When I was pregnant with my first baby, I couldn’t tell you how many times I would hear. “Enjoy your sleep now because when that baby comes you will never sleep again”. I used to think, okay I’m sure I will be getting up a few times a night, but could it really be that bad. Literally, writing that sentence out makes me laugh because little did I know, those first few days and weeks after bringing our newborn home. I felt as though I would NEVER sleep again.
So, as any new sleep-deprived mother would do. I frantically searched google at 2:00 am on ways to get your baby to sleep through the night. I was slightly overwhelmed with how much information and different strategies there are to get these tiny humans to sleep throughout the night. After many trials and errors, by the time my baby was just 3 months of age she was sleeping for 10-12 hour stretches a night! I recently had another baby and implemented these simple steps much earlier. I am so pleased to say what a good sleeper she has turned into as well. I have shared these tips with new time mama’s and many reach back informing me how their newborn went from waking up, minimal every hour to only waking up once or twice at night, and goes right back to sleep now. My goal is to share these simple tips and tricks to help you get your newborn to build a better sleep foundation and go for longer stretches at night so that, you too can have your sleep back as well. Feeling fueled and rested to take care of these tiny humans.
1.) Eat – Play -Sleep. This is a simple formula to help your baby fuel their tired tank. When your baby wakes up, offer them a feeding. Often it is hard to keep the newborn’s awake after feeding since they tend to sleep what it feels like 99% of the daytime. Just try your best, sometimes a half-hour is all it takes. Attempt tummy time, playing with your baby by simple engagement activities. Then when you start noticing sleepy cues, lay them for a nap. Pay attention to appropriate sleep windows based on your baby’s age. Nothing is harder than getting an overtired baby to sleep.
2.) The good old swaddle. This tip is one I swear by! I noticed that unswaddled newborns tend to take short often interrupted naps. Whereas swaddled newborns will take longer naps. When your baby is swaddled it mimics the womb for them. Helping them feel safe and secure like they were for the first 9 months of their existence.
3.) Daytime naps. Most of us know, laying your baby down to sleep independently is going to be the best thing for them. Yes, that is not incorrect. But, also we are mothers who long for those sweet precious snuggles. I like to live by the rule 70/30. During nap time often in the earlier weeks. Lay them down 70% of the time and cuddle them 30% of the time. I would lay my first newborn on the couch beside me so she was laying on a solid surface but also right next to me. We only get these sweet moments and snuggles for a short time. So, don’t be so rigid in this step. Embrace and cherish those moments.
4.) At night, size up one on whichever size diaper your baby is wearing at the time. I may get judged for this, but unless your baby poops do not change them at night. You can always place a barrier ointment if you would want to. I like Aquaphor baby ointment. That will build a barrier to prevent diaper rash. The least amount of interactions during night time, the better! Which brings me to the next tip.
5.) Any interactions when your baby wakes up at night, try your best to keep it strictly business. Lights dim. Try not to talk or interact with your little one. That may trigger that it’s time to wake up and I am fairly certain that will not be your intention. After feeding is complete, lay them right back down in the bassinet or crib. Often your baby might need a pacifier to help drift back off into a deep sleep.
6.) The dream feed. This occurs around 9-10:00 pm. Even if your baby is asleep, wake them up and give them a feeding. This will fill their tanks so they will sleep for a longer stretch afterward. A lot of parents align this feeding right before they go to bed themselves so that they can get some solid sleeping hours at night too.
7.) The heavenly sound machine. There’s a reason this product is so popular. Utilizing a sound machine will trigger your baby to sleep, block out all those interrupting noises and stretch out your baby’s naps/nighttime sleep.
8.) Weaning your baby’s feeding at night little by little. Eventually, they will not need to wake up at night for a feeding. This will lead to your little one sleeping 10-12 hours at night. Always check with your pediatrician before you wean your nighttime feedings. Assure your little one is gaining the appropriate amount of weight he/she needs to grow and become healthy.
Hopefully, some of this helps your baby establish a good and healthy sleeping foundation. There are MANY sources of information available out there today. Just remember, what works for some might not always work for others. You are the sole provider for your baby and you know that baby better than anyone else does. Always go with your instincts. It will not lead you astray.
I would love for you to share below in the comments any successful tips you have experienced in attempts to get your little one to sleep throughout the night.
