Sleeping Bags for Better Sleep
We all know that on top of every mum’s wish list is more sleep! Sleep is something that parents often struggle with, yet there are some really useful ways to assist in helping your little one get a peaceful night’s sleep.
Sleeping bags are a commonly recommended 'positive sleep association' in many sleep training advice and programs. By utilising sleep associations, your baby will create effective sleep habits and recognise when they need to start the wind down process and get ready for bed. Sleeping bags can be used as signal for your baby that it is now time for sleep. Often babies wake up in the early morning because they are too cold, however a sleeping bag is useful for keeping your baby at a regular temperature throughout their entire sleep. No more kicked off blankets in the middle of the night! Sleeping bags made with natural fibres are recommended, as they’re much safer for your baby due to their breathable material. This reduces the risk of overheating, which is a significant risk factor for SIDS. When you’re travelling with the baby, sleeping bags are a great tool for creating a sense of calm and familiarity – even when not sleeping in their own cot at home.
There are several other positive sleep associations including white noise, which replicates the loud whooshing sounds that babies hear in the womb. It is a comforting sound to them and can also disguise any household noises to keep them in a peaceful slumber. A darkened room is also important for ensuring your little one doesn’t catnap during the day. Contrary to popular belief, babies don’t need to sleep in daylight during the day to enable them to work out day from night. A regular routine of correctly timed naps that are roughly the correct length of time will naturally allow your little one to regulate their circadian rhythm. A comforter is a fantastic sleep association, as it does just as it is named – comforts your baby and reminds them that it is ‘night, night’ time. Note that comforters are only recommended from 7 months of age (as per the Red Nose guidelines). Select a comforter with a breathable fabric like a muslin cloth and it ensure that it’s washable, plus bonus if you can purchase a couple of them in case you lose one!
All of these sleep associations mentioned are not reliant on the parent’s presence and encourages the baby to get to sleep on their own or self-settle if they wake during their sleep.