The phrase “sleeping like a baby” can cause even the most seasoned parent to roll their eyes in despair.
The early days are filled with baby waking every 2-3 hours
and the older they get the more they realize that their crib is their mortal enemy.
Many a parent has found peace and rest with the use of a co-sleeper
or transitioning the baby from a co-sleeper to a crib as they get older.
If your baby won’t sleep alone, here are some tips and tricks to help get them into a routine and find out how to get your newborn to sleep alone at night.
Contents:
Why Should My Baby Sleep Alone?
The right and wrong way to get a baby to sleep, and the benefits of sleep styles, has always (and likely will always) be argued. There are many benefits to having your baby sleep alone, and there are many ways you can remedy the situation if your baby won’t sleep alone.
- Decreased risk of SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can cause plenty of parents to fret and check their baby’s breathing all night long. Allowing your baby to sleep alone, and in a clutter free sleep environment, greatly reduces the risk of SIDS. Placing your baby in your room, in a crib or co-sleeper, for the first 6 months of their life also helps to reduce this risk.
- Healthy Sleep Routine
A healthy sleep routine is the end goal for most parents of newborns. Allowing your baby to sleep alone, whether it is in a crib or a co-sleeper, can help make the transition easier on both baby and mom or dad. It also helps to deter your baby from growing into a 3 or 4-year-old who refuses to sleep anywhere but right in the middle of your bed!
- Restful Sleep
Letting your baby sleep alone helps them to sleep through the night. If you leave your bed to use the bathroom, brush your teeth, or grab something from the kitchen, you risk disturbing their sleep or waking them up, and that makes for neither a happy baby or a happy mom and dad.
Related Article : Your Baby Won’t Go Back to Sleep After Night Feeding? Try This Solutions… !
Bedtime Routine to Stimulate Your Baby
This is another age old argument, and each parent does things differently because each baby is different. These are just a few methods that parents have used and found to be successful.
- Bath, Bottle, Book
A routine is crucial for your baby. By following the “bath, bottle, book” routine, your baby is soothed by warm water (try adding some lavender to the bath if your doctor approves) and then has his or her tummy filled up with some milk. Reading to your baby helps to ease their mind and provide comfort and cuddles to get them ready for bed.
- Co-sleeper vs Crib
If you are using a co-sleeper, your routine should be altered in order to allow the baby to sleep without being woken up since they will be going to bed before you (usually). Laying next to your baby, singing to your baby, and comforting them while they are in their co-sleeper is a great way to get them used to their new bed. If you choose to use a crib, try placing a white noise machine in the room to help drown out any excess noise from the rest of the house. As they get older, many babies enjoy mobiles that play music and turn.
- Tailor the Routine
No baby is the same, so no bedtime routine can be the same. Notice the activities that stimulate or soothe your baby. Activities that stimulate your baby, such as upbeat music, screen time, or loud noises, should be avoided in the hours leading up to bedtime. Playing soothing music throughout the house, dimming lights, and speaking in soft tones in the hours leading up to your baby’s bedtime can help them wind down and go to sleep easier.
You can also read : Why Do Babies Fight Sleep? (And How To Fix It?)
No matter what method you use to get your baby to sleep, or what sleep style you choose, your baby will flourish and their development will be greatly improved with a regular sleep schedule and learning to sleep alone. As said previously, what works for one baby may not work for yours, so don’t give up!