Just like adults, deep sleep relaxes the body and mind babies as well. An undisturbed nap-time is very important for the healthy mental and physical development of children. It takes a few weeks for a newborn to develop a proper sleep-wake cycle which is why you may notice an irregular sleep pattern of your little one during the initial days. They need their parents to help them fall asleep but may wake up multiple times in between.
Independent sleep is when babies learn to settle themselves for a long sleep and can resettle themselves without the help of their parents if they wake up in the middle of the night. This helps the babies to get the optimum and uninterrupted, deep sleep that they need.
Follow these tips and techniques to prepare your little one for independent sleep in the right and effective way:
#1. A proper schedule
It takes days to form a new habit - be it for babies or adults. Consistency is the key. Follow a proper sleep schedule for your baby from day 1. While it is alright to be a little flexible, make sure to stick to the schedule as much as you can. As you will continue to put your baby to sleep at a particular hour, it will slowly become a habit for the babe to feel sleepy as that particular hour approaches. You will find some interesting baby nighttime gift sets at Mama and Peaches, to help you through this phase.
#2. Read the signs
Babies talk with their actions until their linguistic advancements are made. Be on the lookout for the signs your newborn shows when they feel sleepy as such crying, yawning, rubbing their eyes, etc. It is very important to put your baby in the crib when they are feeling sleepy and not after they are asleep to promote the habit of independent sleep. It is ok to help your child feel sleepy by rocking or singing to them. A comfy bedding with a safe mosquito net mattress will make your job even easier.
#3. Difference between day and night
It is much easier to get an undisturbed sleep during the night time as it gives a peaceful and calming experience without any bright light or loud noises. Make sure to get your baby adjusted to the concept that night time or darkness is meant for sleeping. Place your baby’s crib in a dark room with enough ventilation but closed curtains, thereby creating a night like experience helping the baby stay asleep. Make sure you change her into a comfortable nightsuit to indicate its time for bed. Breathable, organic and cotton fabrics are always better for little ones.
#4. So comfy, so safe
To get an uninterrupted, deep sleep for hours, the sleeping environment needs to make your child feel comfortable and secure. You can wrap your newborn into a cocoon made of a swaddle to mimic the womb-like comfort. Swaddling is strictly for newborns below the age of 3 months until they start to roll over. For little older babies sleep sacks, and knitted blankets work wonders too.
#5. All night dryness
For babies and toddlers, an important aspect of a healthy all-night sleep is staying dry. Most parents struggle with bedwetting that disrupts sleep. Even if you put your little ones in diapers, its best to use absorbent bed protectors and sheets to avoid sleep disruption due to accidental leaks.
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