It can be tough to get your baby to sleep through the night in the first year; this means it's tough for you to get a full night's sleep the first year! Of course, you can't expect your baby to sleep through the night for the first few months of their life. They need to eat more often and they don't have circadian rhythms as adults do.
Baby sleep is vital for their development because sleep helps their brain to grow and process information. As a parent, it's important to give your baby the tools they need to get consistently good sleep.
There are a few things you can do to help your baby sleep through the night sooner rather than later.
Keep a Consistent Nighttime Routine
One of the best things you can do for your baby is to keep a consistent nighttime routine. This will help their body understand when it's time to sleep and when it's time to wake up. Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as closely as possible.
You'll want to workshop your routine to fit it exactly to what your baby needs. Some good elements of a nighttime routine include:
- taking a warm bath
- reading a story
- singing or listening to calming music
- dressing your baby in the Magic Sleepsuit
- turning on white noise
With a consistent bedtime routine, you can set your baby up for better sleep. Good sleeping habits in early life help promote good sleep habits throughout their life.
Be Mindful of Temperature
Babies regulate temperature differently than adults do. They need help regulating their temperature while they sleep. You'll want to make sure your baby's room is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit if possible. If it's too cold or hot, your baby will have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep.
Just like adults, different babies have different comfort zones. Because they can't tell you when they're cold or hot, you'll need other methods of checking their temperature. When you check on your baby, feel the back of their neck or their torso. If they feel sweaty or too cold, you know they're at the wrong temperature for their body.
Follow Safe Sleep Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics has three simple guidelines for safe baby sleep. Those are the ABCs:
- Alone in their crib. No loose blankets, toys, or other things.
- On their Back. Your baby should sleep flat on their back.
- In a bare Crib. They should sleep in a bare crib or another safe sleep surface with a firm mattress and tightly-fitted sheet.
When your baby is starting to sleep through the night, it's important that you help them foster good sleeping habits. A good night's sleep for a baby is crucial for their growth and development. It's important for your baby to follow safe sleeping guidelines because it can keep them safe and secure during sleep.
If you'd like to learn more about safe sleep for your baby and the best clothing for them during sleep, please contact Baby Merlin.