5 Best baby sleep tips!

• Act quickly at the first sign of sleepiness

• White noise in a darkened room

• Simplify quick changes (sheets, sleeper outfits, etc.)

• Take turns helping baby

• Let comparisons to other babies go

1. Act quickly at the first sign of sleepiness.

   It’s better to try to get your baby to sleep before they are over-tired, so try to start your sleepy time routine right at the first signs of sleepiness. Are they quiet & losing interest in looking around or eating? Are they staring off into the distance? That’s when melatonin is high in their system, and it’s the best time to let them try to sleep.

2. White noise in a darkened room.

   You’ll be creating an environment similar to the womb. The sound from the white noise will help muffle other household noises too that could possibly wake baby. Skip the timer, and let the noise run continuously, and play it at medium volume.

3. Simplify quick changes.

   Accidents happen! Searching for clean sheets or sleeper outfits in the middle of the night is not a great way to soothe baby back to sleep. Try pre-doubling the sheets, with a disposable changing pad between. So all you have to do is remove the soiled sheet & throw away the pad, and voila, you have a clean bed for baby. Also, have a backup outfit close at hand to avoid digging through drawers to find a clean outfit.

4. Take turns helping baby.

   Yes, both parents need rest. But working together can help you both get some sleep. Even if you are nursing, dad can take a turn getting baby back to sleep after nursing is done at least once a night. That gives mom a longer stretch of much needed sleep!

5. Let comparisons to other babies go.

   This goes for all comparisons, not just sleep! Your baby is your baby, and feeling like your baby is having more trouble with sleep that friends or family members stories is not helpful or mentally healthy. Too much free advice can be overwhelming. If you are personally concerned with baby’s sleep, talk with your pediatrician. Your baby may be right on track, and the comparisons may be off! Listen to your gut, and your Dr.!