Babies should have enough sleep day and night. Besides helping them get enough rest, quality sleep helps them achieve those development milestones every parent anticipates. So, is your baby not sleeping well? Maybe maybe not. This article shares insightful tips on how to make a baby sleep well.
Develop a Rhythm
Babies naturally sleep more than 16 hours a day, but they will do it in bits. A few days after birth, it might be hard to keep track of the rhythm, but things get easier with time. After around two weeks, you will know your baby’s sleep pattern.
For instance, at 4 to 5 months, most babies sleep for short periods of four to five hours. In a span of 24 hours, they shall have slept for a total of 16 to 17 hours. It is vital to understand that each baby is different, and as a parent, you should know your child more. For your baby to sleep well, set a specific bedtime for them each night.
Sleep in the Same Room
The baby’s crib should be placed in your bedroom. Consider doing this for at least six months, though many parents share rooms with babies until they are 12 months old. This activity is essential as it helps reduce suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The other reason you should sleep with your baby in the same room is to ascertain that they are comfortable at all times. You should wake up after every two hours to check on your baby and ensure that they are comfortable at night to sleep well.
Swaddle Your Baby
Have you noticed that your baby wakes up suddenly as if something scares them? Research shows that babies between the ages of one day to five months have a startle reflex. They feel like they are falling from a height, and so they wake up and start crying.
You can fix this problem by swaddling the baby and keeping them warm at all times. It helps them sleep better and longer. Just make sure not to overdo it, as that would also give them discomfort.
Closing Thoughts
As a parent, certain activities might lead to your baby not sleeping well. For example, failing to massage your baby will deprive them of enough sleep. Even if they manage to fall asleep, they will wake up too many times at night. Talk to us, and we will help you learn how to make your baby sleep well.
