Babies bring joy to a family. Having a newborn at home can be a fascinating experience, bringing along some new routines; sleepless nights are one such addition to it.
The newborn sleep routines can be unpredictable. However, every parent can try to create an effective sleeping schedule for newborns which can help your baby sleep longer hours at night.
In this blog, let us check out some tried and tested formulas to help your baby develop better sleep patterns.
Getting Newborn Babies to Sleep Longer Stretches at Night
Newborn babies have their individual sleep cycles, and adjusting to it can be a real challenge for parents. Unlike adults, newborns have shorter sleep cycles. Babies frequently require nourishment, and parents often have to wake up multiple times to tend to their baby’s needs. Due to this, parents suffer from fatigue and sleep deprivation.
With some simple tips and tricks, you can shape your newborn’s sleep routines, making them sleep tight for longer durations at night. So, let us discuss this now.
1. Creating a Consistent Routine Early On
Establishing a proper bedtime routine can be the best thing that you can do for your newborn. Though building a sleeping schedule for newborns may appear as a task at first, we should not forget that babies are quick learners! A well-built newborn sleep routine will help your child understand that it is time for them to rest.
You can include soothing activities during bedtime, like:
- Reading a rhyme or story
- Gentle rocking
- Dimming the lights
- Swaddling
- Giving a quick warm bath
Following these activities demand “consistency”. If incorporated on a daily basis, it becomes your baby’s routine. This ultimately prepares your newborn for longer sleep periods.
Check these baby sleep essentials like arms-up swaddle pods to fulfil this goal.
1. Develop a Day-Night Difference
Newborns don’t understand the difference between day and night time at first. You, as a parent, need to make them understand this, which is very important for building your newborn’s sleep routine. You need to expose them to light during the day and create a nice calm environment during evening hours.
The daytime nap doesn’t need to be completely quiet. A little noise here and there will teach the baby that day naps are for shorter durations.
On the contrary, late evenings should be followed by avoiding loud noises. Automatically, the nighttime sleep will become deeper and for longer stretches. Once the baby understands this difference between day and night, they will slowly adapt to the right night sleep routine.
2. Feed Baby Right Before Bedtime
Hunger is the primary reason that disturbs a newborn’s sleep at night. If the baby is well-fed, it might just help them sleep peacefully for longer hours. Feeding and making your baby’s tummy full around 10 or 11 at night might just play the trick. With sufficient energy reserves, the newborn might sleep for a few more extra hours.
3. Setting a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
Creating the best sleeping environment can greatly influence the quality of your baby’s sleep. Check out some of these ideas for making a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your newborn:
- Darken the Room: Thick curtains can be used to blackout the room, blocking any light from disturbing your baby’s sleep.
- Singing Lullaby: Lullabies help calm down the baby, with their repetitive rhythm promoting the smooth transition to rest. It also builds a bond with the parent and signals that it is time to sleep.
You can check out more baby sleep essentials like transition pods or baby blankets that can help your baby sleep well throughout the long night.
4. Practice Daytime Naps
Though it may puzzle a few, daytime naps help improve the baby’s nighttime sleep. Due to the limited capacity of the newborn to stay awake for longer durations, overtiredness can make them cranky. Building a regular nap schedule during the day prevents tiredness, eventually settling them to have a sound and longer sleep during the night.
Conclusion
Creating a proper sleep schedule for newborns may appear like an uphill task at first, but with simple tips and tricks, you can develop their sleep schedule well. By incorporating a comfortable environment and managing newborn sleep routines, your baby can develop a healthy sleep pattern. Though it may take some time to understand what the best approach for your baby is, once you are on track, you will be at ease. Check out Cocoon’s wide range of sleep-friendly essentials like sleeping bags, baby blankets, and more to give your loved one the most comfortable sleeping experience!
FAQs on Sleeping Schedule for Newborns
1. Why is it harder for newborns to sleep at night?
Newborns can’t distinguish between day and night time as they lack an established circadian rhythm. Moreover, frequent hunger due to a small stomach makes them wake up constantly. Developing practices that help create a day-night difference can help your newborn build a good night sleep routine.
2. How can I get my newborn to sleep peacefully at night?
The best way is to create a calm and comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn. Avoid overstimulation during night feeds and ensure their tummy is full. Also a dark and cool area adds to the peaceful sleep of your baby.
3. How do I stop my newborn from waking at night?
One of the efficient ways is to feed your baby before bedtime. Swaddling and white noise can further help your baby go back to sleep easily if unsettled.
4. How long do sleepless nights last with a newborn?
Most newborns require around three to six months to build their regular sleep patterns. However, growth spurts like teething can make them wake up frequently during nights. But with a little patience and following consistent practices may let you and your baby have a better and peaceful night's sleep.
