5 Tips for Establishing a Consistent Sleep Routine for Your Newborn or Infant
As a new parent, you'll quickly discover that getting your little one to settle for the night can be a bit of a challenge. During those first few months of your baby's life, they may struggle with differentiating between day and night, making it difficult to establish a regular sleeping pattern.
At our household, we call it "the big sleep" because we find it amusing that babies nap a lot during the day, but at night, they seem to know that this is the big one!
But don't worry, there are things you can do to help your baby understand that it's time to go to bed for the night and stay there until the morning, ideally at a time that allows you to catch a little extra sleep too. Here are some of our top tips for establishing a consistent sleep routine for your little one.
- Get Out and About During the Day
Getting your baby out and about during the day is a great way to help them understand the difference between day and night. Exposure to sunlight during the day can help regulate their circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns.
- Create a Consistent Sleep Routine
Creating a consistent sleep routine is crucial for helping your baby understand that it's time to settle down for the night. A sleep routine could involve a series of activities that happen leading up to your baby's bedtime. For instance, you could establish a 30-minute bedtime ritual that includes a bath, a little song or massage, getting dressed, reading a book, and putting on a sleep sack or sleeping bag.
- Choose Comfortable Sleepwear
Choosing comfortable sleepwear for your baby is also an essential part of a successful sleep routine. Opt for a sleeping outfit that will keep your baby cozy and comfortable all night long. This will help reduce the chances of them waking up because they're too hot or cold.
- Use Sleep Aids
Sleep aids like diffusers and white noise machines can be incredibly helpful when it comes to promoting healthy sleep habits for your baby. We love using the Aroma Snooze diffuser with a sleep remedy blend to help our little one drift off to sleep.
- Say Goodnight and Stick to the Routine
As you put your baby down to sleep, say a phrase like "it's time for sleep, Goodnight" to help them understand that it's time to settle down. Stick to your established routine as consistently as possible, and be patient. It may take a little while for your baby to settle into a regular sleeping pattern, but with time, they will get there.
Remember, every family is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Find a sleep routine that works for you and your baby and stick to it. Over time, your little one will develop healthy sleep habits, and you'll be able to enjoy a more restful night's sleep too.