The first few months of a baby's life can wreak havoc on parents. Sleepless nights are tough to deal with when you have a life with a whole slew of responsibilities. Helping babies get to sleep and sleep for long stretches without waking up is essential not only to their health, but the health of their parents. Some secrets to getting baby to sleep can help you all have a more restful night.
Timing
Many parents wait until their baby falls asleep in their arms or in a car seat (or other carrier) before putting them to bed. This can make it harder for a baby to learn how to go to sleep on their own and in their own bed. Make sure to pay attention to your baby throughout the day and notice the signs of sleepiness like tired eyes and yawning. According to the Mayo Clinic, putting your baby to bed as soon as you notice these signs will help her develop the habit of falling asleep on her own more easily.
Swaddling
Babies in the womb are scrunched up and don't have a lot of room for movement. Simulating this effect can help a baby get to sleep because it makes them feel as if they are still in the womb, and thus more safe and comfortable. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends wrapping your baby in a blanket before putting your little one to bed. Swaddle your baby by laying him down on a blanket, then bringing one corner of the blanket over his entire body and tucking it under the baby's body. Bring the bottom of the blanket up over the baby's body then the other corner across the baby's body and tuck it under as well. The blanket should be snug and secure to bring comfort to your baby.
Feeding
Babies are very sensitive to hunger and can be awoken easily if their stomachs become empty. If you're putting your baby down for the night, make sure you put her down with as full a tummy as possible. This will not only help her get to sleep more quickly, it will likely also help her sleep for a longer period of time, as she won't wake up to eat as soon as she would on an empty stomach.
Eye Contact
It may seem strange, but if your baby gets up to eat in the middle of the night, avoiding eye contact may make it easier for him to get back to sleep. Babies love to study your face and eyes, and the stimulating from doing so wakes up their brain and gets their heart pumping. Use the daytime to connect with your baby and save nighttime for feeding and putting them straight back to bed.
