Baby sleep! Having their baby waking every hour is a real struggle for new parents. Babies do wake up frequently during the night, but it’s possible to sooth and comfort to reduce waking times, giving you both better, more refreshing sleep.
Understanding Baby Sleep Patterns
Understanding that babies have different sleep patterns compared to adults is an important skill for parents to develop. While adults usually experience a cycle of light sleep followed by deep sleep (Bodizs et al, Journal of Sleep, 2021), recent studies indicate babies don’t have regular sleep cycles until around 4 months (Pediatric Patient Education, 2022). It’s up to parents, therefore, to gently teach them the difference between night and day.
Newborn Sleep Patterns
Newborn babies can sleep for one to two hours at a time for a total of 8 to 18 hours per day. This means parents can expect to be woken frequently during the night to feed and sooth their baby. Newborns will eventually settle into a more regular sleep pattern.
Establishing a Bedtime Routine
Consistency in bedtime routine is one of the most important things you can do to help your baby sleep better. Bedtime routine can help your baby learn to associate certain activities with sleep, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Here are some elements you might include in your baby’s bedtime routine:
Bath Time and Massage
Bath time can be a great way to help your baby relax before bed. The warm water can help your baby relax. You might also try massaging your baby’s feet, legs, and back with a gentle touch to help them calm down and feel sleepy. Massage can also help promote healthy circulation and digestion, which can be beneficial for your baby’s overall health.
Reading and Singing Lullabies
Baby sleep can be improved by setting up a daily routine. Reading a book, picture based bedtime story or singing a lullaby can be a soothing way to signal to your baby that it’s time for sleep. The sound of your voice can be very comforting to your baby, and the gentle rhythm of a lullaby can help calm their mind and body. Soft, soothing music can also help create a calming environment. You might consider playing some gentle instrumental music or white noise to help your baby relax and fall asleep
Feeding and Burping
When it comes to baby sleep feeding your baby before bed can help them feel full which can make it easier for them to fall asleep and stay that way for longer. Make sure to burp your baby afterward to prevent any discomfort or reflux during the night. If your baby is breastfeeding, nursing them in a quiet, dimly lit room to help create a relaxing environment.
Some babies may prefer a shorter routine, while others may benefit from a longer, more structured routine. The key is to be consistent and patient, and to adjust your routine as needed based on your own baby.
Sleep Training Techniques
Sleep training takes a while, but is worth investing the time and patience to teach babies how to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own. Your baby waking every hour disturbs your sleep as well as theirs. Fortunately, there are various sleep training techniques that you can try to establish healthy sleep habits in your little one.
The No-Cry Sleep Solution
The no-cry sleep solution is a gentle approach to sleep training that involves making gradual changes to your baby’s sleeping pattern to encourage them to sleep for longer periods at night.
Elizabeth Pantley, a parenting expert, developed this method. This method involves creating a soothing bedtime routine for your baby, such as singing a lullaby or reading a story. You should put your baby to bed while they’re still awake and stay with them until they fall asleep. If your baby wakes up during the night, you should comfort them without picking them up or feeding them. You should gradually decrease the amount of time you spend comforting your baby until they learn to fall asleep on their own.
This method may not work for all babies.
The Pick Up, Put Down Method
The pick up, put down method is another gentle sleep training method that involves picking up your baby when they cry and putting them back down in their crib when they’re calm. This method can be effective for babies who have trouble settling on their own, but it requires a lot of patience and consistency.
The pick up, put down method involves putting your baby to bed while they’re still awake and staying with them until they fall asleep. If your baby cries, you should pick them up and comfort them until they’re calm, then put them back down in their crib. You should repeat this process until your baby falls asleep on their own.
Helping your baby establish healthy sleep habits takes time and patience. Remember to be consistent and follow your baby’s cues. With the right sleep environment, routine and sleep training method for your family, you can help your baby – and you! – get the rest they need.
Baby Waking Every Hour Solutions
Exhaustion doesn’t help either you or your baby. Sleeping Angels Inc can help you find the right day or night nanny to support you if you have a baby waking every hour, your recovery after childbirth and assist you in your daily life.
