So, newborns? Those are the adorable little beings under 2-3 months old. They’re the newest arrivals in our world, still learning the ropes.
Now, at this stage, their habits are like a mystery novel – super unpredictable. Sleep and feeding are the main acts, with a side of diaper duty, of course.
They’re little explorers in a brand-new land, getting the hang of things.
Most newborns won’t sleep at night. Why? Well, it’s their internal clock that is still being set up, you know?
It’s as if they’re in this time zone of their own, where bedtime is a bit of a round-the-clock affair.
Maybe they just test our patience to see how we respond. 😅
The first 2-3 weeks are highly unpredictable (and hard) but with time, you will start to understand your baby’s patterns. And your baby will understand your routine.
Well, You cannot sleep train a newborn. Right now, they’re all about basic survival. The whole sleep training gig? That’s for later when they’re a bit bigger. (It’s okay! I’m gonna share some cool newborn sleep tips).
You’ll stumble upon plenty of similar tips online, but I’m here to tell you exactly how to get your newborn to sleep at night—straight from experience and the things I wish someone told me earlier.
No promises, just my assurance that these tips work wonders.
I’m sharing the kind of advice that’s not always easy to find on the internet. This article is packed with gems, read it to the end.
This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure here.
Expose The Baby To Daylight (Not Sunlight)
Getting your newborn used to daytime and nighttime is a key step. It’s common to keep babies in the nursery all the time, but it’s really helpful to bring them into a brighter space, like the living room, during the day.
This exposure to daylight helps them start to understand that daytime is for being awake.
Then, at night, when they’re sleeping, you can put them back in their crib or bassinet, usually in a quieter, darker room.
Think about it: babies have spent nine months in darkness before they’re born. They don’t know the difference between day and night yet.
You can actually help them learn this. By showing them that daylight is for activity and nighttime is for rest, you’re helping set their internal clock.
It won’t be easy at first. Babies take time to adjust. But with some patience and consistency, they’ll begin to learn that light means it’s time to be up and about, and darkness means it’s time for sleep.
This understanding is really important for developing good sleep patterns.
Use The Power Of Chamomile
I’ve found chamomile-infused oil to be a real game-changer for bedtime routines. From my experience, this oil, with its natural calming properties, works wonders in helping little ones wind down and get ready for sleep.
The soothing scent of chamomile is known to relax babies, making it easier for them to fall asleep.
Incorporating a gentle massage with chamomile oil into your newborn’s nighttime routine does more than just moisturize their skin.
It’s a special time for bonding and helps in soothing them. I’ve noticed that babies, including my own, often sleep more peacefully and for longer periods when they’re massaged with this oil before bed.
White Noise Is A Must
White noise is incredibly effective for helping newborns sleep.
In the womb, they’re used to constant, loud whooshing sounds, like a mother’s heartbeat. Using white noise at night can replicate these womb-like sounds, providing comfort and security, and helping babies sleep better.
A white noise machine or app can easily create these soothing sounds.
It’s important, though, to only use white noise at night. During the day, normal household noises are beneficial.
This distinction helps babies learn the difference between day and night, aiding in their sleep rhythm development. White noise at night signals it’s time to sleep, aiding in quicker and more comfortable settling.
As babies grow, this routine helps them fall asleep faster. For parents, it’s also helpful, as it masks other noises, ensuring a peaceful night for the whole family.
Swaddle Tightly At Night & Loosely During The Day
Swaddling your newborn with a twist can make a big difference: loosen up the swaddle during the day and snug it up at night.
This mimics their womb experience — active days meant a tighter space, which soothed them to sleep. At night, the womb relaxed, and they actually felt the pressure difference.
By swaddling loosely during the day and tighter at night, you’re subtly signaling the difference between active hours and sleep time.
This little change can help set your baby’s sleep rhythm, making bedtime smoother for both of you. It’s a simple but effective trick for better sleep!
A Massage And A Warm Bath Right Before Bed
A warm bath and gentle massage before bedtime can work wonders for your baby’s sleep.
This soothing routine, which I used with my daughter, often led her to sleep soundly for three straight hours—a real treasure for new parents.
The bath relaxes them, and the massage helps them settle down, making it easier for them to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
Plus, it’s a beautiful way to bond and signal that it’s time for bed. For both baby and parent, this ritual can be a key to a few precious hours of rest.
Switch to overnight diapers
Switching to overnight diapers, like Pampers Baby-Dry, can be a lifesaver for uninterrupted sleep. I learned this quickly with my little one.
