Newborns can be heavy sleepers, spending more than 18 of the 24 hours in a day sleeping. However, this is an oversimplified scenario. Their sleep might be sporadic and unpredictable. Most of the time, you will have to be awake when they are and sleep when they do. As much as this sleep pattern may seem irregular, your baby is likely to develop consistency as he/she matures.
Watching your baby’s peaceful face when they are sleeping, definitely fills your heart with unspeakable joy. The baby’s sleep time might be the only hour of the day you get to rest. The problem sets in when you can’t seem to get them to sleep and when you do, getting them to stay asleep.
Understanding your baby’s sleep routine can help you overcome the unnecessary burden. As a parent, you have a primary role in your child’s sleep pattern. Here are a few ways you can employ to help your baby sleep better:
- Have a Scheduled Bedtime Routine
Recent studies have shown that babies subjected to a daily night bedtime routine, go to sleep calmer, sleep better, and cry less in the night.
To have a successful routine, ensure you keep almost all your baby’s day and night activities similar. The conditions in the baby’s room should be consistent every day, including the lights and sounds. A bath before bedtime is an excellent idea to help maintain consistency. Save your baby’s favorite activity for last.
- Don’t Let Your Baby Fall To Sleep In Your Arms
Always put your baby in their crib when they get drowsy with sleep. The baby will soon learn how to soothe themselves to sleep. It will be easier to put them to sleep once they associate bed with sleep. You want to disassociate them from linking your arms to rest – it might develop to an activity that is hard to stop.
- Use Baby Bouncers And Rockers
Technological advancements have made it possible to have rockers and bouncers that mimic the rocking motion of cradling arms. Rockers and bouncers are good at calming babies and making them fall to sleep. The bouncing and rocking movements provide the much needed soothing comfort to your baby. Apart from helping your baby sleep, rockers and bouncers have the advantage of providing you with a free pair of hands. It is ideal to use when you need to take breaks and do some chores.
- Use Daytime As Playtime
Try to engage your baby during the day as much as possible. Play and interact with them as much as possible. In this way, you can fortify the nightly bedtime routine and help your child sleep better during the night.
Always remember that the safety of your baby comes first. Try to have your baby in your sight as much as possible. If possible, let them sleep in your room but a crib. Ensure that your baby’s crib or bassinet is free of any loose blankets and items. You have all it takes to help your baby, don’t lose heart.
