Whether you’re a new parent or not, putting a baby to sleep isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Babies can suffer from colic, teething pain, behavioral sleep insomnia, sleep regressions, and more.
Here are our 12 effective tips for your baby's sleep throughout the night to make bedtime a little less like a battlefield.
1. Create a bedtime routine
Create a relaxing evening ritual. Imagine a warm bath, a light massage, and calming music (for ideas on lullabies, browse our StoryBook collection!).
To achieve consistency, try to follow the same methods every night. See how to do it! 👀
This underscores the significant impact that routines can have on a child's. Commencing a bedtime routine with activities like dinnertime, bathtime, and an infant massage not only helps in winding down the day but also signals to the baby that it's time for sleep.
"Remember that every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the sleeping routine that works best for your family. Be flexible and willing to make adjustments as needed to help your baby get the correct rest."
💡Dra. Lorena Koppel
2. Provide a good sleep time environment
Forge a dreamy sleep haven for your little one by curating an ideal sleep environment. As highlighted by the Sleep Foundation, the quality of sleep is intimately tied to factors like light and noise levels, temperature, and overall comfort.
To enhance your baby's sleep experience, consider following these tips:
- 💡 Dim the lights for a calming atmosphere
- 🤗 Maintain a comfortable room temperature
- 💻 Ditch screens at least an hour before bedtime – especially for the younger ones under 12-24 months, as recommended by experts.
- 🎵 Keep the surroundings peaceful by silencing any loud noises and consider introducing a white noise machine if needed.
- ✨ Don't forget the overnight diaper strategy – either ensure your baby is wearing one designed for extended use or change them right before bedtime to stave off unnecessary disruptions during the night.
- 🛌🏻 Maintain a cozy sleep space by ensuring the room temperature is just right and opting for soft, dim lighting in the evening.
These considerations play a crucial role in signaling bedtime and fostering a restful environment for your little one.
People simply sleep better when their bedroom is optimized for light and noise levels, temperature, and comfort. And since sleep quality and duration are directly tied to other aspects of human health, a bedroom environment that promotes sleep can also improve how you feel while you’re awake.
💡 Sleep Foundation
3. Utilize white noise
Try out white noise which provides a blanket of sound or baby sleep music. You can also try swaddling or weighted sleep sacks to help your baby get the Zzzzs they need.
Find white noise or soothing baby sleep music in the Storybook app to envelop your little one in a comforting auditory cocoon. The consistent sound provides a sense of security, helping your baby drift into a peaceful slumber.
4. Wait your baby out
Younger babies sleep in cycles of 50-60 minutes, each cycle is made up of active and quiet sleep. Babies sometimes get fussy, make noise and/or move around during active sleep. Wait your baby out for 5 minutes or until they are properly screaming. Some babies get fussy but will self soothe themselves back to sleep.
- Stay calm and centered: Take slow, deep breaths and remind yourself that the process of settling down may take time.
- Create a relaxing environment: Dim the lights, play soft music, and eliminate any potential distractions.
- Engage in soothing activities: These activities not only provide a soothing distraction but also strengthen the bond between you and your little one.
5. Combine stories with massages!
Engage your child by playing stories while gently massaging, creating a comforting and enjoyable experience.
Vary the massage all over the body according to your little one's needs. See how it works! 👀
6. Pay attention to your baby’s cues
If you're wondering how to help the baby sleep, be attentive to their cues and establish a calming bedtime routine. Watch for subtle signs such as changes in behavior, fussiness, eye rubbing, or vocalizations – each offering unique insights into your little one's needs.
Observing individual patterns is crucial, as every baby expresses tiredness in their own way.
7. Involve them in the routine
Allow your child to make their room, pick out their bedding, or select a specific stuffed animal to cuddle with. This sense of ownership fosters independence and enthusiasm for their room sharing their sleeping area.
8. Avoid eye contact
While establishing eye contact is a wonderful method for bonding with your baby during wakeful moments, it's essential to be mindful of its stimulating effects. Limiting direct eye contact during bedtime routines can help reduce stimulation, creating a calmer environment conducive to sleep.
This subtle adjustment recognizes the balance between bonding and promoting a tranquil setting for your little one to settle down without unnecessary stimulation.
9. Set a regular bedtime
Try to put your baby down, not over tired or under tired. Keep track of your baby’s sleep windows according to their age. They are great guidelines for how long your baby should be awake at a time, you can also read how many hours should a kid sleep? to make sure your little one is getting enough sleep.
Determining the right time for bedtime and naps is crucial for your baby's well-being. Pay attention to their natural sleep cues and establish a routine that aligns with their internal clock. The phrase "naptime simple tips" can guide you in this process.
- Observe sleep cues: watch for signs of drowsiness, such as eye rubbing, yawning, or a slight decrease in activity. These cues signal that it's an opportune time for a nap or bedtime.
- Establish a consistent schedule: create a regular sleep schedule that accommodates your baby's natural sleep patterns. Consistency reinforces their circadian rhythm, making it easier for them to settle down for both naps and bedtime.
- Follow age-appropriate schedules: refer to age-specific sleep recommendations as your baby grows. As they transition from multiple naps to fewer naps, adjust the schedule accordingly to meet their evolving sleep needs.
- Trial and error: Experiment with different nap and bedtime schedules, observing how your baby responds. Adjustments may be needed as they go through developmental milestones or changes in routine.
10. Use all tools available to you
Some parents will swear by a large list of items and while it’s possible to get your baby to sleep without them, try some out. You might be surprised. Try baby sleep apps or Storybook’s infant massage and bedtime story app.
Baby swings and moving bassinets are also popular. Taking a drive or a walk can also put your little one right to sleep or some moms swear by products such as essential oils or Lush’s Sleepy Body Lotion.
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11. Make sure to take care of yourself
Hey, amidst the baby chaos, don't forget about you! While napping every time the baby does might be a stretch, grab those chances when you can. Team up with your partner for tag-team naps or catch some extra Zzzs by hitting the sack earlier.
Taking care of yourself isn't just a bonus—it's a must. So, sneak in those naps and get some good sleep vibes going. You got this!
12. Plan for unexpected challenges
Younger babies do not have well-developed circadian rhythm, meaning they cannot distinguish well between day and night. Don’t compare your baby to others, think of your little one as an individual and prepare for unplanned teething pain and sleep regressions.
The important thing is that your baby is getting enough sleep which is essential for their development. So, try out these hacks to make it a little bit easier. If you are concerned about your baby not getting enough sleep, please consult your pediatrician.
Here's an image with all the summarized tips on how to get your baby to sleep! 👩👦
Written By
Francisco Cornejo, a dynamic entrepreneur with a Masters in Communication from RMIT University in Australia, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Storybook. As a serial entrepreneur, he notably served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Honda Motors in Latin America, shaping the brand's regional presence. Passionate about family well-being and communication, Francisco leads Storybook in its mission to improve children's health globally, aiming to create positive impacts in both corporate and societal spheres.
References
- Sleep Foundation. (2023, October 26). Perfecting Your Child's Bedtime Routine. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/children-and-sleep/bedtime-routine
- Sleep Foundation. (2023, October 26). Optimize Your Bedroom for Better Sleep. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment
