Sleep is extremely important for the healthy development and well-being of newborns. Newborns have unique sleep needs but it’s often difficult for them to sleep due to factors such as hunger, discomfort, and overstimulation. Getting a newborn cozy and establishing a consistent sleep routine can be challenging for parents.
This lack of sleep is not only exhausting for parents, it can also cause problems for the baby. Thankfully, with the right strategies and tools it’s possible to create an environment that promotes better quality and longer periods of sleep for your little one. In this article, we will go over several ways to get your newborn to sleep well.
1 - Selecting the Right Sleep Space
When it comes to creating a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn, choosing the right sleeping space is crucial.
Cribs are a popular choice for newborns as they provide a dedicated and secure space for babies to sleep. When selecting a crib, it is essential to consider safety standards such as slat spacing, mattress height adjustment, and crib construction.
Bassinets are becoming popular again as people realize that what parents used to use a long time ago worked. They are smaller than cribs, making them ideal for placing near your bed for easy access during nighttime feeds and comforting your baby when needed without having to get up entirely. You can even choose a bassinet on wheels to move your baby around easily without waking them.
However, as your baby grows and becomes more active, transitioning from a bassinet to a crib may be necessary for their safety.
2 - Establish a Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine is key to helping newborns establish healthy sleep habits. This means creating a soothing and predictable environment, you can signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Newborns thrive on routines so the first thing to do is set up a time to go to bed and stick with it. Having a specific time that signals the start of their bedtime routine will help them anticipate sleep.
Next, make sure to create a calming atmosphere. Dim the lights in the room or use soft, warm lighting during the evening hours leading up to bedtime. This helps create a relaxing ambiance that prepares your baby for sleep.
3 - What to Do About Night Wakings
Night wakings are a common occurrence in the life of a newborn and can be a big source of stress for new parents. Understand that waking up during the night is a natural part of a newborn's sleep cycle and often necessary for feeding and comfort.
Before you can address the night wakings effectively, you need to figure out the reason behind them. Your baby might be waking up due to hunger. Another common reason could be a wet or soiled diaper that makes them uncomfortable. At times, the pain from teething can disrupt their sleep. Taking care of these issues will help them get back to sleep
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