Sleep is a beautiful thing, isn’t it? Before kids, we take it for granted and act as if we’ll always be able to get sleep. After kids, we learn that sleep is an essential part of life and is a coveted thing! We all know that babies don’t come out of the womb sleeping 12 hours (if you didn’t know this, I’m sorry to be the one to burst your bubble), so what do we do? How do we get our newborns to sleep? Even if it’s just for a couple of hours at a time?
In today’s world, there is so much technology out there and so many new contraptions that all swear to help your baby sleep. However, the ugly truth is that not every child is going to sleep easily. Not to mention, all children are going to sleep differently. Some newborn babies might come out sleeping perfectly in their crib alone on their back, other babies might come out only wanting to sleep while they’re nursing. Ugh, been there, done that! When it comes to figuring out how to get your baby to sleep, you need to first learn about your baby and learn what they like.
There’s no magic wand to wave or secret parent code that gets passed down from generation to generation. Getting babies to sleep through the night is all about repetition, routine, and a safe, calm and comfortable sleep space.
Before reading on, be sure to check out the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for sleep safety. These are first and foremost the most important guidelines to follow along with tips from your own pediatrician.
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
One of the first things you want to establish with your newborn is a routine. Remember, this is a routine more so than a sleep schedule. Our newborns don’t need to be on a schedule quite yet! However, we all like a good routine, and kids and babies love them more than anyone else. They crave the consistency that routines bring because it gives them comfort in knowing what comes next.
Your baby’s sleep routine should be the same every single night. Do what works for you and your family but a good sleep routine should be as calming as possible. You could start by dimming the lights in the house. Also, turn the volume on the tv or radio down low. Soft lighting and sounds set the mood for a calm evening.