How To Help Your Baby Get To Sleep (and Stay Asleep)

Setting a routine is key to helping your baby learn to sleep throughout the time. During the first few months, your baby’s sleep schedule will largely be dictated by their eating pattern. However, as they grow, they’ll be able to go longer and longer between feedings. At this point, you can start to adhere to a day-night schedule.

To help your baby establish a healthy rhythm, start by making sure your baby gets plenty of daylight and stimulation during the day. While young infants need several naps during the daytime, you can experiment to find a napping schedule that makes your baby tired enough to get to sleep at night without being overtired.

In the lead-up to bedtime, try to set a calming atmosphere and carry out the same bedtime routine every night. The following rituals can help your baby associate nighttime with sleeping:

• Taking a bath
• Changing into pajamas and a fresh diaper
• Reading a book
• Singing a lullaby
• Having a nighttime feed
• Giving a goodnight kiss
• Dimming the lights
• Turning down the thermostat
• Creating a quiet environment

An important part of developing healthy sleeping habits for your baby includes teaching them to fall asleep on their own. Many babies find it soothing to be rocked or cuddled, but it’s best to put your baby to bed before they actually fall asleep. This way they will be less anxious if they wake up during the night and you are not there, and they will be more likely to fall back asleep without needing your help.

What To Do if Your Baby Isn’t Sleeping Well

Every baby is different, so don’t fret if your baby isn’t following all the rules. While it’s normal for newborns to wake up multiple times throughout the night, don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician if you have questions about your baby’s sleep patterns.

If your baby wakes up crying and doesn’t fall back asleep after a few minutes, they might be hungry, uncomfortable, or need their diaper changed. Quickly and quietly take care of their needs, using a nightlight instead of the overhead light if possible. You may soothe an anxious baby by patting them or saying a few reassuring words, but try not to take them out of the crib unless it’s strictly necessary.

Giving your baby plenty of love and attention during the day and encouraging them to be independent at night may ease on the separation anxiety.to many babies start to feel around the 6-month mark. Your baby may also feel more comfortable with a pacifier.

It’s not uncommon for babies to revert to an erratic sleep schedule once in a while. These sleep regressions are a normal (and often temporary) part of healthy infancy and can happen due to teething, illness, growth spurts, changing naptimes, or when they are learning new skills such as how to talk or walk.

If you’re a new parent, you’ll know firsthand how difficult it is to soothe a baby to sleep when you yourself are feeling sleep deprived.Many caregivers find that the best time to grab a few winks is when the baby is sleeping, even if this means napping during the day. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends for help taking care of the baby if you feel overwhelmed.