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How to help your baby sleep through the night

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As a new parent, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is getting your baby to sleep—and keeping them asleep. While newborns naturally wake up frequently for feeding and comfort, there are ways to encourage better sleep habits from an early age. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help your baby sleep more soundly at night.
As a new parent, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is getting your baby to sleep—and keeping them asleep. While newborns naturally wake up frequently for feeding and comfort, there are ways to encourage better sleep habits from an early age. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help your baby sleep more soundly at night.

1. Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Babies thrive on routine. Establishing a calming bedtime routine signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down. Some helpful bedtime rituals include:

  • Giving your baby a warm bath

  • Dressing them in comfortable sleepwear

  • Reading a short story or singing a lullaby

  • Dimming the lights and keeping noise levels low

  • Offering a final feed before bed

Consistency is key, so try to follow the same routine every night.

2. Understand Your Baby’s Sleep Cues

Newborns often show signs of sleepiness before they become overtired. Watch for signs such as:

  • Yawning

  • Rubbing eyes

  • Fussiness

  • Slower movements

  • Decreased activity

Once you notice these cues, try to put your baby down to sleep before they become overtired and overstimulated.

3. Swaddle for Comfort (If Safe and Appropriate)

Swaddling can help newborns feel secure, mimicking the snug environment of the womb. If your baby enjoys being swaddled, use a breathable blanket and ensure it’s wrapped safely to prevent any risks. However, stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling over.

4. Use White Noise or Gentle Sounds

White noise machines, lullabies, or soft shushing sounds can create a soothing environment that helps your baby sleep. These sounds mimic what your baby heard in the womb and can block out sudden noises that might wake them up.

5. Keep Night-time Feeds and Interactions Low-Key

During night-time wakings, keep lights dim, voices soft, and interactions minimal. This helps reinforce the idea that night-time is for sleeping, not playtime.

6. Encourage Daytime Wakefulness

Help your baby differentiate between day and night by:

  • Keeping the house bright and active during the day

  • Engaging in playtime and tummy time when they are awake

  • Exposing them to natural daylight

  • Keeping naps at appropriate lengths (not too long or too close to bedtime)

7. Lay Your Baby Down Drowsy But Awake

Instead of waiting until your baby is fully asleep before putting them in their cot, try laying them down while they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently rather than relying on being rocked or fed to sleep.

8. Be Patient with Sleep Regressions

Babies go through sleep regressions at various stages, often around 4 months, 6 months, and 12 months. These phases are temporary and typically caused by developmental milestones. Stick to your routine, offer comfort when needed, and know that sleep patterns will improve over time.

9. Ensure a Safe Sleep Environment

Always follow safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):

  • Place your baby on their back to sleep

  • Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet

  • Keep the cot free of pillows, stuffed animals, and loose blankets

  • Avoid overheating by dressing your baby in appropriate sleepwear

10. Ask for Help When Needed

If your baby is struggling with sleep and nothing seems to work, don’t hesitate to seek support. Talking to a paediatrician, lactation consultant, or sleep expert can provide guidance tailored to your baby’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Helping your baby sleep through the night is a gradual process, but by establishing good sleep habits early on, you’ll set the foundation for better sleep in the future. Be patient with yourself and your baby—restful nights will come in time!

Stay strong, and remember—you’re doing an amazing job! 😊


 
 
 

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