Are you a new mom or dad trying to figure out when your little one will finally start sleeping through the night? We know that getting babies to sleep can be a daunting task, especially with all of the “experts” telling you what do and not to do. The reality is that every baby develops differently and on their own timeline but in this blog post we hope to shed some light on what time parents should expect their baby’s body clock to shift from day-time wakefulness into extended nighttime rest.
By taking positive steps throughout the day, many new parents have found success in having their babies fall asleep around 7pm and stay asleep until 7am (or close enough!). So keep reading for more information about why it matters, things to consider when establishing nightly sleep schedules, dos & don'ts for implementing routines, popular strategies that help facilitate better nights of slumber with minimal interruptions.
When do Babies Start to recognise "night time"
As a new parent, one of the most common questions you may have is when your baby will start sleeping through the night. It’s a topic that many tired and exhausted moms and dads can relate to, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. The truth is, babies will start sleeping through the night at their own pace.
Some babies may start as early as 6 weeks old, while others may take several months. It’s important to remember that every baby is different and there’s no “right” or “normal” way when it comes to their sleeping patterns. However, there are some tips and tricks you can try to help encourage your little one to sleep longer periods at night.
So, let’s dive in and explore when babies typically begin to sleep through the night, how many naps they need and some helpful advice to get you through those sleepless nights.
Jayloid Sotto
Babies Sleep Cycles
As any parent knows, the amount of sleep a baby needs can be a mystery to crack. Here's the deal on their sleep cycle: newborns are little snooze machines, sleeping up to 8 to 9 hours in the daytime and 8 hours at night. But don't get too excited, parents - these hours are coming in short little spurts. As babies grow, their sleep needs change too.
You might notice that the total amount of daytime sleep and overall sleep decreases, but the length of nighttime sleep actually increases. It can take some time (and patience) for a baby to sleep through the night without waking up. But believe us - those longer nighttime sleeps will come!
Here's a helpful baby sleep schedule, but honestly they all differ!
Understanding Baby Sleep Patterns
Understanding why your baby is waking up every few hours can be frustrating and exhausting. But don't worry, you're not alone! It's perfectly normal for babies to wake up frequently throughout the night, especially in the first few months of life.
There are a variety of reasons for this, such as hunger, discomfort, or wanting to be comforted by you. As your baby gets older, their sleep patterns will naturally begin to change and they'll start sleeping for longer stretches at a time.
But in the meantime, there are a few things you can try to help your baby (and you) get more restful sleep. Patience and persistence are key, but with a little effort, you'll soon be on your way to a better night's sleep.
Laura Robinson
Tips to Help Your Baby Get Enough Rest
Getting your baby to sleep through the night can be a challenging task. It's easy to feel like you're not doing enough to help your little one get the rest they need. The good news is that there are plenty of tips and tricks you can try to help your baby get enough rest.
One of the most important things to remember is to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This can include a warm bath, a book or lullaby, and a dimly lit room. You can also try implementing a white noise machine or swaddling your baby to promote a calming atmosphere.
Remember that every baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find the best routine for your little one. With a little persistence and patience, you can help your baby get the rest they need to thrive.
Jayloid Sotto
a. Establish a Bedtime Routine
The key is finding a routine that works for you and sticking to it. Whether it's a warm bath followed by a lullaby, or a story and snuggles, the important thing is to create a calming environment that signals to your baby that it's time for sleep. Before long, you'll see the benefits of a bedtime routine - a more well-rested baby and a happier, more rested you!
b. Stimulate Them During the Daytime
Being a new parent can be exhausting, but it's important to remember to stimulate your baby during the daytime to help them develop and grow. Don't worry, you don't need to plan extravagant activities or buy expensive toys. We've found some really cool inexpensive toys for 1 year olds that help boost development and stimulate. Or simply talking to your baby, singing songs, and interacting with them can do wonders for their development.
Laura Robinson
Try taking your little one for a walk in the park or playing with them on a soft blanket. Engage their senses with different textures, colors, and sounds. Remember, every moment spent with your baby is a chance to stimulate their growing minds. So, even on the toughest days, take some time to interact with your little one and watch them thrive.
c. Monitor Your Feeding Habits to help get baby to sleep
Did you know that monitoring your feeding habits can play a crucial role in helping your baby drift off into slumber land? It's true! By paying attention to what and when you're feeding your baby, you can create a sleep-inducing routine that'll have your little one snoozing in no time.
