When your baby can’t sleep, the rest of the household can’t either. All that wailing is heartbreaking for any parent, and if it goes on for several days, exhaustion will hit you hard. Many newborns struggle to sleep through the night for the first few months. However, this issue should decrease with time. If your baby struggles to rest, consider these proven tips for helping your baby fall asleep.
Have a Sleeping Time
Babies and children thrive on routine. They’re still trying to navigate the world, and when they can expect major daily tasks, such as eating, sleeping, and playtime, they feel more content. Aim to get your baby to bed around the same time each night. The ideal time depends on their age. For instance, most newborns go to bed between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; however, from 6 to 12 months old, they can go to bed between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
How do you know your infant is ready for bed? Babies signify their tiredness through the following actions:
- Seeming fussier
- Rubbing their eyes
- Excessive yawning
- Ear pulling
When your little one begins doing these actions, scoop them up and start your nighttime routine. A warm bath followed by a lullaby or story is the perfect send-off to dreamland.
Avoid Long Naps
As great as naptime is, your baby risks getting too much sleep when naps go on for too long. They may feel too wired to go to bed by their typical bedtime. Similarly, sleeping too late in the morning could also interrupt an infant’s sleep-wake cycle.
Ideally, a newborn should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day; this includes sleeping at night and napping. Consult your pediatrician on the exact hours of rest your baby needs to flourish, as all infants are different.
Swaddle Your Baby
It’s easier to fall asleep when you feel snuggled up in bed. A swaddling blanket is one of the many accessories every new mom needs because she can use it to wrap up her baby. Many experts recommend swaddling your baby since it creates a sense of security and envelops its tiny body in warmth.
Give Them a Bath
A nice soak in a warm bath never fails to make us feel more relaxed. Strive to bathe your baby in the evening as you prepare them for bed. Playing with bath toys also helps tire them out and further promotes sleep.
Stay Active During the Day
The final tip for helping your baby fall asleep is to keep your baby busy throughout the day. Enjoy some playtime or go for an adventure outside. As your baby grows into a toddler, you can also do crafts or run around the park. Most importantly, you two should have fun during the day and spend time exploring the amazing world we live in.
