7 Simple Strategies for Helping Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
Posted by Ewnice on 28th Feb 2023
Are you struggling to get your baby to sleep through the night? You're not alone. Many parents struggle with this issue, but there are some strategies you can try to help your baby establish good sleep habits. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Determine if your baby is developmentally ready to sleep through the night. Most babies are not able to sleep through the night (defined as a stretch of 6-8 hours) until they are around 3-6 months old, and some may not be able to do so until they are closer to a year old. My kids definitely were not sleeping 6 hour stretches until around 8 months
2. Establish a bedtime routine. This can help signal to your baby that it is time to wind down and go to sleep. A bedtime routine might include a warm bath, a diaper change, putting on pyjamas, reading a book, and singing a lullaby.
3. Put your baby to bed when they are drowsy, but not yet asleep. This can help your baby learn to fall asleep on their own.
4. Make sure your baby's sleep environment is conducive to sleep. This includes keeping the room at a comfortable temperature, using a firm and safe sleep surface, and keeping the room dark and quiet. A blockout stickers may be required, especially during daylight saving times
5. Consider using a consistent method of soothing your baby back to sleep if they wake up during the night. This might include patting their back, singing a lullaby, or offering a pacifier (if you have chosen to use one).
6. Try to avoid picking up your baby and rocking or nursing them back to sleep if they are not truly hungry or in need of a diaper change. This can create a sleep association that may be difficult to break later on.
7. Be patient and consistent. It can take time for your baby to learn to sleep through the night, and it is important to be consistent in your approach to help them establish good sleep habits.
With some patience and persistence, you can help your baby sleep through the night.