Newborn Sleep Tips
All of the beautiful babies entering the world right now, were conceived at the beginning of the very long and drawn out covid19 lockdown restrictions in March/April of last year.
Congratulations to all the new mummies and daddies welcoming their babies into yet another lockdown!! All frustration aside, it is quite momentous! To celebrate the occasion, I have put together some important new-born sleep tips for all the unsuspecting new parents out there right now!
Tip 1
Expect the unexpected: New-born sleep can be unpredictable. This is due to frequent feeds which will take place, until closer to 4 months when there is a slight shift and babies reach the stage where they are more likely to be able to follow more of a routine to create a rhythm to each day. Don’t put too much pressure on sleep until at least 4 months where it is easier to start using gentle sleep training methods to achieve successful, independent and long-term healthy sleep habits.
Tip 2
Start a bedtime routine: You can do this at as early as 1-2 weeks but certainly by 6
weeks it is worth having a bedtime routine in place. This can be quite short and simple,
but the idea is to do the same steps in the same order every evening. It becomes
rhythmic and helps cue your baby for a longer stretch of sleep. Be sure to complete
the last stages of the routine in the room in which your baby will be sleeping and in
low level lighting. The process should flow so it is not ideal to go from a bath and
getting dressed for bed followed by going back into the living area as this is
stimulating.
Tip 3
Sleep space: When your baby wakes or is trying to settle to sleep at
bedtime, try picking him/her up to offer some brief reassurance and then place back down awake. Repeat this a few times to help create some awareness of the sleep space. Also try to
soothe in the crib/cot/moses basket without fussing and lifting as well. We want baby to feel safe in there and to feel that you are very close by whilst adjusting to falling asleep in a place other than in your arms or with close physical contact as this can become a reliance.
Tip 4
Avoid over-tiredness: This is one of the biggest causes of sleepless nights. I know that
sounds backwards, but it is true. A well-rested baby will sleep far better than an
overtired baby. Remember this phrase ‘Calmer days equal calmer nights’ so avoid
busy supermarkets or parks because, even if your baby is asleep, he/she will be
in a light sleep and aware of the outside stimulation.
Tip 5
Drowsy but awake: From 6-8 weeks you can start to practice putting your baby down when he/she is ready for sleep but still awake. Some call this ‘drowsy but awake’ but when they are
too drowsy, this has no affect. Just practice to begin with and help him/her along to sleep
if need be but from 4+ months you can give him a little more chance to settle before
rescuing him/her. It takes time to master the skill of self-settling but this gentle practice
will help to develop it.
Tip 6
Create a sleep friendly environment: This needs to be nice and dark, calm and quiet for all sleep where possible. No busy mobiles overhead, no light projectors on the ceiling or anything else that is
visually stimulating. Also try to keep the room temperature steady and comfortable. If your baby is in your room, avoid having a television or other electronic device on. White noise is recommended especially in the early stages where baby is sharing your room as this will help to block out outside noise and movement.
Sleep shaping Programme available: I hope you’ve enjoyed this New-born Baby sleep tips feature, and although the first four months can be unpredictable in terms of sleep, there are definitely areas which we can work with to establish really healthy sleep habits right from day one, so be sure to have access to reliable information and guidance from the start of your journey to successful sleep.
If you could benefit from some more information, my sleep shaping package is designed to support new parents with babies up to the age of 4months to feel confident and informed about all aspects of babies’ sleep. Including…
*x4 New-born printable sheets
*Sleep Shaping Stepping stone strategy
*x3 VIP New-born Sleep Videos
*Sleep & Feeding advice
*Product recommendations
*Discount on support beyond 4months
*Access to fully booked webinar
*Advice around motion sleep
*The importance of self-settling
*Realistic sleep expectations up to 4months
*Option to add video call (additional cost) £30
*Priced at just £67
Get in touch with any questions or for more information on helping your new born to achieve long term sleep success!
Fairy Sleep Mother
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