Sometimes getting your baby to sleep can be a real challenge. Luckily, with persistence and a few simple strategies, you can help your baby grow accustomed to sleep-time and maybe sneak in a few extra winks yourself.
Here are a few proven ways to lull your baby to sleep and build the perfect, peaceful sleeping space.
How to Get Your Baby to Sleep
The first step is to set up consistent routines that help your baby know that it’s time to fall asleep.
Create a bedtime routine
A short, simple bedtime routine can do wonders for helping your baby adjust to bedtime. Design your bedtime routine so that all activities occur in the same order and always end with bed. Think gentle and soothing activities, like a calm night-time feeding, warm bath, nappy change and putting on pyjamas, followed by a song in the nursery. Lights should always be dim and soft, never bright or harsh. Try rocking your baby back and forth gently while softly singing, before lowering her gently into the cot.
Place baby safely in their cot
From birth to 12 months old, always make sure you place baby to sleep on her back rather than her tummy. Babies over 6 months will generally roll themselves over to find their comfortable sleep position. Be sure to tuck in all extra bedding securely. Always place babies feet at the bottom end of the cot. Keep soft toys, cot bumpers, sheepskins, quilts and doonas out of the sleep space for the first 12 months. Handy tip: Safe swaddles, sleeping bags and sleepsuits eliminate the need for extra bedding. They are super cozy and transportable and just the act of placing baby in their sleeping bag is a cue that it’s time to sleep. This forms a valuable part of the sleep routine.
For more information about how to create a safe sleeping space for your baby visit SIDS and Kids.
Create the Perfect Sleep Space
The second step is to make sure your baby’s sleeping space is quiet, pleasant and comfortable. This will help your baby feel safe and develop a healthy attitude toward sleep. Here are our favourite products to help baby sleep peacefully.
Bear Cushion by Homely Creatures
This adorable snoozing bear cushion is the perfect sleeping companion for babies over 12 months old. Made from linen cotton canvas, the cushion is perfect for your child to snuggle while falling asleep in her cot.
1 Tog Organic Sleeping Bag by Ergopouch
Perfect for cocooning your little one’s body in summer nights, this organic sleeping bag is designed to help baby drift to sleep. Made from pure organic cotton with a 400+ thread count and inner layer of fleece, the sleeping bag is skin-friendly and eco-friendly, with no pesticides or chemicals. The stretch inserts in the top and side panels allow your little one to move freely and sleep in comfort in the cot, while the double-ended zipper provides easy nappy access. All ergoPouch swaddles, sleeping bags and sleep suits are ergonomically designed and have been acknowledged as ‘hip-healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Suitable from birth to 3 years.
2.5 Tog Sleepsuit Bag by Ergopouch
For cozier winter nights, try this cotton-fleece sleepsuit, designed to help your little one keep toasty warm in chilly months. In one simple move, this sleepsuit can easily convert from a sleepsuit with legs into a comfy sleeping bag. Perfect for travelling in the car or pram, the sleepsuit bag will help ensure the sleeping spell on your little one is not broken when you arrive home and move her gently to her cot. Suitable from birth to 3 years.
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