Help your baby sleep
through the night simply and effectively. Tried and tested basic baby sleep
tips to reduce night feedings, have earlier bedtimes and
longer nights: a baby sleep schedule, bedtime routine, self
soothing, ...
To
have your baby sleep through the night might well be your number one
wish right now (I know it was mine ...!).
If you have a newborn baby,
or young child, chances are that you suffer from some mild - or
possibly
not so mild - sleep deprivation effects ...
... so here's the
basics to help you and your baby
sleep more!
Broken
nights seem to be a part of becoming a parent. Most young
babies
are not able to sleep long stretches yet, and forcing them can be
unhealthy.
The good news is that you can maximise
baby's sleep and your own sleep with a few simple
sleep help ideas.
No
miracle solution required, just common sense in a loving and
determined approach.
To
help your baby sleeping through the night not just for a few nights, but
really, consistently: that is one of the most valuable
gifts you can
give your child.
It's an investment towards healthy sleeping habits
that will last a lifetime.
As with many things related to kids, it may take
some
patience, but it's definitely worth it!
Let's have a look at the absolute basics below,
sleep
tips for longer nights and a thought on how our
attitude
towards sleep can help our babies sleep through.
Basic
baby sleep guidelines
From
sleep study and research we know how important regular sleep times and
routines are for good sleep. These guidelines are the first step to
help your baby sleep through the night:
Baby's
sleep schedule
A
sleep schedule is vital for good sleep. Going to bed and getting up at
regular times each day is ideal for the human body. Installing a good
schedule for your baby makes all the difference.
A
bedtime routine
is a set of actions and words you do with and say to your child at each
bedtime. By doing this over and over, your baby will recognise that it
is time for bed. This helps her to settle and fall asleep easily.
Self
Soothing
For your baby to be able to sleep through the
night, self
soothing is a crucial skill to have. But it is not easy for
most babies to settle themselves to sleep.
Discover effective
alternatives to put
baby down awake advice and crying
it out methods.
Tips and tricks
How to reduce the number of night feedings?
How to get rid of the dummy?
How to get an early bird to sleep a bit longer?
...
OK, I know, you feel tired and want to do
something about it. So why bother about something philosophical?
The reason is just that the best sleep comes when we are relaxed, feel
secure and know
that sleeping is a good thing. And that is just what you need to see
your baby sleeping through the night. Read on about very helpful
ways to be positive about sleep:
"Sleeping
is fun"
Simple advice to make your baby feel good about
sleep.
Relax ...
Being relaxed yourself has the best effects on
your baby's sleep, and on your own sleep.
You know, to have your baby sleeping through the
night is not
something that happens ... ehm, overnight. But with the three steps
discussed here, you are off to the best start.
Most
babies
start sleeping through during their first year. Some
during their first
weeks and some when they are four years old ... (sorry! I don't want to
scare you, just to show how different kids can be and that extremes are
still quite common).
I know how
impossible it seems sometimes. How desperate you can feel after yet
another broken night. But hang in there! Stick to the basics and you
will have better sleep through nights.