When your baby awakes in the middle of the night or through their nap time, it can be difficult to get them back to sleep especially if they are fussy. As a first port of call, it is important to understand what has caused your baby to wake to see if you can put this right first. Below is a checklist of some things you should consider and some tips for getting your little one back to sleep.
Why has my baby woken up again?
Room temperature
If your baby is too warm or too cold, this may cause discomfort and cause them to wake up. Even if you deem the air temperature to be fine, if your baby has too much clothing or blankets on they could be overheating. The ideal temperature for your baby’s bedroom is between 61-68 degrees Fahrenheit. When putting your baby to bed, you should dress them in breathable cotton sleepsuits or a sleeping bag (ensuring to check the tog of your sleeping bag is correct for your room temperature). Their cot should be free of any objects other than their mattress and perhaps a blanket in colder temperatures. Avoid cot bumpers, cushions or any toys.
Overstimulation
Just like us, babies need ideal conditions for them to sleep in. This means no harsh lighting and no loud or strange noises. Make sure that your baby’s nursery, or wherever your baby is sleeping, is dark or dimly lit and quiet. This will help aid your baby’s ability to nod off to sleep. Lullabies or white noise can also help with your little one’s slumber.
Lack of routine
It can be challenging to get a newborn into a routine, but as long as you are attempting to establish one your baby will become familiar with the rhythm of your evenings. This will also help you understand your baby and how best they fall asleep so you can recognise patterns that work. By not attempting to create a routine, you may find that your baby’s sleeping pattern is as confusing to you as it is to them! A routine can begin with a bath, a fresh sleepsuit and a nappy change followed by a feed to soothe and calm your baby. You may read your baby a bedtime story or sing a lullaby, but avoid playing with your baby before bedtime.
Nappy change / feed
On occasion, your baby might wake simply because they are due a nappy change or need to be fed. Establishing a routine is helpful and knowing when your baby’s last nappy change and feed was can help you know when to expect them to wake up. Write it down, or keep a note on your phone - soon enough you’ll know them like clockwork!
Colic / silent reflux
Sometimes a fussy baby is a baby suffering with colic or silent reflux, the endless crying can cause you to feel like nothing you do can help them fall back to sleep. Understanding which one your baby is suffering from will help you to know how best to care for them.
How can I get my baby back to sleep?
Low and soothing speech
If you do discover that your baby seems overstimulated from activity in your home, it’s vital that you speak to them in a low and calm voice that will soothe them back to sleep. Gentle soothing and encouragement can reassure them that they are in a safe and secure environment.
Dim lights and quiet
If you have harsh lighting in your home, or lighting from your hallway is creeping into your baby’s bedroom, consider nightlights or low-level lighting that can help your baby’s bedroom remain as dark as possible. If you have other children in your household it may be difficult to keep your house quiet - if this is the case, you could try playing white noise to tide your baby over.
Swaddling
If you swaddle your baby already, this is a great way to help them to get to sleep. Swaddling mimics the environment of the womb and can help your little one feel safe and secure. In addition, swaddling limits the startle reflex, preventing your baby from waking up. Swaddling can also help babies suffering from colic.
Cot-ready
If you’ve actioned the above and your baby appears drowsy and almost ready to go to sleep, place them in their cot. It is much easier to place a sleepy baby in a cot than an already sleeping one which could disturb their sleep further if they wake up later and realise they aren’t in your arms anymore! Sleep cues can include yawning, fussiness and some crying and this is your sign to beeline for the baby’s bed.
It is important to know that most babies won’t sleep through the night until they are at least 9-12 months, but it is useful to know what you can do to get them back to sleep should they wake up. If you find that your baby may be suffering from colic and struggles to go to sleep, make sure to read our articles on this below;
