Caring for a newborn can be a hassle sometimes, especially if you are a new parent. It can be incredibly overwhelming to get your newborn sleeping patterns consistent while getting some shut eye yourself! So here are some newborn sleep tips that will help the entire home stay peaceful during the night.
1. Swaddle, swaddle, swaddle
Your child loves to feel confined, as it makes them feel safe. So if they are getting fussy make sure to grab a soft blanket and swaddle them so they feel comfortable. This will also help them sleep deeper and for longer!
2. Understand colic
If your newborn is uncharacteristically fussy, then they may be suffering though colic. Colic is when a child is unable to be soothed, and cries for hours on end. It is normal for a child to do so, but can cause a parent to become incredibly worried. Swaddling them, establish a consistent daily routine, and practice skin-to-skin contact are all ways you can keep your child calm.
3. Baby wearing and skin-to-skin
Your child will benefit from being held just by feeling your warm touch. It is also a great way to help them deal with acid reflux.
4. Be consistent
Developing a routine for everything from naps to feeding times to play time is a great way to get your child adjusted to everyday life. Experts recommend having your child eat, sleep, and then play. Doing this will help to develop an easy newborn sleep routine, along with a way to be prepared for feeding times. Remember that this does not have to adhere to the clock, just follow your child’s natural rhythms.
5. Give them a bath before bed
Going from warm water to room temperature air signals a drop of temperature in the brain that triggers a feeling of drowsiness. So giving your child a bath before bed is a great way to slowly ease them to sleep by themselves.
6. Keep their rooms dark at night and light during the day
It is important that your newborn learns the difference between night and day so they can develop regular sleep patterns. Now, do not flood the room with sunlight during the day, instead allow some sunlight to enter the crib. And during the night, get blackout curtains.
Being a parent for the first time is rewarding but also incredibly difficult. So keep these tips in mind when you are trying to get your child to sleep, and you both will be sleeping the night away!
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