Newborns are new to this world, and they haven’t figured out the difference between night and day. Because they wake up numerous times during the day and night, they need some guidance to help them develop a consistent sleep schedule. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you get your newborn sleeping consistently!
1. Help them distinguish between night and day
An easy way to help get your baby accustomed to light and dark is to keep their bedroom softly lit during the day, and completely dark at night. This means possibly cracking the shades open while the sun is out, and have everything completely closed at night. This will help them differentiate between nap times and longer sleep periods.
2. Put your baby to sleep as soon as they look drowsy
Do not fight it, if your child looks tired put them to bed! It may be too hard to get them to sleep if they are too sleepy.
3. Create a comfortable, soothing routine
Make a routine that will calm your child down and ready them for bed. This includes giving them a warm bath, reading them a book, cuddling them, and rocking them to get them sleepy. You can also make their environment nice and soft by getting the right bedding for their crib. This includes waterproof fitted sheets, soft pillowcases, and a crib sheet protector. Waterproof mattress protectors and waterproof fitted sheets will ensure that in case of an accident, they will stay nice and comfortable, and not wake you up!
4. Feed them right before bed
A full tummy means they will sleep deeper and will not wake you up in the middle of the night for a feeding. Talk to your doctor, but this practice can be used safely up to four or five months old.
5. Use a white noise machine
This will help your child focus on falling asleep, rather than listening to the going ons of the house. This could be as simple as buying a fan and keeping it in the opposite end of the room, or getting a white noise app on your mobile device. It will also come in handy if you are traveling!
Follow these tips and both you and your baby are sure to get some well-deserved shut eye!
