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You’ve likely been told that newborns sleep a lot.
And you’ve probably heard that babies should get between 12 and 15 hours of sleep every day. But what if your little one is struggling to get the recommended amount of shut-eye? You’re not alone. Statistics have it that 50 to 70 percent of parents report problems with their baby’s sleep.
That’s why in this post, we will share some tips to help your baby sleep more soundly.
Why is sleep important for babies?
All babies need sleep, but it can be tough to get them to bed and keep them there. Here are a few suggestions to help your little one sleep more soundly:
- Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. Rituals like a bath, reading a story, and singing lullabies can help signal to your baby that it’s time for bed.
- Create a dark and quiet environment for sleep. Keep the room dimmed, and avoid noisy appliances like the hairdryer, dishwasher, or washing machine.
- Experiment with different swaddling techniques until you find one that your little one likes. Swaddling can help babies feel calm and secure, leading to longer and more restful sleep.
The role of naps in your baby’s sleep
One of the most important aspects of getting your baby to sleep through the night is ensuring they’re taking adequate naps during the day. Napping helps to regulate their energy levels and makes them less restless at night.
There are a few things you can do to help ensure your newborn takes sound naps:
- Make sure they’re not over-tired
- Place them in a dark and quiet room
- Keep naptime routines consistent from day to day
- Avoid letting them nap for too long, or they might not be tired enough at bedtime
When to call a doctor about your baby’s sleep
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If your baby is having trouble sleeping, it’s crucial to know when to call a doctor for help. Here are a few signs that it might be time to seek professional advice:
- You’re concerned about your baby’s sleep habits
- Your baby has disrupted sleep patterns for more than two weeks
- Your baby is five months or older and isn’t sleeping through the night
- Your baby is less than four months old and isn’t sleeping more than three hours at a time during the night
What if my baby doesn’t sleep through the night?
If your baby is still waking up at night, don’t worry! It’s completely normal for newborns to wake up frequently (usually more than once a night). In fact, they may not even sleep through the night until they’re several months old. But should you sense something not quite right, consult your pediatrician for additional advice.
Creating a sleep-friendly environment for your baby
Creating a sleep-friendly environment for your baby is one of the most important things you can do to help them get the sleep they need. Here are a few recommendations:
- Reduce noise and light exposure as much as possible, and keep electronic devices turned off.
- Keep the temperature in your baby’s room comfortable, preferably between 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.
- Resist the urge to rock or nurse your baby to sleep, as this can make it harder for them to fall asleep on their own later on.
- Make sure your baby’s bed is comfortable and safe. Use a firm mattress that’s the right size for your baby, and avoid using items that could potentially cause them to suffocate.
There are a lot of things new parents have to worry about, and getting their baby to sleep is often one of them. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help your baby sleep more soundly as we’ve mentioned in this article. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to seek out some professional help. Experts at the clinic or hospital should be able to help you create a personalized sleep plan for your baby that will have them sleeping through the night in no time.
