A lot of mothers ask how to get their baby to sleep through the night. The best way to get your baby to sleep through the night is by minimizing their exposure to light. Research has shown that one of the reasons babies have trouble sleeping is that they can’t see any differences in light, which means they’re not able to tell when it’s time for bed. Babies also don’t like being in a dark room.
Babies are a joy, but they can sure keep you up at night! Here are some tips to help you get your baby to sleep through the night.
There are a few things you can do to help get your baby to sleep through the night. We understand that you would rather have your baby get a good night’s sleep and not hear your baby cry.
Sometimes mothers worry that there needs to be a calming bedtime routine, which is true in most cases. However, we have some great tips that help those sleepless nights and sleep disorders to away permanently so those bad sleep habits are gone and your baby’s sleep is as beautiful as can be.
So those parents that are ready for some solid shut eye from a good sleeping baby, say goodbye to the night owl days and hello to fresh mornings.
Here are 8 tips:
1. Minimize exposure to light before bedtime. This will help your baby’s body produce melatonin, which will make them sleepy.
One of the best ways to get your baby to sleep through the night is by minimizing their exposure to light. Research has shown that one of the reasons babies have trouble sleeping is that they can’t see any differences in light, which means they’re not able to tell when it’s time for bed.
2. Make sure your baby’s room is dark.
It can be really hard for a baby to sleep through the night if their room is too bright. That’s why it’s important to make sure the room is dark, so the baby can’t see any light and get confused about what time it is.
3. Establish a bedtime routine.
Babies love routines, and establishing a bedtime routine can help them calm down and get ready for bed. Some things you might want to include in your routine are reading a story, singing a lullaby, or bathing the baby.
4. Keep the room cool.
Studies have shown that babies sleep better in a cool environment. You might want to keep the room at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit if you’re having trouble getting your baby to sleep through the night.
5. Make sure your baby is comfortable.
One of the reasons babies wake up during the night is because they’re uncomfortable. Make sure your baby has a comfortable place to sleep, and that you’re using the right type of mattress and sheets.
6. Don’t let your baby get too hungry or tired.
It’s important to make sure your baby isn’t too hungry or tired when you put them to bed. Babies who are too tired or hungry are more likely to wake up during the night.
7. Try not to bring your baby into your bed.
Bringing your baby into your bed can make it harder for them to sleep through the night. It’s better to have them sleep in their bed so they can develop good sleep habits.
8. Consult your doctor if you’re having trouble getting your baby to sleep through the night.
If you’re having trouble getting your baby to sleep through the night, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. They might be able to recommend some tips or medications that can help.
For extra information, check out Noodle Soup’s “Getting Your Little One to Bed” Flier.
If those 8 tips on getting your baby to sleep through the night weren’t enough, we kept digging in to really find out extra tips on your nightly routine.
Keep reading…
How do I get my baby to sleep at night?
Fact checked by Dr. Sherrie Neustein Mallia Stalllings. Infants age 4 to 12 months require around 12 to 16 hours of sleeping and most of it happens in the morning and nightime.
Should you let your baby cry it out?
The cry it out type of sleep training is known as the Ferber method. The aim here is to train baby to get a good night’s sleep by putting them to bed and walking away even if your baby is crying. Dr Richard Ferber from Childrens Hospital Boston developed a method that is now available in a number of countries. Adoption can be hard at first. You can expect to have an improved sleep pattern on Day three.
Night weaning and sleeping through the night
You should talk with your doctor about getting a baby weaned overnight. Typically, the easiest way to do this is with a gradual process that helps baby associate sleepiness with bedtime. Having your baby associate sleepiness with bed time will really help your baby to sleep through the night over time.
Some babies can sleep through the night as early as 6 months old, but for most, it takes a little longer.
Stretch out feedings
Although infants eat between three and four hours at 3 to 4 months, you can generally start to prolong their time between feedings (though this also varies among babies). If your pediatricians give you permission, introduce the concept gradually and increase the interval between feedings each evening.
Shorten nighttime feedings
Another way for night weaning is for babies to put less in their milk bottles or spend an extra minute at each breast during night wakings. Reduce milk consumption for one week before your newborn starts receiving a feeding can sometimes be helpful for you and your baby.
Don’t rush to feed your baby at night
When your child starts crying, wait until you offer them a breast or bottle. He may sleep or enjoy himself for an extended period. Try soothing their protests by singing or patting gently. It is important for a child to learn sleep early. Keep your infant healthy and fed so you don’t worry when your baby starts to cry.
Safety First: Lower Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Risks
The American Academy of Pediatrics urges you to prevent infant death by using these tips whenever your baby gets down in bed:
Tip 1. Place your baby on his or her back to sleep, every time. This is the safest position and decreases the risk of SIDS.
Tip 2. Use a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib and is covered by a fitted sheet.
Tip 3. Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your babies bed.
Tip 4. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of SIDS.
Tip 5. Give your baby plenty of supervised ” tummy time ” when he or she is awake and alert. This helps to develop strong neck muscles and helps prevent flat-head syndrome.
Tip 6. Do not let your baby sleep in your bed or on a sofa. This increases the risk of SIDS. Do NOT do this without complete supervision.
Tip 7. Smoking around your child or placing him or her in an environment where people smoke. Second-hand smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
We hope these tips help you get your baby to sleep through the night! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading Noodle Soup’s blog!
