Babies require different amounts of sleep depending on their age. According to the KidsHealth website, a newborn may sleep up to 16 hours or more per day in stretches of three to four hours at a time, but may need less sleep as it grows older. Although there are a number of reasons a baby will not sleep at night, there are different methods to get them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Establish Schedule
Establishing a regular sleep routine for your baby can help adjust your baby's body clock to sleep through the night by removing any stimulation during nighttime feedings and diaper changes, according to KidsHealth. When you set your baby down to sleep during this time, you can establish a pre-bedtime routine, such as bathing, reading or singing, which will help your baby to relax before sleep. Once you have set your baby down, dimming the lights and leaving the baby to rest during this time will reinforce the point that nighttime is for sleeping.
Create Comfortable Sleep Environment
Making a comfortable sleeping space for your baby is vital to restless sleep. According to Baby Development News, bundling up your baby too much will cause your baby to overheat, which not only inhibits sleep, but can be dangerous. In addition, putting the baby in itchy clothes or sheets, and leaving toys in the crib will cause distractions and restlessness. Make sure to surround the baby with soft materials, but not too many blankets or clothes, as those can restrict your baby.
Use Pacifier
Another way to calm your baby when it is time for sleep is by giving them a pacifier. According to MayoClinic.com, a pacifier may help your baby settle down if restless or uneasy when it is time to sleep. Using a pacifier during sleep may even reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, known as SIDS, as it helps to keep the baby in a comfortable position.
