First-time parents are among the proudest and happiest people you’ll find out there. They can’t get enough of their little bundle of joy, staring at them and marveling at every little thing they do. At the same time, they also tend to be the most stressed, tired, and anxious people you’ll come across. Let’s face it, being a first-time parent is just plain scary. There is no manual you are sent home with, no instructor by your side. Instead, you’re left on your own to figure things out.
One of the most common complaints with parents of new babies is the fact it’s very hard to get them to sleep. When baby doesn’t sleep then parents don’t sleep, causing a vicious circle of over-tired people. In order to make everyone a little happier, and sleep better, here are the top tricks and tips you can use.
Invest in a Sleep Sack
On cool nights, it’s nice to be able to snuggle under a blanket and feel warm and cozy, but this isn’t the case for babies. You can’t place a blanket over them, and yet you want them to have that sense of coziness so they can rest better. This is where a sleep sack can end up being the answer to all your problems.
A sleep sack is essentially a sack that zips up from feet to neck and can either be sleeveless or have sleeves. It is an alternative to using a blanket. It’s not bulky, it doesn’t shift around so it doesn’t pose a breathing risk, but it does keep them warm and cozy. You can find sleep sacks made of a thicker material such as polar fleece, ideal for the winter, or lightweight sacks made from cotton. They can be used at naptime and bedtime, so you’ll probably want to have a few on hand.
Use a White-Noise Machine
Parents are often quick to cut all noise out of their little one’s room and even go so far as to tiptoe around the house in fear of waking up the baby. In reality, many babies sleep better with background noise. Ideally, you want noise that is soothing and rhythmic. A white-noise machine can offer just that and can help soothe baby to sleep. There are also nature sound machines that can be equally as effective.
Make Sure the Room is Dark
It can also be hard for babies to sleep when sunlight is pouring in the room. This is certainly the case at naptime when the sun is still up in its full glory. Blackout drapes can solve this problem instantly and create a dark and soothing environment for sleeping.
Create a Bedtime Ritual
The final tip is to create your own bedtime ritual. This ritual should be used for naps and bedtime and should always be consistent. Your baby will start to learn the steps and cues, and over time realize this means it’s time to sleep. This ritual should help them to wind down and calm them.
Getting your little one on a regular sleep schedule can be very tough for everyone, but with these tips, the path should be made easier.
