When you're knee deep in late-night feedings and diaper changes with your new baby, you may feel like you'll never get a good night's sleep again. But don't go throwing away your alarm clock just yet. All babies eventually get the hang of the whole sleep thing and begin to give you a few more hours of uninterrupted sleep. If you're worried that being a new mom means that you've been sentenced to a life of dark eye circles, you should know that there are things you do every day that'll make your baby sleep better later in life.
Things like maintaining a consistent bedtime, establishing a bedtime ritual, and creating a comfortable sleep environment may seem like common sense, but they go a long way in helping promote positive sleep habits in your baby. That's not to say that you won't have a few setbacks along the way. As Parenting mentioned, teething, crawling, and even a visit from Grandma can interrupt your baby's sleep schedule. But as baby works through these changes, she will find her way back to her normal sleep pattern. Sleep training can be exhausting, and it may seem like all of your hard work is in vain when you're stumbling into the nursery in the middle of the night, but I'm here to tell you that by establishing these good habits now, you will soon see the fruits of your labor.
1
Maintain A Consistent Bedtime
Anyone who's ever tried getting a baby to sleep knows that it isn't always easy. But making an effort to start the bedtime process at the same time each night, can help promote healthy sleeping habits. According to Dr. Sears, babies who have consistent bedtimes often fall asleep easier and sleep for longer stretches of time.
2
Develop A Bedtime Ritual
Giving your baby a bath, bedtime story, and a lullaby before bed can help make the transition a lot easier. According to Today's Parent, establishing a bedtime routine can help tell baby that bedtime is coming soon. As he gets older, he may always try to convince you to give him a few extra minutes to play, but at least he'll know what to expect.
3
Set The Mood
Providing the right sleep environment is one of the best ways to set your baby up for sleep success. According to The Cleveland Clinic, the best sleep environment is a room that is quiet, comfortable and dark.
4
Teach Them To Fall Asleep On Their Own
When you're a sleep-deprived mom, you'll do just about anything to get your baby to sleep. But in order to get your baby on a more consistent long-term sleep schedule, he will have to learn to fall asleep without being fed, rocked, or held. Learning to fall asleep alone is an important part of sleeping through the night, according to The Baby Sleep Site.
5
Let Them Nap
Putting your baby down for naps during the day can give you a chance to recharge your battery. But you may not have known that you're also helping prepare your baby for a better night's sleep. As Today's Parent noted, encouraging naps during the day will help baby fall asleep easier at bedtime. When babies are overstimulated, they often have trouble falling asleep due to the release of the stress hormone, cortisol.
