Sleep Basics for New Parents: How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night

If you’re a new parent, getting your baby to sleep can be quite a challenge. Babies are creatures of habit, and when they’re inside the womb, they don’t have any set patterns of sleeping during the night and napping during the day. Once they’re born, they tend to follow these habits, which can make it difficult for parents to establish a regular sleep schedule.

However, if your baby is no longer a newborn and still has a difficult time sleeping, it’s important to change their sleeping patterns over time. Here are some sleep basics that you should keep in mind as you work to get your baby to sleep through the night.

The Reasons Behind Your Baby’s Sleep Issues

As your baby grows, it’s important to start changing their sleeping patterns. But before you do that, it’s essential to recognize that you’re not alone in this struggle. Nearly all parents around the world face this issue regularly. There are many reasons why your baby may be having trouble sleeping through the night. For example, they may wake up in the middle of the night because their diaper is dirty or because they’re too hot or too cold. Lighting and noise levels in the room can also play a role in how easily your baby falls asleep and stays asleep. It’s important to be aware of all these factors and address them as needed.

Create a Bedtime Schedule

Setting a regular bedtime for your baby is one of the most valuable things you can do to establish a stable sleep routine. Try to adhere to the same bedtime every day, even on weekends. Before you put your baby to bed, help them wind down with a warm bath, a fresh diaper and sleeping suit, and a light massage. This will help them relax and eventually drift off to sleep.

Use a Favorite Stuffed Animal or Blanket

Babies are highly sensitive to smells, and your scent can have a calming effect on them. Encourage your child to sleep with a safe stuffed animal or blanket that has your scent on it. This way, even if they wake up in the middle of the night, they will feel comforted by the smell and find it easier to fall back asleep.

Snuggle with Your Baby

Snuggling with your baby is a great way to help them feel calm and comforted as they drift off to sleep. Consider cuddling with them in bed or even co-sleeping. When you snuggle close to them, you send them the message that it’s time to sleep and that they’re safe and protected.

Let Your Baby Learn to Settle Themselves

As your child grows, they’ll become more independent and better able to put themselves to sleep. If they’re not yet off breastfeeding, give them the chance to settle in by themselves by putting them in their cot or on your bed and waiting to see what they do. Patting them gently or singing them a lullaby can also help. If they become agitated, lift them up and walk around for a bit before putting them back down. Eventually, your baby will learn to settle themselves and fall asleep on their own.

Avoid Habits That Create Dependence

It’s easy to create habits that your baby depends on for falling asleep. For example, rocking your baby to sleep every night may provide immediate relief, but it’s not a habit you want to continue in the long run. Instead, try putting your baby down when they’re sleepy and using gentle pats or singing to help them fall asleep. Over time, this will teach them how to fall asleep on their own without relying on your help.

Remember that each baby is different and will learn at their own pace. It’s important to be patient and positive, as learning how to put a baby to sleep is a time-consuming process. With a bit of perseverance and the tips above, however, you’ll soon be on your way to getting your baby to sleep through the night.