for parents too...
Sleep is a basic need for babies, but also a source of worry for many parents. And let's be honest, lack of sleep and interrupted nights are the hardest part of becoming a parent. How do you stay in a good mood when every time you fall into a deep sleep, your baby starts crying? Newborns, in particular, have an irregular sleep pattern. They sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day, but in short bursts of 2 to 4 hours, because their sleep cycle is not yet well regulated.
Around 3 to 6 months of age, most babies start to establish a more consistent rhythm (not all babies…), and some can sleep through the night, meaning they can sleep for 6 to 8 hours at a time. However, every child is unique, and it is important to observe your baby's cues to adapt their bedtime routine. Even within siblings, there can be differences. Our oldest slept through the night at around 4 months, while our youngest was a different story.
Babies love routines because they feel reassured. By creating a calming ritual, you help them understand that bedtime is approaching, making it easier for them to fall asleep. Here are the 10 best bedtime rituals for babies .
Discover the 10 best rituals for putting baby to bed and ensuring more peaceful nights
Establish a regular bedtime : Even if they don't sleep through the night yet, setting a bedtime helps structure their day (and yours!).
Create a calm atmosphere : Dimming the light and surrounding noise before bedtime helps the transition to sleep (evening only, not for daytime naps).
Soothing Bath : A warm bath can relax your baby and help prepare him for sleep.
Gentle massage : A light massage with a special baby lotion can soothe and comfort.
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding : Feeding before bedtime fills their stomachs and can help them fall asleep more easily.
Reading a story : Even with a very young baby, reading a story gently promotes attachment and a moment of shared calm. We started reading stories to our daughters very early. Babies love to hear the sound of our voice, it is a sweet moment to share.
Soft song or lullaby : A lullaby sung by a parent is comforting and helps mark the transition to nighttime. No need to be Celine Dion! Your voice reassures and soothes, even when it goes off the rails...
Use a night light : A soft light can be calming and prevent fear of the dark later.
Comfort blanket or comforter : Some babies like to have a familiar object near them to feel secure.
Quiet time after dinner : Even before you begin the bedtime routine, reducing stimulation can help your baby relax.
These top 10 baby bedtime routines are simple yet effective tips to turn bedtime into a calm and soothing time. They will come in handy as your baby grows because they help build your baby's foundation, making it easier to fall asleep and hopefully more peaceful nights for the whole family.
Beyond the rituals, here are 5 tips from a sleep coach to perfect your experience in putting your baby to sleep!
Experts speak: What do sleep coaches say?
Starting at 4 months, babies start to develop a more predictable sleep cycle, and this is usually the stage where parents seek help from sleep coaches. Here are 5 common recommendations from sleep professionals to help improve baby sleep and make these 10 best bedtime routines even more effective:
Let baby fall asleep alone : One of the key principles taught by sleep coaches is to encourage babies to fall asleep on their own. If you are always present when they fall asleep, your baby will associate your presence with sleep and may ask for your help every time they wake up in the night. Once you have established your routine, try letting your baby fall asleep alone in their crib.
Recognize signs of tiredness : Babies show specific signs when they are tired, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or being fussy. Waiting too long can lead to overtiredness, making it harder to fall asleep. Coaches recommend putting your baby to bed at the first sign of tiredness to avoid sleep struggles.
Promote a sleep-place association : Professionals recommend that the bed or crib be used exclusively for sleep. Avoid letting your baby fall asleep in your arms or elsewhere and then moving him to his bed. It is essential that your baby associates the bed with falling asleep and being comfortable, which will make it easier for him to return to sleep when he wakes up at night.
Know how to adapt the routine : Every baby is unique, and it's important to adapt the routines according to the child's personality and needs. Some babies respond better to a bath, others prefer a simple story or song. Coaches recommend experimenting with different combinations of the 10 best bedtime routines until you find the routine that works best.
Managing nighttime awakenings : According to sleep coaches, it is normal for babies to wake up several times a night, especially in the beginning. However, they must learn to fall back asleep without intervention. It is advisable to give your baby some time before rushing to rock or feed him. This strategy helps to gradually lengthen the periods of independent sleep.
These tips, combined with the 10 best bedtime routines for babies , can create a framework for better sleep for both baby and parents. By following the experts' recommendations, you can help your child develop healthy, long-lasting sleep habits.
If all this doesn't work, don't hesitate to call a sleep coach or simply your midwife! Don't be afraid to ask for help because sleep is important for baby but also for you!
Good night!
Celine
Comments