Nighttime diaper changes often turn into wide-awake playtimes, thanks to all the activity and contact.
But with more absorbent overnight diapers, those middle-of-the-night changes become less frequent.
Your baby stays dry and more comfortable, which means they’re more likely to sleep through without waking. It’s a small change that can bring great relief, ensuring longer stretches of peaceful sleep for both you and your baby.
Trust me, it’s a change worth making for those precious extra hours of rest!
Pampers baby dry has been our gem for restful nights of sleep. So, I highly recommend trying them out.
Quick tip: No matter how good quality diaper is; apply petroleum gel on the baby’s skin while changing the diaper, especially at night.
It creates a barrier between the urine and the baby’s skin and saves them from rash.
Formula feed at night
Formula feeding at night can be a smart strategy, especially if you’re mixing breastmilk and formula for your baby.
I’ve found this approach really helpful.
Formula tends to be thicker than breastmilk, which means it can keep your baby’s tummy full for a longer period.
When you feed your baby formula at night, they may be able to go longer stretches without getting hungry.
This can translate into longer periods of sleep for your little one. For parents, this means potentially more uninterrupted sleep at night.
Have a snack while breastfeeding at night
Here’s a little nighttime trick that worked like magic for me, shared by my aunt: snack while breastfeeding.
This could make your milk richer and keep your baby fuller for longer.
If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, try having a healthy snack during those late feedings so your baby can sleep for longer at night.
Try lactation cookies like Munchkin Milkmakers.
It’s a simple yet effective approach. You’re not just keeping up with your nutrition; you might also be enhancing the quality of your milk at a crucial time.
This little habit could lead to your baby sleeping longer stretches, giving both of you some well-deserved rest. It’s a small change with potentially big benefits – definitely worth a try!
Try Using Baby Reflexology
Here is the magic. Baby reflexology, with gentle foot massages targeting specific points, helps soothe and calm your baby, promoting deeper and more restful sleep.
This relaxation technique can be an effective part of a bedtime routine, aiding in a smoother transition to sleep.
As per, babyandmelincoln.co.uk, use the following technique;
- Solar Plexus Point: Located at the center below the ball of your baby’s foot. Gently press and hold this point with your thumb for a few seconds, then release. Repeat twice more on each foot. It’s known for calming the mind and body.
- Big Toe Pad: Focus on the pad of the big toe, which corresponds to the head and the pituitary gland, important for sleep. Circle around the pad, then press and release the center about three times on each foot.
- Spinal Reflex Point: Find this along the inner edge of your baby’s foot, mirroring the spine’s shape. Gently stroke from halfway down the big toe, along the inner side to the heel, and back up. Repeat about three times on each foot.
Dedicate A Sleeping Spot
From my own experience, having a dedicated sleeping spot for your baby, like their crib, makes a world of difference.
Ensure it’s used only for sleep, not playtime. This helps your baby associate the crib with bedtime. Stick to this spot at night, moving them only for feedings.
With this consistent routine, you’ll soon find that your baby starts to drift off to sleep faster once they’re in their crib.
It’s a simple but effective way to signal to your little one that crib time is sleep time.
Invest In A Bedside Bassinet
A bedside crib is a great investment, keeping your baby close and comforted by your presence at night.
It allows you to gently pat them to sleep without needing to get up, fostering a sense of security. It will help your newborn to sleep at night.
Avoid rocking to sleep; instead, opt for gentle soothing in their own space to encourage peaceful, independent sleep habits.
This setup simplifies nighttime care, benefiting both baby and parent.
Do Not Jump In To Soothe The Baby
It’s important not to rush in immediately when your baby stirs at night. When they wake up, give it a moment before responding.
Sometimes, they might just be moving in their sleep and not fully awake. Allowing them a chance to self-soothe can be beneficial for their sleep training.
If they do need attention, keep your interactions calm and gentle.
Fulfill their immediate needs, like feeding, then soothe them with a gentle pat, and try to minimize stimulation.
This approach not only helps them settle back to sleep more easily but also teaches them to fall asleep on their own.
Keeping everything low-key and quiet during these interactions is key to maintaining a peaceful night for both of you.
In conclusion, these simple yet effective tips for helping your newborn sleep can make a huge difference in your life as a new parent. Remember, consistency and patience are key.
Want more helpful information, don’t miss my next post: “10 Cool Gadgets for New Moms That No One Talks About” – it’s packed with innovative tools to make your parenting journey even smoother and more enjoyable!
