Sleep is vital for both you and your baby. Since newborns can’t distinguish between night and day, they tend to sleep and wake on their own schedule. However, there are some helpful ways to shape your baby’s sleep habits from a young age. Continue reading to discover a few tips for helping your baby sleep through the night.
Have Your Baby Sleep in Your Room
It’s important to have your baby sleep in your room for at least the first six months. Many people debate the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your newborn, but adult beds can be risky for infants.
To promote a good night’s sleep, it’s best to keep your baby in your room but out of your bed. When your child starts fussing in the middle of the night, you can quickly attend to their needs and decrease the chances of them fully waking up. Plus, according to the Mayo Clinic, having your infant sleep in your room may also lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Establish a Calming Bedtime Routine
Another tip for helping your baby sleep through the night is to establish a calming bedtime routine. When your child is very young, they’ll dictate the routine. However, over time, you’ll be able to set the tone by dimming the lights in the bedroom and maintaining a quiet environment.
It’s best to avoid playing with your baby right before bedtime. You’ll want to speak in a low, soothing voice to reduce external stimulation. Be sure every caregiver in your home is on the same page to ensure you stick to a consistent routine. In time, your baby will start to learn the cues associated with bedtime and (hopefully) sleep for longer stretches.
Identify Important Sleep Cues
To help your child gently drift off to sleep, it’s important to identify common sleep cues. Namely, if your baby starts rubbing their eyes or yawning, it’s a good idea to head to the bedroom. Ideally, you want to put your baby to bed drowsy but awake so they link the sleepy feeling with the process of falling asleep.
Keep in mind that your baby’s crib should only have a firm, flat mattress, and a tight-fitting sheet. Be sure to remove any soft items or blankets that can potentially lead to suffocation. You should place your newborn on their back to sleep unless your healthcare provider has stated otherwise.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if your baby is having trouble sleeping through the night. These tips are a great starting point, but both you and your little one must learn how to navigate this uncharted territory. Once you understand your baby’s habits and ways of communicating, you can work together to achieve a complete night of peaceful sleep.
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