10 Baby Sleeping Tips For New Parents

It is said that every person should get at least 8 hours of sleep in a day, but when you have a newborn in the house, it is tough for new parents to get proper rest, especially during the first month. For every parent of a newborn, dealing with night time disruption has become a daily routine for them. Newborns don't have a sense of day and night; their little stomachs do not hold enough breast milk to satisfy them for longer; that is why they frequently wake up to eat. Newborn babies sleep for 14-17 hours; they should be getting a maximum of 18-19 sleep in a day, said by the National Sleep Foundation. The most common issues because of which a newborn cannot sleep are temporary illness, changes in routine, teething, uncomfortable, hunger, etc. It can be a bit complicated to make them sleep, but here are some tips which will help you.

Swaddle The Baby 

From birth till a few months, babies have a natural feeling that they will fall, which is why in a  jerk movement, they instantly wake up from their sleep—swaddling here, meaning to wrap your babies around in blankets or swaddle. Swaddling makes the baby feel secure and prevents them from jerks. Swaddling is for infants, and you should stop swaddling your child once they start rolling over or little crawling movements; otherwise, it can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Massaging 

Babies love to be touched; it is the first sense developed inside the womb itself. Massaging babies improves the bonding of parents and their children. It is beneficial for new parents, especially fathers. Massaging helps the babies get relief from gastric digestion, eliminating waste and relaxation from stomach distress. Most of the time, babies wake up at night and don't sleep properly because of impaired digestion. Giving massage to your baby on a day-to-day basis will help newborn babies to sleep better. Don't forget to massage your newborn with lukewarm oil.

Sleeping Schedule 

Changing your newborn’s sleep schedule is very important for them and you, in order to take proper rest at night. For that, you have to make a few changes in their sleeping schedule, like limiting their naps during the day to stretch their nighttime sleep. Limiting their naps during day time here does not mean that you would wake them up when they are sleeping but spending some time engaging yourself with them in playing, talking, and exposing them to light. During night or evening, when you think it's the right time for them to sleep, keep the lights dim in the room, keep things quiet, and reduce the activities around the baby. Even when they wake up at night to eat, make sure to keep the room dark and quiet. 

Dream Feed Your Baby

Dream feeding is the feeding you give when your baby is still sleeping, so s/he does not wake up when you are sleeping. Dream feeding makes your newborn sleep for longer while you sleep. You can simply feed your baby right before you are going to sleep; it prevents newborns from waking up because of hunger. With dream feeding, you can stretch the sleep of your newborn up to 3-4 hours. It would help if you tried this; it might work for you and your baby.

Setting Up A Bedtime Routine 

Setting up a bedtime routine with your family can be a little tricky, but it is all about consistency. It starts from waking your newborn at a particular time in the morning and then fixing a time when you will be feeding the baby with a duration gap. Keep a check on time, for instance how long your newborn takes a nap and the things they like, like bottom patting, breast or paci suck, gently brushing their head, etc. It may depend on babies what they want, but you have to set up a routine. Setting up a way is suitable for both the baby and parents as you will know at what time your baby will wake up, what time the baby will eat, how long will the baby take a nap, etc., and you can set up your schedule of work and take rest.

Change Diapers Timely 

Babies don't get enough sleep because their diapers are bulky, making them feel not so good about it. You can make sure to change diapers before bringing them to sleep to avoid them arousing in sleep. Sometimes not changing diapers for a more extended period can cause rashes to their bottoms, which will again create a problem for babies and even parents when they will not sleep because of the pain.

Understand That You Know Your Baby Better Than Anyone

It is sometimes difficult for every new mother or parent to judge what is right and wrong for your baby, but it is all worth it; everybody at their firsts goes through the same. Don't let anybody's suggestion influence your preferences for your newborn. Spend more and more time knowing your kid better to choose wisely for them, not listen to numerous people around you or on social media; it will only confuse you to choose. Instead, spend that time with your child making joy with them.

Pacifier Will Pass The Problem

If the baby is continuously crying and the reasons are not hunger or wet diapers, try giving the baby a pacifier if the babies wake up in the middle of the night. Make a habit for your baby to locate the pacifier on their own for this, you can put a few pacifiers in one corner of their crib, and when they cry at night, make them reach out to one. Once the baby learns to find the pacifier, it will no longer be sleepless nights for the baby or the parents. Pacifier may provide a temporary distraction to the baby while you can complete your chore. It is also said in many research studies that using a pacifier can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Also, keep the pacifier clean, frequently boil it in water or run through the dishwasher and make sure to clean it appropriately; otherwise, you are not giving a pacifier but germs to suck to your baby.

Checking On Temperature 

In summers, everyone likes to sleep in cool rooms, and during winters, we want to sleep in a warm cozy, and comfortable room, including babies. It is essential to check the room temperature where the baby is sleeping to ensure they won't feel discomfort. During summer, make sure to keep the temperature cool but not so cold that the baby will shiver, and during winters, keep the baby adequately covered with warm and soft clothes and place the heater in the baby’s and mother’s room. Maintaining a safe temperature is very important because many times, it leads to SIDS. It is essential to keep the room temperature at a safe temperature, and it is not overheating. Monitoring the thermostat is the best way to keep your baby's room at the right temperature.

Be Positive

For all the new parents out there, you must stay positive, optimistic, and have faith. For new moms, go out for a walk, take fresh air every day, practice yoga for your mental health as handling a baby initially can be a problem but don't hesitate in

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