12 Baby Sleep Tricks
1. Swaddling [Swaddle Types]
It is
highly encouraged to swaddle a baby from birth. This gives the baby the
sense of closeness when he/she is sleeping and prevents hand and leg
movements from waking themselves up. Many parents find this difficult
to adopt as babies generally do not like it but it is a safe approach to
assist in babies developing a good sleep pattern.
2. White noise
White
noise comes in many forms and is used by many parents to calm and help
babies drift to sleep. White noise applications can be downloaded onto
smart phones or a white noise toy can be used. Ewan the
sheep as pictured below mimics the noise of a beating heart and womb
noises as a continuation from womb to the outside world. This clever
sheep also has a light and turns off after 20 mins.
3. Co-sleeping Alternative [NCT]
Co-sleeping
is discouraged due to the higher risks of SIDS. As an alternative to co
sleeping the below bed attachment can assist for babies that benefit
from a mothers touch and smell without the increased risks of cot death.
4. Blanket
Babies
can be receptive to smell, some babies can benefit from a blanket that
mum has slept with to be used for the baby. The comforting smell of a
mother can calm some babies allowing them to drift to sleep with an
increased sense of security.
5. Projector [Amazon]
Lullaby
projectors can calm babies before sleep time and assist in helping the
baby fall asleep. This calming distraction is easy to adopt and can work
well at bedtime.
6. Quiet and darkness
Distinguishing
the difference between night and day by putting the baby to sleep in a
quiet and dark room helps the baby fall into a routine and will
associate quiet and darkness with sleep.
7. Dream feed
This
technique involves a final feed at night between 10 - 11pm while the
baby is asleep. This approach can be tried by breast and bottle fed
babies. Conceptually it is known to extend the length of the babies
sleep overnight.
8. Pacifiers (or dummy)
Pacifiers
are commonly used to calm babies and assist in the sleep routine. Some
mothers swear by this method to help put their babies to sleep.
9. Controlled Crying
Many
mothers find this technique difficult but rewarding. Involving set
times where the baby cries but learns to self soothe and fall asleep.
10. Walks
Taking baby on walks can calm and relax the baby. Movement and night time noises can make babies fall asleep.
11. Water
Warm baths are known to relax a baby and help them fall into a deep sleep. Try lavender based bath products to help the baby wind down.
12. Baby massage
Baby massage can benefit baby and often can make them sleepy. With the sense of touch this can be both relaxing and aid digestion. Use a vegetable non saturated oil such as olive, coconut or vegetable oil.
What approach works/worked for you ? Please comment below.
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