Tips For Sleeping Newborns

Having a newborn baby can be both a joy and a challenge. One of the biggest challenges is getting your baby to sleep through the night. Here are some tips for sleeping newborns that may help you and your little one get some much-needed rest.

Put Baby To Sleep On Their Back

One of the most important things you can do to ensure your baby sleeps safely is to always put them down to sleep on their back. Babies who are put to sleep on their stomachs or sides are at an increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When babies sleep on their backs, they are less likely to choke on vomit or have their faces pressed against a mattress, which can restrict their breathing.

If your baby has a reflux, you may worry that sleeping on their back will make it worse. However, you can prop up your baby’s head and upper body with a few pillows to help prevent the acid from coming up. Always talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your baby’s sleeping position.

Use a Firm Mattress

If your baby is sleeping on a firm mattress, there are a few things you can do to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Make sure the mattress is covered with a sheet and that the sheet is tucked in so that it doesn’t come loose during the night. You may also want to put a blanket over the sheet for extra warmth. Be sure to check the temperature of the room before putting your baby down to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping the room between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep The Room Cool And Dark

To help your newborn sleep soundly through the night, keep the room cool and dark. A cool, comfortable environment will help your little one relax and fall asleep more easily. And when the room is dark, it cues your baby’s body to produce melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

One of the best ways to ensure that your newborn sleeps soundly through the night is to establish a bedtime routine. This can be as simple as dimming the lights and reading a short story before tucking your baby into their crib.

If you’re bottle-feeding, consider giving your baby their last feed of the day at least an hour before bedtime. This will help them to digest their food properly and avoid waking up in the night hungry.

And finally, try to create a calm and relaxing environment in your baby’s bedroom. This means keeping noise levels down and avoiding any bright lights or screens before bedtime.

Don’t Let Your Baby Get Overtired

Most newborns sleep 16 to 18 hours a day, but they don’t always sleep through the night. It’s important not to let your baby get overtired, as this can make it harder for them to fall asleep.

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your baby from getting overtired:

– Put them down for naps during the day when they start to show signs of fatigue.

– Avoid overstimulation before bedtime by keeping the lights low and limiting noise and activity.

– Establish a bedtime routine that includes calming activities such as a bath or massage.

Be Patient

One of the most important pieces of advice for new parents is to be patient when it comes to sleep. It is normal for newborns to wake up frequently throughout the night and it can take some time for them to adjust to sleeping for longer stretches. There are a few things you can do to help your newborn sleep more soundly, but ultimately it will take some time and patience.

If you are finding that your newborn is waking up frequently throughout the night, try not to panic. It is normal for newborns to wake up every couple of hours or so to feed. If you are breastfeeding, try nursing your baby back to sleep instead of fully waking them up. If you are formula feeding, consider doing dream feeds, where you feed your baby right before you go to bed yourself.

There are also a few things you can do to create a soothing environment for your baby to sleep in. Make sure their crib or bassinet is in a quiet, dark room. You can also try using a white noise machine or playing soft music to help them fall asleep and stay asleep.

PATIENCE IS KEY! Newborns will eventually adjust to sleeping for longer periods of time, but it takes time and patience. Creating a calm and peaceful environment for them to sleep in will help speed up the process.