Getting a baby to sleep can be challenging, as each child is different. Ensure the baby’s basic needs are met, consider swaddling, and try different methods such as rocking or co-sleeping. It’s normal for babies to wake up at night, so consult parenting books and doctors for advice.
When asking how to get your baby to sleep, chances are you have more advice than you can handle. Each child is an individual and will respond differently to calming methods. When a baby keeps crying and not sleeping, consider some common causes like colic or the need to burp that could be causing your baby discomfort. Just like adults and older children, babies tend to not sleep well if they’re uncomfortable.
The first thing you should do before attempting to put your baby to sleep is to make sure he has met all of his needs. The baby should have a full tummy, burp and wear a dry diaper. It may be easier to get your baby to sleep if he is swaddled. Young babies may miss the comfort of the confined spaces of the uterus and may want to be swaddled up so they feel safer and more at home.
With young children, you can usually get your baby to sleep fairly easily. Most people recommend doing as little as possible for the baby other than providing for her basic needs. Newborns can sleep more than half the day and don’t necessarily need to rock, sing or pet to fall asleep. As your baby gets older, you can start exploring different ways to get him to sleep.
Many studies show that babies tend to sleep more comfortably when they are close to their parents. Some parents employ co-sleeping, but others worry they might accidentally roll over on their baby. If you’re concerned about bed-sharing with your baby, consider placing your baby’s crib next to your bed so your baby can hear your breathing. This is also useful when your baby wants to be fed at night, since you don’t have to travel far to get to him.
You can also help your baby fall asleep by gently rocking him, walking around, singing to him or, when all else fails, taking him for a ride. Only use the latter method as a last resort, as it may be due to overnight travel. As you help your baby to sleep, try to keep him close to your heartbeat. This is comforting for the baby, who is used to hearing the mother’s heartbeat.
Sometimes you accidentally put your baby to sleep, pushing him in a stroller or just holding him. It’s a good idea to leave your baby in the stroller or car seat if he’s already asleep. You really don’t need to transfer him to a crib to take a nap. When you need to move your baby, consider the following tips.
Make sure your baby is sound asleep before moving him. Usually if the baby is in your arms, allow about five minutes to pass before attempting to move the baby. Prepare the baby’s sleeping area. Ease the baby into the crib or cradle and keep your hands touching the baby for another minute. These tips usually help keep your baby asleep during a move.
It is normal for babies to wake up during the night. They usually wake up at least once, and some wake up every couple of hours, when they transition into light sleep. Especially in the first months, it is quite easy to put the baby to sleep if you feed him, change him quickly and use the rocking, walking or holding method. Sometimes babies fall asleep while feeding, which you should let them do.
When you’re having trouble getting your baby to sleep, consult your baby’s parenting books and doctors. It can be helpful to try different methods to find the best one for your baby. But remember that children’s schedules during the first few months will vary. Try to sleep when your baby does so that you can get as much sleep as possible.
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