How We Got Our Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Sleep Tight, Little One: Newborn Sleep Tips for Blissful Nights

Bringing a newborn into your life is a whirlwind of joy and love, but it's also a world of sleepless nights and tired eyes. The good news is, there are ways to help your baby (and you!) get a better night's sleep. Let's dive into some practical tips for newborn sleep in this blog.

1. Sleep Training Secrets

Sleep training is all about helping your baby develop healthy sleep habits. While there are different methods, it's essential to start gently. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Routine is key: Establish a consistent bedtime routine. It can be as simple as a warm bath, a good amount of feeding to last the night, a bedtime story, and a lullaby.

• Gradual Self-Soothing: Encourage your baby to learn to self-soothe. It's okay to give them a few moments to see if they can fall back asleep on their own. 

• Stay Consistent: Be patient and consistent with your sleep training methods. It takes time for your baby to adapt.

• Start Early: We started as early as 40 days old and it worked as a charm.

2. Safe Sleep Practices

Safety is paramount when it comes to newborn sleep. To ensure your baby sleeps soundly and securely, follow these guidelines:

• Back to Sleep: Always place your child on their back to sleep. It reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If they grow enough to flip, they usually have built enough muscles to sleep facing down, but always be careful.

• Firm Mattress: Use a firm and flat mattress in your baby's crib or bassinet. Keep it free of soft bedding and toys. They might cause suffocation. 

• Room Sharing: It's recommended to share a room with your baby but not the same bed. Have the crib in the parents' room. Have easy access to the crib. Clear out the way. 

3. Creating a Sleep Routine

A sleep routine can work wonders for your baby's sleep patterns. Here's how to establish one:

• Consistent Timing: Try to put your baby to sleep and wake them up at the same time each day. 

       Ex) 6:00 - 6:15 PM  Bath

             6:15  - 6:30 PM Last Feeding

             6:30 - 6:40 PM Story Time (book reading)

             7:00 PM -        Sleep

• Dim the Lights: As bedtime approaches, lower the lights to signal that it's time to wind down. Babies begin to produce melatonin (a hormone that controls sleep) around 8 - 16 weeks old. Darkness signals the brain to raise the melatonin level and fall asleep. 

• White Noise: Gentle background noise, like a white noise machine, can help your baby sleep peacefully. It doesn't always work for everyone though. 

Conclusion: Sweet Dreams for Your Little One

Newborn sleep doesn't have to be a mystery. By practicing gentle sleep training, ensuring safe sleep practices, and creating a consistent sleep routine, you can help your baby get the rest they need. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient, and stay consistent, and soon, both you and your baby will enjoy peaceful nights and refreshing days. Sweet dreams!

If you want to find out about picking the best crib for your newborn, click on this link: How I Chose My Baby's First Crib