Good Night's Sleep for Baby

A good night's sleep for baby and mommy are essential after birth. However, most of the time, Mommy is exhausted from middle of the night feedings, and baby can't seem to get completely rested with brothers, sisters, and family members gawking over them all day long. There are ways to help baby and mom begin to get a good night's rest.

Sleeping in a cozy, comfortable area is always nice, especially for baby. Sometimes cribs are not as comfortable for baby because of its' immense size. Baby feels cold and empty lying in the middle of the mattress. You may want to try an old-fashioned cradle for baby, especially during those first couple of months. The smaller setting gives the baby a snugger fit that reminds them more of being in mother's uterus. To really help baby get comfortable, swaddle with a soft clean blanket and place inside of the cradle or bassinet. Baby will feel comfortable and snug enough for a long rest.

Room temperature plays a huge role in the comfort of one while they sleep. If the baby is too warm they will begin to get uncomfortable, and if they are too cold, they may become whiny making it hard to sleep. Make sure the room you are in is not too hot or too cold, but just right. Sometimes, especially on hot summer nights, baby may enjoy having a humidifier available to help keep moisture and circulation going throughout the room. Never let fans or humidifiers blow directly onto baby, this could cause baby to become sick and colicky.

Swaying, rocking, swinging are all ways to help baby fall asleep. Baby was comforted in the womb by the walking and swaying of mom during pregnancy. Out of the womb, baby still finds comfort in those movements. Gently rock baby from side to side, or let baby rock slowly and gently in a baby swing. You will be surprised at how quickly baby calms and goes to sleep.

Sounds can play a major role in getting baby off to sleep. Soft natural sounds, or imitation uterine sounds help baby to get comfortable and joyfully fall off to sleep. Sometimes just hearing mommy's voice for having mommy sing a lullaby to baby, causes baby to drift off into dreamland.

Leaving baby alone also is a great way to get baby to sleep better. We as people always want to make sure baby is ok and that we are quick to jump or make a fuss if baby makes one little peep. This jump or fuss tends to startle baby and interrupt their sleep. It is best to isolate baby in their own room and let them relax alone. You can wait quietly in the next room in case baby awakes for any reason.

Consistency is the key. If you establish a daily routine with baby then they will be more likely to follow along and fall asleep after that daily bath or bottle. For example, give baby a warm bath at night, then a warm bottle or breast milk and then swaddle baby and rock to sleep. If this routine is every night, baby will soon realize that after that swaddling, they are safe to go to sleep in Mommy's arms.

Daytime rest is just as important as nighttime rest. If baby is up all day because of distractions, baby will have a much harder time sleeping at night. With adequate daytime sleep baby is more relaxed and calm during the night.

Once baby is getting a good night's sleep you will also find yourself gaining more rest and having more energy to take care of baby during waking hours.

I hope this article was of some benefit for you God Willing.