Are you a new mum who is struggling to get your baby to sleep? You're not alone! Baby sleep can be a tricky and time-consuming task, but with the right tips, tricks and information, it's possible to create a blissful sleeping environment for both you and your baby. In this post, we'll explore some essential information about baby sleep and provide helpful advice and tips to help you get your little one to sleep.
Understanding Baby Sleep Cycles
As a new mum, understanding your baby's sleep cycles is key to creating a successful sleep routine. Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults, usually around 45 minutes to an hour. During these cycles, they transition between light sleep and deep sleep. This is why your baby may wake up frequently throughout the night. By recognizing these sleep cycles and learning to soothe your baby back to sleep, you can help them get the rest they need. In the next section, we'll dive deeper into creating a calm sleep environment for your little one. Stay tuned, new mums!
Creating a Calm Sleep Environment
Creating a calm sleep environment is essential for helping your baby drift off to dreamland. Start by keeping the room quiet and dimly lit, using blackout curtains if necessary. Keep the temperature comfortable, not too hot or cold. A white noise machine can also help drown out any distracting sounds. Consider using a cozy crib mattress and soft bedding to make your baby feel secure and comfortable. Avoid any stimulating toys or decorations in the sleep area. By creating a peaceful and relaxing space, you can help set the stage for a blissful night's sleep for your little one.
We would love you to leave your thoughts below, real mums with real experiences on what worked for you. ❤️
Also why not bob over to Emma's Dairy they have a great website full of informative help and tips..
2 comments
We have been very lucky with our girls sleep. She’s always loved sleeping. But when we moved her into her own room at 5 months her routine was really messed up. It took weeks of strict nap times and keeping track of how long she left through the day before it got back to normal.
We still cuddle to sleep as that’s what works for us but since being in her own room she has self soothed through the night if she wakes up. And now we generally get her to sleep from half 8 till 8 the next morning.
Sleep was a whirlwind for us. Our son had colic so was restless often, and we got into a habit of contact napping as he kept him upright and helped with his reflux. This meant getting him to nap and stay asleep in his own bed/cot was difficult. Briefly tried various sleep training but it didn’t feel right and caused upset for everyone involved.
We researched co sleeping as this felt very taboo but once you know the risks (and eliminate them), we felt very confident doing so when needed.
We then mimicked our bed in his room and made his room all about sleep – same feeling bedding, blackout curtains etc.
We tried not to make it a fun room. Stories and sleeping only. We kept a routine, stayed consistent, and did what felt right for us. He now sleeps 11-12 hours a night. It wasn’t easy. But we got there!
My advice to any new parents or just parents struggling, would be to just do what’s right for you and your baby!