Sleep Tips for Babies
Parents really want their children to sleep. Especially newborns. And while newborns usually sleep 14 - 17 hours in a day, on and off every few hours, you may find yourself begging them to sleep throughout the first few months of their lives. This can get even worse when they’re 4 - 6 months old. Don’t worry if you’re struggling with a baby that never seems to sleep. Hopefully these tips will help.
Why your baby isn’t sleeping at night
The presence of an awake and crying baby may feel more heavy at night when your body is telling you at its most basic biological function that you should be sleeping. And while most newborns should be sleeping a lot, there are a few reasons that babies could be keeping you up more than you’re prepared for.
Your baby could be reverse cycling.
Reverse cyclin is when babies seem to mix up the day and night. They are awake at night and then sleep all day. It’s more common after the newborn period, when babies are 4 - 6 months old. This is particularly challenging for parents who are up all day and then still up all night.
Your baby isn’t feeling well.
There’s a lot of things that could be making your child feel unwell. Teething, cold, constipation or gas are enough to keep them crying and awake all night long.
They’re amped up.
Just like we can get overstimulated and kept awake by an overactive mind, so can babies. Lots of noises, rowdy play time before bed, bright lights or changes to diet can all keep your baby wide awake when they should be snoozing.
Tips to help a baby sleep
Whether you have a hunch for why your baby won’t sleep or not, these tips can help. Keep in mind that some may help solve a temporary issue but others may take time to make a difference. Babies are, after all, human. And quick fixes don’t really apply to us.
Avoid building up overtired mode
You may think that letting your baby nap will stop them from sleeping. And sure, this can be true. But being over tired can also stop them from sleeping. We know – it’s a lose lose situation. Babies and children respond extremely well to routine. And they aren’t struggling with the same kind of internal battle against sleep as teens and adults do. So, keep an eye on times and build up a routine. But also watch for the signs of sleep in your baby. Rubbing eyes, lolling head, dozing off are all signs of sleepiness. Don’t fight against these signs and respond quickly to get them to sleep when their bodies need it.
In fact, if you can take note of when these natural sleepy periods take place and make sure that your routine follows these natural signs, then you may not be battling for sleep as much as before.
Build a sleep environment
We’ve all experienced the difference a dark, quiet and cozy room can make. The same is true for your baby. Blackout curtains and white noise machines can build a dark and muffled environment that actually mimics what it was like in the womb.
The benefits of a dark room with white noise are the same for babies as it is for adults. It helps to block out other noises and encourages deep REM sleep.
Keep it a little cooler
Just like adults, babies also sleep better in slightly cooler rooms. By cooler, we mean 68 - 72 degrees. You should also dress your sleeping baby in a lightweight sleeping bag or bedding that is safe for infants.
If you’re worried about the room being too cool, place your hand on your baby’s chest. It the skin is warm, then they’re cozy and comfortable.
Revisit your routine
If a wide awake baby is a normal part of your night, it might be worth reviewing your bedtime routine. Just like adults need to wind down, so do babies. When building a sleep routine for your baby, try to avoid:
Toys with loud sounds
Toys with bright lights
Running around or physical playing
Yelling, chasing or active movement
Great things to include in your sleep routine are:
A warm soothing bath
A book or two
Change of diaper
Feeding
Dimming lights
cuddles
Get outside during the day
If you do take your baby for a walk, try not to cover the stroller or black out their space. Let them look at the sky, the grass and take in the world around them. Exposure to bright natural light and fresh air will not only encourage your baby to play and expend energy so they sleep better, but it also helps to keep their internal clocks in check.
Reduce electronics
We hate to repeat ourselves, but babies are small adults. Just like screen time isn’t great for us before bed, it’s not great for babies before bed. In fact, babies and young children should avoid as much screen time as possible. They recommend that children under 2 aren’t given screen time at all.
Sleeping tips for newborns and babies
Some babies are naturally better sleepers than others. Some have wonky schedules. Some seem to never sleep well. While we hope that these tips help, we also recognize that babies are humans and are all different. If you’re having a particularly hard time getting your baby to sleep, your doctor or pediatrician can help.