a small nightlight. 

Stay calm 

Babies are remarkably perceptive; They can pick up the vibe in the environment very well. So if you’re anxious or nervous about getting your baby to sleep, they’ll almost certainly be able to pick up on that. In other words, staying calm when trying to get your baby to sleep will help your child learn how to soothe themselves. 

 

Seek advice 

If you find yourself at a loss when it comes time to get your baby to sleep, don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you’re breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about how much sleep you should be getting, and be aware that some medications could lead to problems with milk production. If you’re feeding your baby formula, check with your pediatrician about how much sleep is normal for your child. If you’re co-sleeping, make sure that’s a choice you’re comfortable with — and know that it might not be a great long-term solution for everyone. If you’re still feeling stressed about baby sleep, try taking a few slow, deep breaths. And remember that it’s okay to make mistakes — it’s normal for parenthood to become challenging sometimes. As long as you’re trying your best and have the support you need, you’ll get there. And before you know it, your baby will be turning into a little toddler — and sleeping through the night.

If you have any tips you would like to share please do. Until next time 🙂