For parents of newborns, the challenges of getting a baby to sleep through the night can result in many sleepless nights. If your baby has not exhibited signs of a good sleeper--such as constant crying or difficulty settling down--it may be time to establish a new nighttime routine that can equal sleep success.
Pacifier
A sanitized pacifier may enhance your baby's sleep by helping him feel more calm. You should not force the baby to accept the pacifier, but instead gently place it in his mouth when your infant has been placed in his crib. According to the Mayo Clinic, pacifier use has been linked with reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in babies, providing an added sleep benefit. However, you should be aware that a baby may be prone to crying should the pacifier dislodge from his mouth during sleep.
Soothing Environment
A soothing environment is a necessity for easing a baby into sleep. Key aspects of this sleep remedy include dim lights in his bedroom. Soothing sounds, including soft music, may help to lull a child to sleep. Other background noises that tend to be monotonous also can be effective. Examples of these include a fan, air conditioner, ticking clock or a fish tank. Many CDs with soothing music for babies are available for purchase and can be set to continuous play to last throughout the night.
Because stimulation during the day can leave a baby more tired at night, aim to reduce signs of stimulation, such as toys or bright lights, in favor of a calming environment. You can even use a soft voice and slow, controlled movements to reinforce the fact that a calm environment should signal sleep time for your baby.
Baby Blanket
The way you use a baby blanket to swaddle an infant can affect his sleep. For example, newborn babies often prefer to sleep tightly swaddled in a blanket in order to mimic the comforting feelings of being in the womb, according to AskDrSears.com. By dressing your baby in looser clothing during the day, then swaddling him more tightly at night, your baby may come to associate being tightly swaddled with sleeping.
As your baby gets older, you may use the baby blanket to swaddle the baby in a more loose manner or simply place the blanket over the baby to allow freedom of movement. Because it is common for babies to squirm and move during the night, this may be a better option for a squirming baby, according to the AskDr Sears.com.
