Babies are so sensitive especially when it comes to their sleep. Baby naps can be a restful time for both you and your baby. For a new mom or an inexperienced babysitter, getting the baby to sleep can be quite a nightmare, since you might be clueless of what do. Therefore, understanding the basics of baby sleep is essential.
Below are a few helpful tips you can consider to have an easy time making your baby fall asleep.
1. Try Going Outdoors
Your baby can fall asleep if you change from indoor to the outdoor environment. Therefore, if you are going out shopping, taking a trip to the doctor or just strolling, your baby will enjoy the surrounding and most likely fall asleep. It’s a good thing to allow your baby to catch some fresh air and a glimpse of a new outdoor environment.With the new strollers made with babies in mind, you can now take your baby outside with you. Besides, the strollers have bassinet compartment which means your baby will grow with it right from the hospital until they are toddlers.
2. Check for Drowsiness State
After a long time of keeping your baby active, you will notice that he or she will start to be drowsy. Eye rubbing, drooping eyelids, and fussiness will be the noticeable signs of your baby wanting to sleep. This is the best moment to lay the baby down on the bed in a quiet room and allow him or her to soundly sleep.Once you notice the drowsiness, try not to keep the baby awake. The longer you wait, the more the baby will become restless and start crying.
3. Develop a Sleep Routine
Developing a routine has been found to have a positive effect on getting babies to sleep. With the method, the child will slowly acclimatize and develop sleep associations to prepare them for sleep. For your baby, the best routine will be to feed him, give him a quick warm bath, cloth him appropriately, and finally lay him on the bed and slowly soothe him to sleep.Repeating this routine on a daily basis will take the stress out of making the baby sleep. Should it not work out, you can always alter or change the method entirely. Remember, babies are different, but they thrive on routine and consistency.
4. Create the Perfect Sleep Environment
Well, during the first few months, you will have your baby sleep beside you before moving him or her to another room. Whatever the sleeping room you will choose for your baby, ensure it is conducive. A good sleep environment will enhance good sleep patterns for your baby. First, ensure that the lighting is appropriate. A nightlight or a dim light will work correctly. Avoid making the room entirely dark to avoid frightening the baby.Furthermore, you can incorporate rhythmic and steady sounds. Recall the Twinkle-Twinkle sound? Such will be perfect. Remember, eliminating disturbances in the child’s sleeping room will go a long way in helping the baby sleep soundly.
5. Allow For the Baby to Self Adjust to Sleep
Moms will find it hard to see their babies cry and not do anything. Well, sometimes you need to be strong and allow the baby to cry to sleep. For babies between 4 and 5 months, this would be the best technique to use. Try to limit yourself from always reacting to the cries of your baby after putting them down. Learn to listen for a few seconds before going to her, as this gives the baby time to readjust.
If the crying persists, gently pat or soothe the baby and encourage him or her to fall asleep without picking them up.