Little man didn’t sleep through the night for a long time. I didn’t mind the nights he wakes to eat a bit, but the nights that he woke up to play could be exhausting, so I researched baby sleep tips to how to get your baby sleeping through the night.
There is just no way of knowing when your baby will be ready to sleep through the night on his own. Like when he first smiles or says his first word- one day, it just happens. There isn’t a “right time” for it to happen, but you can certainly take steps and get sleeping help to arrive at that time as soon as possible.
Before I share the baby sleep help tips, here is some important info:
* Newborns should not sleep through the night until they are at least 12 pounds, because they may not have enough nourishment as a result. They usually metabolically need to eat around the clock in the very early months. Some formula fed babies may sleep longer because the formula takes longer to digest.
* Some parents give their baby rice cereal early on to encourage them to sleep through the night, but sometimes giving a baby “solids” too soon can cause upset stomach in baby’s immature digestive system and starting on rice cereal too soon has been shown to correlate with children who struggle with their weight later on in life.
* New moms should not use their baby’s nap time as a time to catch up on chores. Mom needs rest- sleep when your baby sleeps.
* There is no need to force your child to “cry it out” to fall asleep. If it breaks your heart to do this, don’t.
* Usually when a baby is getting enough nourishment during the day he will stop waking up at night. If his little tummy still doesn’t fit all he needs during his waking hours, he will still wake up at night, thus newborns waking up all night.
* We all tend to wake up a couple times a night, to use the bathroom, get some water, get into a more comfortable position, etc. Babies do this too, so don’t fuss if your baby moves around at night sometimes throughout their childhood.
Baby Sleep Tips:
* Keep the room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Turn off all lights. If you use a nigh light, the nightlight should not shine on your baby or onto baby’s crib or bed. Go with an organic crib, especially if you believe your baby has allergies.
* Use a sound machine to block out loud external noise or sudden startling sounds- it’s one of the most useful baby sleep aids.
* Create a nightly routine with a set bedtime and relaxing activities leading up to bedtime. Wind down with a warm bath, or reading a story together,
I remember the non-sleeping nights! I was in a fog all day.
That is how it was for a while, but I was fighting his natural pattern so it's really my own fault. Now it's pretty smooth sailing.
Great post. Every baby is different and gradually mom and baby falls into a routine. You are so right about the… this is how it's going to be so stop complaining. Once I realized like you that the feeds were over quick etc, I was much more relaxed about it and found I could cope with being woken up because I knew it wasn't going to be for hours. Just keep with the mantra, every baby grows up and eventually you will get there. Break it down into six month segments periods of adjustments and each phase doesn't seem so long. 🙂
The time is passing so quickly too! I don't want to miss a minute of it being impatient or aggravated. What else is more important after all?
i love your blog. cant wait till my baby sleeps through the night. come visit me at my blog
Every baby is definitely different, still waiting for my little girl to STTN. I was spoiled with her older sister who did at 5 weeks, lols. It's not so bad now that it's once or twice a night and only to eat and then back to sleep, so glad we are over the every couple hours through the night and wanting to stay awake and play phase too!
My older sister recently had a baby(3 months ago) and she is always complaining about not being able to sleep at night because the baby isnt sleeping. I will deffinately tell her these tips and im sure they will help alot. thanks soo much!