5 Unique Tips for Blissful Baby Sleep
If you are an avid Google-r like myself, then you have probably come across all the common tips on baby sleep. You already know about the importance of a bedtime routine, avoiding baby getting overtired, and watching their tired signs. But let’s dig deeper and go through some less discussed tactics that can work like a charm. Because every parent could use more sleep!
1. Put your baby down awake, NOT drowsy.
You've probably read everywhere on the internet that you should put your baby down drowsy but awake. This feels like an almost impossible task – especially as your baby grows and changes. You attempt putting them down half-asleep, and instead they just wake up crying as soon as their back hits the mattress, or they sleep for 10 minutes and then wake up! My recommendation is - keep baby awake during their routine and then put them into their crib awake. I know, it might feel like a daredevil move, but trust me, it can work wonders. And remember, if your baby gets upset, be there to offer some gentle words and comfort. You got this!
2. Begin sleep coaching at bedtime, and NOT naps.
Have you ever tried to reason with a sleepy baby? It's like negotiating with a tiny dictator who only speaks in baby babble. So, save yourself the trouble and start sleep coaching at bedtime. The sleep pressure is higher in the evening, which means your chances of success are better. Let's face it, we all want to sleep peacefully at night, and our babies are no exception.
3. Be like the French with 'La Pause.'
When your baby wakes or starts fussing at night, try practicing 'La Pause,' just like the French parents do. Give them a couple of minutes to see if they can settle themselves. Why? Babies are movers and shakers in their sleep. They will move around, vocalize and even open their eyes during light stages of sleep or sleep cycle transitions. Or maybe they're just trying out their vocal skills or rehearsing for their future singing career. Babies are natural performers, after all. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show before swooping in to save the day.
4. Change your baby's diaper BEFORE their night feed.
Ah, the midnight diaper change dilemma. It's a battle between wanting to keep your baby dry and avoiding the cold air on their bottom. But here's a cheeky little secret: changing their diaper before their night feed can actually work in your favour. By delaying the instant connection between waking up and being fed, you're giving your baby a chance to learn the art of going back to sleep. It's like a little ninja move to train them to slumber like a pro. And hey, who doesn't want their baby to be a sleep ninja?
5. During middle-of-the-night care, avoid conversation and a lot of eye contact.
We all know that feeling when you're woken up in the middle of the night and someone starts bombarding you with questions. It's like being on a game show while half-asleep. Well, guess what? Your baby feels the same way. So, during those night wakes, be calm and gentle, but keep the conversation and eye contact to a minimum. Remember, you're aiming for a low-key, boring ambiance that says, "Hey, baby, it's time to go back to dreamland, not have a midnight chat." You'll be the master of the sleepy domain in no time!
Now that you’ve discovered these unique tips for baby sleep, it’s time to put them into action! Every baby is different, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a little time to find your sleep groove.
However, if you and baby haven’t been sleeping well for weeks, it is time to get some support so you can both feel your best, with rest. Exhaustion be gone! Check out Cara’s sleep programs here.
