Tips to Help Baby Sleep Better

Sleep is crucial to your baby’s health and well-being… and your own. But newborns do not distinguish between night and day and basically sleep and eat on their own schedule. That is why you can start encouraging good sleeping habits right from birth. That way, both you and your child can get the rest you need. Here are a few tips to help you get baby into a good sleep routine.

How much sleep do newborns need?

According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, most infants (birth to 4 months) sleep between 12 and 16 hours per day, for 3 to 4 hours at a time. And, of course, they wake up during the night to feed. But as they get older, they will be awake longer during the day and slowly start to sleep longer periods at night. By the time they reach 3 months, many babies sleep 5 hours at a time. But as any parent or caregiver knows, not all babies are the same and some have a harder time falling or staying asleep. However, there are some things you can implement from day one that can help encourage healthy sleeping habits.

Follow a soothing bedtime routine

Experts agree that following a calming bedtime routine and being consistent are one of the first steps in getting your child to develop good sleeping habits. Avoid playing with your baby before bedtime, as this can stimulate them. Instead, give them a bath, sing them a lullaby, or read them a story. This routine will set up cues, letting your munchkin know that it is time for sleep. Keep the lights low and use a quiet, soothing voice.

Put them in their crib to sleep or nap

The Mayo Clinic recommends having baby sleep in your room for 6 months to 1 year. But make sure they have their own crib or bassinet with a firm mattress. Adult beds are unsafe for newborns, as they can get trapped or suffocate in bedding, between the mattress and the frame, or between the bed and wall. Moreover, a sleeping parent or caregiver can also accidentally roll over and suffocate them.  

Lay them down when they are drowsy but awake

As soon as you notice your little one getting tired—such as rubbing their eyes—put them to sleep in their crib. You want to lay baby down while they are drowsy but still awake. By putting them in their crib, instead of rocking them to sleep in your arms, babies learn to associate the crib with falling asleep. Just remember to place them on their back to avoid sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and remove blankets, stuffed animals, and any other soft items. Keep the room dark and cool. This applies to naps as well. Do not try to keep baby awake during the day in the hopes that they will be overtired and sleep better at night. Overtired babies have a harder time sleeping.

 Let them settle down on their own

Many babies cry or fuss when you first lay them down in their cribs. Give them a little bit of time to settle down before checking on them. The same applies when they stir during the night. Give them a bit of time before you go in and check on them.

Try swaddling

Some babies fall asleep faster when they are wrapped in a blanket or swaddling sleep sack. Just make sure you do not wrap them too tight, as they need to be able to bend their legs. By around 4 months of age, when they show signs of being able to roll over, stop swaddling.

When they wake during the night

Baby will inevitably wake up during the night for feeding and diaper changes. Keep lights dim, talk in a soft voice, and avoid stimulating them. Try to feed a hungry baby when they are still calm, before their cries get louder and longer. That way, they will settle back to sleep faster. Put baby back in their crib quickly after a feeding or diaper change. 

Some babies are better sleeper than others. Getting your sleep routine down might take time, as you get to know your baby’s habits and needs. But starting a healthy sleep routine from birth and being consistent can make a world of difference in the long run… and help ensure you, baby, and the entire household get the rest you all need.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/baby-sleep/art-20045014

https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/healthy_sleep_for_your_baby_and_child

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zx4004

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/safe-sleep/safe-sleep-tips.html