Simple Tricks to Help Your Baby Sleep Better and Longer

It is no secret that having a baby is one of the toughest jobs anyone could have. When babies cannot sleep, the parents cannot sleep either. Babies are so delicate and need sleep, but they can be sensitive to noises and movements. Every parent needs the following valuable tips to make this challenging job more manageable. 

1. Listen To Your Baby’s Biological Rhythms

You cannot expect babies to follow demands yet. Therefore, you should learn to listen to how their natural body moves and responds. If you want your baby to sleep fast and deep, you must be mindful of its timing. Place the baby in the crib when their melatonin levels are at their peak. That means you need to master when your baby is at its drowsy stage without reaching deep sleep yet. 

When your infant waits too long, they may feel overtired. When that happens, their brain will produce wakeful hormones that trigger awakening.

2. Make the Room the New Womb

Remember that your baby has been inside the mother’s womb for nine months, and they are so comfortable and used to the experience. If you want to make its surroundings conducive to its growth, you can imitate their previous environment and try to recreate it in their room. 

One of the things you can do is place blackout curtains to make the room darker and play white noise in the background. The music should not be too loud, but just enough to muffle the voices coming from the outside. These steps can recreate the peaceful womb they were once in and can improve their sleeping experience. 

It also helps to keep the room temperature cool, but dress your baby warm. Try setting your baby’s room temperature around 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. That would be enough to keep them cool and cozy. But make sure to check if they seem cold. Placing your hand on their chest would give you a good idea of what they feel. You can always add another layer!

3. Practice Swaddling

Swaddling has been the tip that new parents have heard for the longest time. It may not be effective for some in their first few tries, but it is an activity that requires practice and patience. 

Although swaddling is heavily debated in the Montessori community, many believe that it can and does help. In the end, you will need to do what works best for you and your family.

Keep in mind that babies’ sleeping patterns and activities change over time, and swaddling can help keep them sleep better and protected against their natural startle reflex. It also keeps the babies’ hands off their faces. More importantly, swaddles also imitate the parents’ touch, helping eliminate the baby’s anxiety and giving way for the guardians to get enough sleep. 

If you and the swaddle did not get off to a good start, do not give up on them yet. You might find it helpful in the weeks to come. 

4. Always Be Prepared

Knowing your baby’s needs beforehand would lessen the risk of them crying and getting out of sleep at unexpected times. Instead of turning on the lights to look for a new diaper, make sure they are ready by their bedside. If your baby also wets the bed regularly, it would help to place disposable waterproof pads that you can peel away as needed. Doing these small preparations ahead can help manage your worries and also make the baby sleep tighter. 

Conclusion

There is no best way to take care of your infants as they are all different and sensitive. But there are tips you can try to soothe them and make them feel more comfortable. That way, they can get enough sleep they need to grow into the healthy babies they should be.