When you bring home a new baby for the first time you have so many people giving you different advice on what your baby should be doing. Everyone always has something to say about sleeping, how much the baby (and family) is getting or what you should be doing to
get the baby to sleep longer. Hopefully this advice will help you in getting your baby to sleep and self settle.
Before Baby Arrives
Decide where your baby is going to sleep. Are you going to have your baby in the room with you or are you going to put your baby straight into their own room? With my children we started them off in our room as we found it easier when they woke up at night. Some people don't actually like sharing the room with babies because they find that their sleeping is disturbed by the sound of a sleeping baby. I found with my children they slept better once they went into their own rooms which is why our second child was moved out of our room at 2 weeks.
Co-sleeping which is where the baby shares a bed with the parent/s is something that some people decide to do. Some people find that their babies do sleep better but there are safe guards to consider. If you decide to go with the co-sleeping option make sure the mattress is firm and your baby will not get too hot. It is also important that you are aware of the risks of rolling onto your baby or trapping the baby under a pillow. Do not share a bed with your baby if you have a water bed or you have been drinking. Bed sharing is not advised for parents who smoke as the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is increased.
If you do decide to put your baby into a cot, make sure you have a firm mattress. Do not use doona's or electric blankets. Only use a few cot blankets which are smaller than usual blankets. Never use a pillow, never have any teddies in the cot and never use bumpers in the cot as your baby can get their heads under them. Tuck the blankets under the mattress to make sure that your baby's head remains uncovered during the night.
Putting Baby to Bed
When you put your baby to bed make sure they are not hungry. Babies who snack feed tend to sleep for shorter periods because they wake up hungry, but if your baby is a good feeder they just may want a top up before bed.
Always put your baby to bed awake. It will help them learn to put themselves back to sleep when they wake up in the night.
Wrap your baby in a thin sheet before you put them into bed, it makes them feel safe and secure. Once your child starts getting older you may find that you need to use a cot flat sheet.
When you do put your baby into bed always talk quietly and only have a soft light on, it makes baby calmer. When you leave the room always use key words like night, night or time to sleep, sleep well. If your baby wakes up during the night use the same key words, even though your baby doesn't talk they will start to understand key words. Sometimes babies stir during the night. Don't go rushing into the room to settle them. Wait a few minutes and see if they settle themself, if not quietly go in to settle with quiet words and minimal light.
Routine
From about 3 months you can start developing a bedtime routine.
By now you should know your baby's tired signs. A bedtime routine should be done the same everynight and it may consist of the following:
Quitet play, A bath, A clean nappy, Changing into night clothes, A story, Kisses, a feed then put your baby into bed using your keywords. Loud or active play should be avoided as this may excite your baby.
You can also have a daytime routine for daytime sleeps. This may consist of the following:
Clean nappy, Cuddle, Put to bed using the keywords.
You can use the daytime and night time routines while you go out just use a pram or portable cot. Once a routine has been developed, try and keep to it as much as possible. If you need to leave your baby with someone overnight then make sure they know the routine.
If your baby sleeps through the night they make wake up as early as 5:30am. If you want them to sleep longer treat it as a wake up. Go into their room and use the key words. Don't try to keep your baby awake later at night so they wake up later because it just doesn't work and you will find that you have a very tired baby.
Looking After Mum and Dad
All new parents are tired. It is a very big adjustment bringing a new baby home. If your baby is asleep during the day, use the time to take a break and put your feet up with a cuppa and a book. Don't worry about the housework that can be done later. You don't have to sleep when your baby is asleep but if you feel that you need one there is no reason why you shouldn't. If you rest while your baby is sleeping you will be more refreshed and you will find that you have more patients.
When you partner/hubby gets home, pass the baby over to them and take an hour out for your self. Dad will enjoy spending the time with your baby and you get to have some time alone to have a relaxing bath or just to read a magazine. Your partner/ hubby needs a break too, so do the same for them. Also remember when your baby is asleep at night use the time for you and your partner to talk and just enjoy some time together.
Hope this advice helps all mum's not just new mum's
Juzzy xoxox
(April 14th) (
