How to Help Your Newborn Sleep Better
Some babies sleep much more than others. Some sleep for long periods, others in short bursts. Some soon sleep through the night, while some don’t for a long time.
Your baby will have their own pattern of waking and sleeping, and it’s unlikely to be the same as other babies you know.
It’s also unlikely to fit in with your need for sleep. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps.
If you’re breastfeeding, in the early weeks your baby is likely to doze off for short periods during a feed. Carry on feeding until you think your baby has finished or until they’re fully asleep. This is a good opportunity to try to get a bit of rest yourself.
If you’re not sleeping at the same time as your baby, don’t worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep. It’s good to get your baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise.
How can I get my baby used to night and day?
It’s a good idea to teach your baby that night-time is different from daytime from the start. During the day, open curtains, play games and don’t worry too much about everyday noises when they sleep.
At night, you might find it helpful to:
keep the lights down low
not talk much and keep your voice quiet
put your baby down as soon as they’ve been fed and changed
not change your baby unless they need it
not play with your baby
Your baby will gradually learn that night-time is for sleeping.
Where should my baby sleep?
For the first 6 months your baby should be in the same room as you when they’re asleep, both day and night. This can reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Particularly in the early weeks, you may find your baby only falls asleep in your or your partner’s arms, or when you’re standing by the cot.
You can start getting your baby used to going to sleep without you comforting them by putting them down before they fall asleep or when they’ve just finished a feed. It may be easier to do this once your baby starts to stay alert more frequently or for longer.
Establishing a baby bedtime routine
You may feel ready to introduce a bedtime routine when your baby is around 3 months old. Getting them into a simple, soothing bedtime routine can be a great opportunity to have 1-to-1 time with your baby.
The routine could consist of:
having a bath
changing into night clothes and a fresh nappy
putting them to bed
reading a bedtime story
dimming the lights in the room to create a calm atmosphere
giving a goodnight kiss and cuddle
singing a lullaby or having a wind-up musical mobile you can turn on when you’ve put your baby to bed
Ever wondered about things you must have for a perfect day? Here’s a list of things to help you: