If you’ve made your way to this blog, you’re obviously looking for tips for getting your baby to sleep soundly through the night. You may be frustrated and feeling like you’re at your wit’s end. Before we get into it, we want to say that you’re doing an amazing job. If you’re sending this blog to a friend or family member who may be having a hard time, thank you for being a great support system.
Parenthood is a major adjustment for the entire family. Let’s take a look at our top tricks to get newborns to sleep.
Create a Realistic Routine
A solid and realistic baby bedtime routine is the first step to getting your baby to sleep well. Both babies and adults greatly benefit from routines. Think about it —as adults, we usually take the same route to get to work or the grocery store. We always stop at our favorite coffee shop next door. And of course, we absolutely have to hit up our favorite sushi spot every Friday.
A routine becomes a part of who we are and we feel off if our routine is shaken. Creating a realistic routine for yourself and your baby is essential. And that’s why it’s our first tip for getting babies to sleep. A routine is where it all starts.
It’s crucial to create a routine that will work best for your family. Don’t worry if your neighbor is putting her baby to bed at 6 PM and they don’t wake up until 6 AM the next morning. Your baby may need to go to bed at 7 or 8. Figure out what will work best for your household.
Create a Structured Nap Schedule
Having naps at ideal times throughout the day can greatly impact your bedtime routine. Typically, newborns will sleep for 14-17 hours within a 24 hour period. Older babies will need about 12 to 16 hours of sleep within a 24 hour period. Creating a structured nap schedule is a great trick to get newborns to sleep, as well as older babies. Avoid taking naps later in the evening, especially in older babies.
Full Tummy
Making sure your baby has a full tummy before bed is an important tip for getting babies to sleep. No one wants to go to bed hungry. Whether your baby is breastfed, formula-fed, or on solids, make sure they have had a nice meal before bed.
Bath and Clean Clothes
A warm bath followed by clean and comfy clothes should be a part of your baby’s bedtime routine. Especially if you have a crawling or active baby.
Sweat, milk spit up, and food will make your baby feel sticky and uncomfortable by the end of the day. Wash them up and make them comfortable with a bath at the end of each day.
Clean Room and Fresh Sheets
You know that feeling of pure bliss you get when you’ve cleaned your entire house, taken a shower, and hop into a bed with fresh sheets? Little humans love being in a clean and fresh environment, too.
Before we get into it, we just want to make it clear that if you’re a new parent, please do not stress about having a constantly pristine home. But, a little pick me up before bed can go a long way. If you haven’t experienced any spills or accidents, changing your baby’s sheets once or twice a week is a great practice. Fresh bedding can definitely lead to high-quality sleep.
Drowsy but Awake
A key trick to get newborns to sleep is putting them down in their bed while they’re awake. Awake, but drowsy. This practice will help your baby to fall asleep on its own. Your baby will feel comforted and secure, while gently learning how to self-soothe. Mommy or daddy’s face will be the last they see before they peacefully drift off.
Find the Perfect PJs
One of our best tips for getting babies to sleep is finding the perfect pajamas! Once your little one is all washed up and ready to go, you’ll want to take sure they have a onesie that will keep them comfy, cozy, and secure for sleep.
Little Zips’ two-way zipper onesies offer a convenient, adorable, and supremely comfortable option for your little one from bedtime to playtime to any time in between. With sweet designs for little boys, colorful patterns for little girls, and some that are completely gender neutral, we have everything you need to give your child a sound sleep and keep them looking wonderful!
You’ve Got This
Be patient with yourself while you try different tips for getting babies to sleep. A routine may work smoothly one month, and by the next month, it won’t. Tweak routines and schedules as your baby changes. Be kind to yourself as you figure it all out, and make sure to check out our blog for more tips, tricks, and ideas to help you handle everything parenthood throws at you!