Getting Baby to Sleep
Now that your newborn is in your arms and home safely, you may be asking yourself if your baby will ever sleep through the night. Take a deep breath. You're not alone. Help is here. Remember, getting baby to sleep and to sleep well is entirely possible. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Feed, Feed, Feed
Be sure to feed your baby until she feels full. A full baby is a happy baby. Keep in mind that in the womb, baby had an ample supply of food that was constantly available. Your newborn should be nursed on demand. Baby will wake up often, needing to be fed every 2-3 hours. At first, your newborn may wake up even more frequently as her little stomach adjusts to feeding. As her stomach grows to accomodate larger feeds, she will sleep longer. Your baby will wake up when hungry so it is important to be sure that he is getting enough to eat at that time.
Wrap 'Em Up
A safe and comfortable environment that mimics the womb will help your baby to sleep restfully. The best choice is swaddling since a crib may seem way too spacious for your newbie. Some experts swear that swaddling will add an hour or two to your baby's sleep. Since your baby just emerged from a home that was no larger than a melon, swaddling re-creates the most womb-like sleep environment. You can swaddle your baby with a receiving blanket or swaddler.
Play A Song or Sing-Along
Whether you can carry a tune or not, your child may be comforted by the sound of your voice. Try singing or humming to your baby. She will appreciate the effort. If you don't want to venture into karaoke for baby, try playing some soothing music. Just remember, you don't want your baby to become reliant on the music to remain asleep. Be sure to turn off the music once she is asleep. Some sound machines have a built-in timer.
Womb Sounds Work Wonders
While your little one was in the womb, your baby was constantly hearing a variety of sounds including her mother's heartbeat and sounds from the outside world. While loud, abrupt noises may disturb your child's developing nervous system and sleep patterns, white noise should be welcomed. Some sound machines offer settings that include a heartbeat and other sounds from the womb. These can be extremely comforting and helpful in getting baby to sleep.
Change It Up
Damp diapers and clothing would be uncomfortable for anybody. Check to make sure that your baby is changed before trying to get her to sleep. Also, cloth diapers tend to hold moisture to your baby's skin. If you notice that your baby is uncomfortable in cloth diapers, you may want to consider switching to disposable diapers as they tend to keep baby dryer between diaper changes.
While every newborn is special and very different, their fundamental needs remain the same. By applying these basic tips for getting baby to sleep you will be giving your baby the essentials needed for a good night's sleep.
Feed, Feed, Feed
Be sure to feed your baby until she feels full. A full baby is a happy baby. Keep in mind that in the womb, baby had an ample supply of food that was constantly available. Your newborn should be nursed on demand. Baby will wake up often, needing to be fed every 2-3 hours. At first, your newborn may wake up even more frequently as her little stomach adjusts to feeding. As her stomach grows to accomodate larger feeds, she will sleep longer. Your baby will wake up when hungry so it is important to be sure that he is getting enough to eat at that time.
Wrap 'Em Up
A safe and comfortable environment that mimics the womb will help your baby to sleep restfully. The best choice is swaddling since a crib may seem way too spacious for your newbie. Some experts swear that swaddling will add an hour or two to your baby's sleep. Since your baby just emerged from a home that was no larger than a melon, swaddling re-creates the most womb-like sleep environment. You can swaddle your baby with a receiving blanket or swaddler.
Play A Song or Sing-Along
Whether you can carry a tune or not, your child may be comforted by the sound of your voice. Try singing or humming to your baby. She will appreciate the effort. If you don't want to venture into karaoke for baby, try playing some soothing music. Just remember, you don't want your baby to become reliant on the music to remain asleep. Be sure to turn off the music once she is asleep. Some sound machines have a built-in timer.
Womb Sounds Work Wonders
While your little one was in the womb, your baby was constantly hearing a variety of sounds including her mother's heartbeat and sounds from the outside world. While loud, abrupt noises may disturb your child's developing nervous system and sleep patterns, white noise should be welcomed. Some sound machines offer settings that include a heartbeat and other sounds from the womb. These can be extremely comforting and helpful in getting baby to sleep.
Change It Up
Damp diapers and clothing would be uncomfortable for anybody. Check to make sure that your baby is changed before trying to get her to sleep. Also, cloth diapers tend to hold moisture to your baby's skin. If you notice that your baby is uncomfortable in cloth diapers, you may want to consider switching to disposable diapers as they tend to keep baby dryer between diaper changes.
While every newborn is special and very different, their fundamental needs remain the same. By applying these basic tips for getting baby to sleep you will be giving your baby the essentials needed for a good night's sleep.
