Many of us hear about the horrors of labor. The pain, the pushing, the possibly pooing ourselves in front of practical strangers. But, we don’t always hear about afterwards: learning to breastfeed, getting babies through potential bouts of jaundice, the exhaustion, the vaginal pain, or the pain after the C-section, the hemorrhoids. And mostly: the sleep deprivation.
If baby doesn’t sleep, you don’t sleep, no matter how badly you need it.
Those tiny bundles of joy often seem to defy the very concept of sleep. As parents, you find yourselves in a sleep-deprived haze, wondering why your little one won’t settle down. Let’s explore the reasons behind these nocturnal escapades and how to navigate them.
Tip #1 – Establish a Calming Sleep Environment
Picture this—a cozy cocoon of softness, dim lights, and gentle sounds. Newborns crave this soothing atmosphere. Their senses are still adjusting to the world outside the womb, so creating a calming sleep environment is crucial. Invest in blackout curtains to keep their room dark during naps and nighttime. Keep things quiet. Silence your phone, and put a “do not disturb” sign on your front door.
Tip #2 – Establish a Bedtime Routine
Babies thrive on predictability. Did you know that around 6 weeks of age, babies begin to recognize simple patterns? A consistent bedtime routine signals to their little brains that it’s time to wind down. Bath, feeding, cuddles, and a lullaby—these rituals help set the stage for slumber and it doesn’t take long for these small patterns to help your baby learn it’s time for sleep. Remember, consistency is key!
Tip #3 – Self-Soothing
Babies are like tiny scientists, experimenting with their newfound abilities. Self-soothing is one such experiment. They suck their hands, stroke their blankets, clasp their hands in ‘prayer position’ or turn their heads from side to side. There are dozens of ways your baby can soothe themselves. Encourage these self-comforting behaviors—they’re building resilience.
Tip #4 – Monitor Wake Times
Babies have a delicate balance between being overtired and wired. Skipping naps might seem like a shortcut to bedtime, but it often backfires. An overtired baby becomes fussy and harder to settle. Stick to age-appropriate nap schedules. If you’d like to deep dive into your baby’s sleep, wake windows and challenges, schedule your 30 minute ask anything call.
Tip #5 – Day-Night Confusion
Imagine spending nine months in a cozy, dark womb where day and night don’t exist. Suddenly, you’re thrust into a world with sunlight and artificial lights. Newborns take time to adjust. Morning light exposure helps regulate their internal clock, while nighttime darkness promotes better sleep.
Tip #6 – Growth Spurts
Those growth spurts! While essential for development, they wreak havoc on sleep. Babies become fussier, clingier, and more tired during these periods. Be patient—your little one is working hard to grow.
Tip #7 – The Fourth Trimester
Ever heard of the “fourth trimester”? It’s the first three months of a baby’s life, where they still crave womb-like comfort. Swaddle them snugly, hold them close, and provide gentle rocking. Remember, they’re adjusting to life outside, and your warmth reassures them.
Newborns for the most part dance to their own sleep rhythm. But us parents can actually help to regulate their sleep so that it is more consistent. Embrace the chaos during this time, create a serene sleep haven, and cherish those late-night cuddles. But if you need any further tips, please contact us! If you have any questions about helping your baby to sleep better, developing a conducive routine for your baby that works with your life, or about your baby in general, please reach out to us HERE. We are experts in all things baby and sleep and would love to help!
About The Author: 💤Katie Bishop | The Early Weeks 💤
✅ Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant
✅ Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner
✅ Advanced Newborn Care Specialist
