Guide
How to get your baby to sleep
Tagstips, baby
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Getting the little one to sleep isn’t always easy, but luckily they’re so cute! Here we’ve gathered tips on ways to help get your baby to sleep. But since every child is different, you will have to find what suits you and your child best. And what works right now might not work next week…
Getting your baby to sleep – our top tips
- Create a bedtime routine. Allow your child to relax before going to bed. Maybe taking a bath, listening to soft music or reading a book.
- Make the sleeping area safe and cosy. A bed with a soft mattress, then add a baby nest and hang a canopy or mobile for your baby to look at.
- Checklist. Make sure their nappy is fresh, their tummy is happily full and the lighting is dim.
- Stay calm. Don’t put a time on the time it takes for them to fall asleep. Calmness is key. The calmer you are, the calmer your baby will be, and the cosier and smoother the bedtime routine will be for both of you.
- Cradle, pat, stroke. The little ones want closeness and are used to movement. Try carrying your baby in a sling or harness for a while before putting them to bed. This will help them to calm down and creates a nice moment for both baby and parent. If your baby is lying in bed, try patting their bum or tummy for a while. Many babies also feel calm when they are stroked on their head or cheeks.
- White noise and darkness. Life in mummy’s tummy was dark and gently buzzing with noise, so it’s common that babies want sounds around them when they fall asleep. There are many playlists available online, either with different types of sounds or soothing music.
- Learn your baby’s signs of tiredness. If you can prevent overtiredness, sleeping will be much easier, so learn to read the signs that show your baby is tired. And adjust the bedtime accordingly. It’s never a good idea to keep the little ones awake for too long. Examples of signs of tiredness may include yawning, sucking their fingers, opening and closing their hands, waving their arms and stretching their body.
- Fresh air and the gentle rocking of the pram. Many babies sleep well when the pram is in motion. There’s also something about fresh air that makes many children sleep longer. So if your child likes to ride in the pram, push it until they fall asleep. And if your child seems avert to the pram, wait a few weeks and try again. You may find they fall asleep in no time the next time you try!
- Go for a short ride in the car. Some babies fall asleep quickly when they’re in the car. This may be due to the soothing sound and gentle movement of the car, but it may also be because the baby’s position with their legs against their tummy relieves any stomach cramps. However, the general advice is that a baby may sit/sleep in their infant carrier for a maximum of two consecutive hours.
- Food, food, food. Make sure your baby has eaten and has a satisfied tummy. A fed baby is a happy baby, so hunger won’t disturb their (or your!) sleep.
