As a new parent, you may feel overwhelmed with the new responsibilities and changes in your life. After all, you now have a baby dependent on you for everything, which is a lot to take on!
As every new parent will tell you, one of the biggest hurdles that you are going to face is helping your newborn to sleep well. Lack of sleep can leave you feeling exhausted and frustrated and can leave you struggling to handle an agitated baby. Still, with a bit of patience and some simple strategies, you can help your baby establish good sleep habits and ensure that everyone in the family gets the rest they need.
So, what are some tips for doing this? Read on to find out!
Create a Bedtime Routine
A bedtime routine helps to signal to your baby that it is time to sleep. Your bedtime routine can include a bath, a lullaby, or a story. Make sure to keep the routine consistent every night so that your baby can learn to associate it with sleep. When it comes to nursery furniture, you want something that is comfortable for the baby and for you to use as you will be taking them in and out while only half awake. Before starting the bedtime routine, make sure everything is where it needs to be for night-time feedings. Make sure there is a night light near a comfortable chair, that there are bibs set up, and that your own bed is clean and comfy for you to get those all-important 40 winks!
Put Your Baby To Sleep In A Safe Place
Your baby should always be set down to sleep in a safe and secure place, such as a crib, a basket, or a bassinet. Co-sleeping should be considered carefully and only done deliberately, not a desperate attempt to finally sleep. Make sure that the sleep surface is firm, flat, and free of any loose bedding, pillows, or toys. Also, make sure that everything is clean and that there are no loud noises that can keep your baby awake.
Encourage Self-Soothing
Help your baby develop the ability to soothe themselves to sleep by placing them in their crib while they are drowsy but still awake. This will give them the opportunity to learn to fall asleep on their own, which will be beneficial in the long run.
Swaddle Your Baby
Swaddling your baby keeps them warm and secure, which will help them to sleep better. Why? Because it allows them to feel secure, as they did when they were still in your or your partner’s tummy. Make sure to use a light blanket that is not too tight and stop swaddling when your baby starts to roll over.
Avoid Over-Stimulation Before Bedtime
Too much stimulation before bedtime can make it difficult for your baby to fall asleep, so keep interactions with them soft and gentle to help them wind down. Try to keep the lights in your home low and the noise level down in the hour leading up to bedtime. As mentioned before, it can even be worth adding a bath with warm water into their routine. Many parents opt for using baby creams and oils that smell like lavender, which is a natural relaxant and can help your baby feel calm before drifting off to sleep.
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