While some babies will soon be sleeping through the nights, others won’t. This blog will demonstrate some ways which can help get your baby sleeping through the night.
One great start is to begin teaching your baby that there is a difference between day and night. While daytime is fine for play, night-time is when sleeping should happen.
During the day exposing your baby to a lot of light, everyday noises is fine. Playing with them is also great. During night, lighting should be low, your voice should be calm, and you should try not to play with your baby. Doing this from the start of their life can help them realise that there is a difference between night and day, it won’t be too long until your baby understands.
Another common question by parents is where should their newborn sleep? For around the first 6 months, it is recommended that they sleep in the same room as you. Whether this is during the day, or night. This most likely to occur in the beginning weeks, when your baby will only sleep with you around. After the first 6 months or so, your baby is more likely to begin falling asleep without you. A good practise is to comfort them, just before it’s time for them to go to sleep.
Another great practise is getting your baby into a routine they learn. This is great because your baby can begin to pick this up, and learn that the end stage is sleep. For example, once your baby has been changed into their night clothes, put in bed, and the lights turned off, they begin to see this as their routine. It’s recommended that you try and get your baby to sleep in their cot, without rocking them or cradling them. This is because it can make getting them back to sleep during the night more difficult, because they’re used to sleeping in your arms.
Remember, babies routines can change often, so don’t be afraid to change the routine if this it’s what’s needed.
