Why doesn’t my baby sleep at night?
There are a multitude of reasons your baby does not sleep at night - it could be related to feeding, comfort or teething, and that’s just for starters. Some newborns are night owls and naturally come to life at night, and while it is hard to reverse this, it is important to implement changes early. At the core of a successful sleeping pattern is a strict routine, which may be difficult at first but if you persist, it can be achieved.
Remember, you are improving your baby’s sleep pattern for your benefit and the wider family. Good rest allows you to better manage your life and helps maintain a positive state of mind – you can be a better you when you’ve had a good night’s sleep too.
How can I encourage my baby to sleep at night?
The following tips can help your baby rest, and it is important from the newborn stage that you begin differentiating night and day routines. To help set the night and day balance, set a clear tone at different times of the day.
Day time should feel lively and busy for your baby, as it would an adult. A walk during the day brings movement, sound and natural light, going out in the pushchair or buggy can help differentiation. Music during the day in the home can also set the tone, keeping lullabies for night time. It’s important to remember that in the womb, your baby was surrounded by noise and movement all the time.
Night time should feel more muted, so try to avoid too much activity; even feeding should take place in a quiet space. Consider your baby’s surroundings at night - are they exposed to bright light or loud noise? Bath and pyjama time can be a great way to ease your baby into their new routine.
The transition from bath to bed can prove tricky, so in this case, it is an ideal time to introduce the Babocush. The cushion offers physical and emotional comfort, relaxing your baby with the heartbeat replicating the sound of the womb. For some parents, the Babocush is perfect for relaxing their baby, and once they settle they can be carried off to their crib for a proper night’s sleep.
What techniques can I use to help my baby sleep?
After 6 months, you may want to introduce the controlled crying method. If you are unfamiliar with the method, it involves the following:
- Put your baby to bed, say goodnight and leave the room
- If they start crying, wait for a short period of time then return (2 minutes is sufficient)
- Again go in, comfort the baby and say goodnight
- If they begin crying go in again, leave it slightly longer (4 minutes)
- Repeat this process for up to 10 mins
The technique can be difficult to initiate as it can be stressful to step away from a crying baby. Make sure that your baby isn’t hungry or thirsty before you begin. Also, be sure to check there are no obstructions near your baby’s face. For additional info on safe sleeping, visit the NHS safe sleeping page here. If you decide to try the controlled method, set the intervals as you see fit. When properly applied this technique can improve overnight sleep for parents and babies.
To learn more about the Babocush and how the cushion can settle a newborn baby, click here.
