Let's be honest, a little sleep would be wonderful for us parents. But little ones often have a different opinion, and sometimes it takes hours to lull them to sleep.
When we consider that our babies go through growth spurts, learn so many new things every day and process new impressions, it is understandable that they sometimes have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep on their own.
Your child's sleep is incredibly important, because when your baby sleeps well, you sleep better too. A well-rested mom is a happy mom, and a happy mom leads to a happy baby.
That's why we've compiled a list of 6 tips that various mothers have tried and found helpful. We hope they help you and your little one too!
1. Downtime:
"Overstimulation can be one of the main reasons babies struggle with sleep. Experts recommend creating a quiet time or rest period before bedtime and avoiding activities that cause too much excitement, including television. They suggest reading a book, listening to soft, relaxing music, and creating a calm environment with dim lighting. This is the best way to signal to your baby that bedtime is approaching. Personally, I like to hum a lullaby to my baby while I've already lowered the blinds and left the same nightlight on." - ROOKIE Mama Miriam
2. Gentle sounds/quiet music:
"Something that worked really well with both my boys, especially when they had colic, was making rushing noises. For example, imitations of nature: the rustling of trees, the sea, or even just a 'shhhh'. This blocks out external noises and helps your baby calm down." - Rookie mom Sofie
3. Swaddling/wrapping in a cloth:
"Babies often move their arms and legs a lot, especially when they have cramps or are feeling a bit overwhelmed. This often leads to them pushing off their blankets or scratching themselves awake. What helped me with my baby was swaddling/wrapping him in a swaddle blanket. This gave my baby the same sense of security he had in the womb and prevented him from scratching himself. He woke up much less often and always stayed nice and warm." - Rookie Mama Anna
4. Warm bath and massage:
"Just as we love to take a bath to relax, a nice warm bath followed by a relaxing massage is a great way to get your child ready for bed. My little one often struggled with gas and tummy cramps. A warm bath and massage helped relieve her pain or pressure." - Rookie Mama Teresa
5. Babywearing:
"Let's be honest, all babies want to be held and rocked to sleep. Everyone has their own opinion on this. Some believe it's a bad habit, while others are all for it. Personally, I don't like arguing about bedtime. For me, the most natural approach to bedtime is the best. I find that carrying my baby is the best way to do this. She feels safe, warm, and cuddly. During the day, carrying is super convenient for me to get a little something done, and at night it's perfect for getting my little one sleepy before putting her in her crib." - ROOKIE Mama Lara
Every baby is so different. They love different things, and you'll notice that they're comforted by different things. Find your own rhythm and learn which techniques help you.
If you've had another bad night, remember that a time will come when you'll have your nights to yourself again! Everything is temporary! 🖤
PS: Do you have any other tips that work particularly well for you? If so, please share them!
