Sleep is essential for babies, but getting them to sleep through the night can be a challenge for many parents. However, with a few simple tips, you can increase your chances of catching some much-needed shut-eye.
Keep reading to learn how to maximize your chances of helping your baby sleep through the night.
Clear the Clutter
One of the first things you can do is to clear the clutter in your baby’s nursery. Make sure the room is designated for sleep and keep the area around the crib free of toys and other distractions. According to Conner Herman, co-author of The Dream Sleeper: A Three-Part Plan for Getting Your Baby to Love Sleep, “crib distractions can confuse your baby.” By clearing the space, your baby can mentally associate the bedroom with sleeping and other rooms with playing.
Start Separating
Another tip is to start separating your baby from you during nap time. This may seem counterintuitive, but it can help your baby get acclimated to their own room. We recommend putting your baby in their own room for at least one nap a day from the start. This can help your baby and you get used to being apart, which is healthy and necessary. If your baby is sleeping in your room, consider putting up a screen or partition for a little separation.
Stay Cool
Lastly, keep the temperature consistent and cool in your baby’s room. Baby sleeps best when the temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees. Also, be mindful of where you place your baby’s crib. Pick a location that isn’t in the direct pathway of your air conditioning or heating vents.
Sudden temperature changes can startle and disturb your baby. Additionally, keep the crib away from windows to protect your baby from drafts and outside noise. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to helping your baby get the rest they need.
Using Light and Sound to Soothe Your Baby
When it comes to helping your baby sleep through the night, the environment you create can play a big role. Making a few simple changes to your baby’s sleep space can help them feel more relaxed and comfortable, making it easier for them to drift off to dreamland. In addition to the tips discussed earlier, such as clearing clutter and keeping the temperature consistent, two more important factors to consider are light and sound.
Dim the Lights
Firstly, it’s important to create a dark environment for your baby to sleep in. Bright lights can signal to your baby that it’s daytime, making it harder for them to settle down and get to sleep. One way to create a darker space is to use vinyl blackout curtains behind decorative drapes. This will not only create a darker space for your baby, but it can also help block out noise and other distractions. Additionally, you can scan the room for any objects that may catch your baby’s eye and wake them up. Cover or turn these objects around so they’re not visible to your baby.
Soothe with Sound
Secondly, sound can be an important tool for soothing your baby and creating a relaxing sleep environment. A white noise machine can be a great investment, as it can help cancel out any background noise and create a consistent, calming sound that your baby can associate with sleep. Some machines even come with lullabies or ocean sounds, but even a simple white noise option can be effective. Look for a portable machine so you can recreate the sounds of the nursery even when you’re away from home.
By paying attention to the light and sound in your baby’s sleep space, you can create an environment that is conducive to restful sleep. This can help your baby sleep through the night and give both you and your baby the much-needed rest you deserve.
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