By Sr Teresa Hayward (RN, RM, Lactation consultant, Infant & Paediatric Nutritionist, Baby Sleep Consultant)
For most parents this is a common and normal question – how to get baby to sleep? When it comes to putting baby down and helping them to stay asleep, it can sometimes for like Mission Impossible, especially in the first weeks or even months.
Always remember no two babies are exactly alike, and there is no one size fits all strategy when it comes to getting baby to sleep at night. Nevertheless, there are some general recommendations that will help to at least set the stage for a good sleep routine and sleep
How much should my baby?
Newborns should be sleeping a lot, typically about 18hrs in the first 6wks, and then about 16hrs up until 3months. It can take a few weeks or months for baby settles into a sleep pattern, as schedules are erratic since babies still need to feed often and can’t go longer than 2 to 4hrs without feeding. By 3months though, baby should be getting into some sort of routine, with regular naps and sleeping longer stretches at night
What is sleeping through? Sleeping through is sleeping anything from 7 to 12 consecutive hours at nighttime. To get to this point though, consistent routine is key
Tips for How to get Baby to sleep
· Designate a sleep environment – designate an area where baby takes all their naps and this area is for only sleep and not play. This should be away from all the activity such as the lounge. Keep the area free of toys and other fun items such as mobiles. These distractions confuse baby as they are not sure what they are supposed to do
· Room share but don’t bed share – It is recommended that baby sleeps in the same room as you for at least 4 to 6months, but not in the same bed. Sleeping in the same rooms makes feeding easier, but also helps to reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Having parents in close proximity helps to regulate baby’s temperature, breathing and nervous system reactions.
· Keep cool – a baby will sleep best when the temperature is consistent and cool between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius. This also means that baby should not be overbundled in heavy clothes and blankets. Avoid letting them sleep with beanies on or clothes with hoods, or fleecy outfits. Also don’t wrap in heavy blankets or fleecy blankets. Also, the placement of your crib or cot is key. Pick a spot that is not close to the door or a window, or in the direct path of the air conditioner or heater. Temperature changes will startle and disturb baby
· Try swaddling – in the first 3months, swaddling will help you baby to sleep more soundly and longer stretches. It makes them feel safe and secure whilst also helping for cramping
· Sooth with sound – what baby hears is just as important. White noise really helps your baby to sleep as it cancels out the house noise, care and other distracting noises, but it also reminds them of in utero where they felt safe and secure. Baby also begins to associate the constant and consistent sound with sleep
· Make a plan and stick to it – you and your partner need to agree about what you’ll do when baby wakes in the middle of the night. Also ensure that all caregivers are following your plan.
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