When a baby comes home, the party is starting! OK nobody ever said that parents have a simple task – particularly in the first couple of months. So much stress, restless nights, and awakening like clockwork. Still, when you look at other parents, everything seems easier. It appears that certain parents are extremely fortunate, claiming their babies calmly sleep the entire night. So how come your baby is not that way? Well, the first thing you have to know is that such a thing is a mastered expertise. Namely, babies need some time to adjust. So when you feel they are ready, you can apply some of these solutions so your baby can turn into sleeping too.
When Will I Get Some Sleep?
Most parents that have a baby ask themselves this very question. Being constantly awake over the night is the main thing to blame for parenting being the hardest task in the world. OK, later you will see this is not quite true because the hardest part comes as they grow up. Still, we admit this is hard – especially for moms that have so many responsibilities. Also, they are the ones who are always awake at night since they are breastfeeding or feeding baby formula over the night as well.
As infants get awake at night for feeding – moms need to get up at regular intervals. Namely, the baby’s little belly is not sufficiently large to keep them full over the entire night. However, as your baby is growing – that late-night feeding gets rare since it is less necessary. That is generally the right time for parents to anticipate that their babies begin sleeping longer. However, things don’t always go like that – which makes parents feel so exhausted and in search of some other solutions.
Why Are Some Parents More Fortunate?
Some parents are truly fortunate since their babies stay asleep from sundown to sunset. You have most likely frequently heard or even said such a thing – when hearing someone has a baby that not long after birth, started sleeping for the entire night. Many of us have even doubted our own parenting skills. However, none of these other experiences should influence you. Why? Some of them are simply not true, and sometimes, other parents know some solutions that help their baby to sleep longer. Of course, you can’t expect this to happen from the very beginning – but as the baby grows a little and becomes ready, you can apply some of these solutions yourself.
1. Lay out a sleeping time schedule
Starting a sleeping time routine can never be too soon. The sleep time routine ought to be determined, direct, and sustainable. Maybe that sounds scary to you, but it is not so difficult as it seems. Soon, you will be able to do it consistently, in any situation – even when you’re not at home. Indeed, even the slightest changes in the baby’s sleeping routine can make a baby feel anxious. It even happens that sometimes babies unexpectedly start to be awake even more frequently during the nighttime. Hence, before sleeping time, try some soothing activities that will make your baby feel more relaxed. That may be breastfeeding or cuddling – or even tucking in a sleeping bag which makes a baby feel protected. Things you do as a part of the sleeping routine should make positive vibes.
2. Teach the baby how to get calm
This is not a myth, babies can learn some self-calming techniques. Teaching your baby that, does not mean letting her cry all alone in her cradle over the night. If the baby cries and is awake, of course, you will see if everything is alright, and try to comfort her. Still, if the little one is not hungry and is dry – try to make such a visit short and let the baby know it is bedtime. Make the baby feel calm – and then go out of the room. Babies who sleep in baby sleeping bags usually feel safe and secure because they are tucked into a sack, and sleep more peacefully. Also, you shouldn’t hesitate to use sleep aids for your baby. You can read more about various devices that will help your little one sleep through the night and your parenting easier. You can choose devices such as white noise machines that emit soothing sounds, or perhaps the famous baby swing (even though it is not intended for nighttime sleep). In any case, do not avoid using the modern means available today.
3. Adhere to a proper sleeping time plan
trying to put the baby to bed later at night, hoping that she will be sleeping longer in the morning, probably won’t work. To make an everyday sleeping routine, you must be determined and adhere to a precise plan. Remember, babies do not have a set sleep time since they rest as they need it. Still, when your baby reaches approximately three months, you can attempt to lay out a sleeping plan that will follow your resting schedule.
4. Show patience
If your child used to sleep the entire night, and now, unexpectedly starts awakening, maybe you are facing a growth spurt or a sleep regression. A growth spurt normally endures for a couple of days. From that point onward, your baby ought to have returned to her typical behavior. However, sleep regression can last up to a few weeks. So, show patience during these times and just know that it won’t last forever. Don’t forget: success in keeping your baby asleep is not about your parenting abilities. Sometimes, it is just that way. Try to better understand your baby’s needs, and communication – because that will be helpful to both you and the baby.
How Do You Put Yourself To Sleep?
Whether you have developed a habit to wake up over the night, or your rest has been upset because of such a tempo, and you cannot sleep – you can find a few things which can help you accept the new situation and adjust to it. For those parents who have upset their sleeping rhythm – the ideal solution is to try something that will make the sleepiness get to you. For certain individuals, it can be reading – regardless of whether it’s only a couple of passages of a book. Also, try some relaxing activities, Ambiental music, or meditation. Most of these things are accessible on the Internet – for example, guided meditations that prompt rest by loosening up the muscles of the entire body. The main thing is to try everything you can – until you find what is working for you.
The Bottom Line
The issue with the baby’s sleep is not a rare problem for parents. However, don’t let anyone discourage you because there are solutions available – it just takes a little time to get into the routine. Just like a baby, parents also need to adjust to a new way of life – and during that adjustment, no one should be judging you.
