It is no surprise that newborn babies require a lot of care and attention. They are unable to do many things for themselves, requiring the parent?s constant attention and dedication. Parents are responsible for feedings, bathing, and sleep schedules. The sleep schedule can be one of the biggest struggles for a newborn baby. They tend to sleep on their own schedules and parents are required to follow that same schedule, regardless of other work and family responsibilities. Once your baby is old enough, how do you begin establishing a sleep routine that works for both the baby and the parent?
Develop a routine early on. Newborn babies do not follow schedules very well. They want to eat when they are hungry, regardless of the hour. They want to sleep when they are tired, regardless of how much sleep they have already had. They want their diaper or bedding changed, as soon as it becomes wet. They will cry and scream until their needs are satisfied, often keeping the parents up and awake for many hours of the day.
However, developing a routine early on can begin preparing even a newborn baby for a regular sleep schedule. If you provide regular feedings at the same time every day, your baby will learn to expect these feedings. If you put them down to sleep at the same time every night, they will learn to be tired at this specific time. A new parent can also monitor bathroom and feeding schedules easier when there is somewhat of a routine set in place.
Practice calming techniques before bedtime. Adults sleep better when they have time to relax before bed or when they take a long, warm bath before getting into bed. Babies will also sleep better when they are relaxed and calm before bed. This means a warm bath or quiet music. It also means meeting all of their needs, before setting them down for bedtime.
A bath can work wonders for encouraging sleep. Babies need two to three baths a week in warm, not hot water to stay clean. The first step to a great baby bath is to find the perfect temperature and then fill the bathtub with no more than 2 to 3 inches of water. If your baby enjoys warm baths, even nightly baths are acceptable to promote sleep better.
Create a warm and comfortable sleeping space. Great thought and consideration should go into preparing your baby?s sleep space. Similar to adults, if they are not comfortable, they will not sleep well. The baby crib sheet size matters. A baby crib sheet should be comfortable and fitting. It should also be a fitted crib sheet, for added safety. If you are looking for durable linen, any percale from thread count 200 to 800 is recommended. Even sheets with a mild scent can help promote sleep. 78% of Americans say they are more excited to go to bed if their sheets have a fresh scent.
A warm and comfortable sleep environment also means preventing leaks and accidents from ruining the sleep cycle. A baby sheet protector and mattress protector is waterproof and will prevent the baby from feeling the wetness during an accident. The baby crib sheet size is also important. If the baby crib sheet size does not fit the bed correctly, it will bunch and move around. A baby should be sleeping on a baby crib sheet size that perfectly fits their sleeping space. Parents do not want sheets and blankets covering the baby. When the child gets older, kids fitted sheets can be helpful for promoting older children?s sleep habits.
Being a new parent is tough. A new parent follows the routine of the new baby, which often means staying awake for many hours throughout the night. A new parent who begins preparing their newborn baby for a regular sleep routine will find that it happens quicker. They can encourage a positive sleeping environment by sticking to a routine early on, providing a comforting and relaxing sleep routine before bedtime, and creating a warm and safe sleeping area. Following these steps will have the baby following a regular sleep schedule in no time.