Start by tracking how much and when your baby eats, and then adjust the timing of feedings to coincide with sleep time.
For example, if your baby tends to get hungry right before bedtime, consider moving their feeding time up a bit to allow for a fuller tummy before bed as a hungry baby wont sleep well. However do not overfeed or they may get stomach ache or gas.
Remember to always try and burp your baby after feeding too to avoid them getting gas and colic. Get some anti-colic bottles to help their digestion too.
Do's for New Parents
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your little one (and you!) get a good night's rest. First and foremost, establish a consistent bedtime routine. This can include things like a warm bath, reading a story, sining a lullaby or using a sleep aid machine.
Laura Robinson
Creating a calming environment is also key to help baby fall asleep - keep the room quiet, cool and dark to help your baby associate their crib with sleep.
Additionally, be responsive to your baby when they wake up - but don't make a habit of feeding or rocking them back to sleep every time.
These tips can take time and patience to implement, but they can help set the foundation for a good night's sleep for your baby - and some precious, uninterrupted rest for you.
Don’ts for New Parents
While it's important to experiment and find what works best for your family, there are a few things you should avoid doing if you want to encourage your little one to rest peacefully.
Firstly, try not to overfeed your baby before bedtime as this can lead to discomfort and interrupted sleep.
Secondly, even if you're feeling desperate and sleep-deprived, don't rush to pick up your baby at every whimper as this can create an unhealthy sleep association and more night waking.
Lastly, avoid turning on bright lights or screens during nighttime feedings or diaper changes as this can signal to your baby that it's time to play instead of rest.
Remember, every baby is different, and it may take some time to figure out what works for you, but with a little patience and perseverance, you'll find a sleep routine that works for both you and your baby.
Wrapping Up – Achieving Better Rest for You and Your Baby
As new parents, getting enough rest is already a challenge, but trying to ensure that your little one is peacefully snoozing as well can be downright overwhelming. However, it's important to remember that a well-rested baby equals a happier baby, and in turn, a happier family.
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to help achieve better rest for you and your baby. From creating a cozy sleep environment and good sleep habits to establishing a consistent bedtime routine, incorporating these tips into your daily routine can help ease the burden of sleep deprivation and ensure that both you and your baby are getting the rest you need.
And you can always try the sleep training methods thats some parents use, there's lots of advice online about those.
To help you at night if you are breastfeeding, we've found some of the best sleep nursing bras so you can feed them without disrupting both of you too much in the night.
And in case you ever wondered, why babies smile in their sleep, we've got the answer here!
Laura RobinsonJayloid SottoGet Some Sleep Babies FAQs
This topic could be talked about for days on end, but you have a baby to care for and that takes up a lot of your time. So hears a few FAQS for you!
How to put a baby to sleep in 40 seconds?
The best way to get a baby to sleep in 40 seconds is through the of calming techniques such as swaddling, white noise, rocking, or skin-to-skin contact.
Each technique helps babies feel secure and comfortable promoting better quality night sleep. Additionally, creating a consistent routine leading up to bedtime can help soothe your little one into a restful night's sleep.
When is the best time to move a baby into their own room?
Generally, for safety reasons, it's recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents until at least six months old. After that, you can start transitioning your baby to their own bedroom when they seem ready and you feel comfortable doing so.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits all answer – every family should decide for themselves when it's appropriate for the baby to spend nights in their own space.
How much sleep does a newborn baby need?
How much sleep do babies need? Well newborns need an average of 14–17 hours of sleep every day, which may be spread out over multiple naps and overnight sleep.
During the day, most newborns will take 2–4 brief naps for 30 minutes to two hours each. For their night sleep, they should get 8–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Why a baby sleeps on its back?
Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Studies have shown that babies who are placed on their backs to sleep are much less likely to die from SIDS than those who are placed in other positions.
Therefore, it is recommended by healthcare professionals that all babies should be put down for naps and nighttime sleeps in the supine position.
How many times does a baby usually wake up at night?
Typically a baby wakes up around 2-3 times per night during the first few months of life, with some waking more frequently. After three months, the average drops to once or twice per night. Of course, every baby is different and may have different nighttime needs.
