Getting baby to sleep at night can be difficult for many parents especially if you choose not to co-sleep or share the same room as your baby in a baby cot bed. The best way for both the mother and baby is to co-sleep. This means that nursing is easy to do and doesn’t require very much disruption of sleep (although during the first few weeks getting used to your baby latching and them perfecting the skill will mean more disruption at first). It also means that both baby and mother can get more rest and sleep and baby will be more content because if they wake they will feel the warmth of their mother for protection.
Many people worry that co-sleeping will mean it will be hard to get a child into their own bed. But if children are given time they will normally decide on their own bed from 2-5. All children are different. Of course some parents just do not want their child in their bed for that long, however at least providing the first 6 months together is better than none at all and will make those few months much easier for you.
Regardless of co-sleeping this article has some tips to help you get better to sleep.
Tip #1 – The best thing to do to ensure babies and children can sleep is to let them sleep in noisy areas in the house during the day. Many parents want to tuck their babies away in a quiet room but if you get babies used to noise to begin with they are much less likely to be disturbed by noise during the night.
Tip #2 – If your child is restless, nursing them to sleep is very effective. This is because breast milk contains substances that have a calming effect on the baby and aid in their sleep.
Tip #3 – Sometimes a pacifier or dummy can be useful in helping baby get to sleep. As long as you only use a pacifier for sleep and teething issues, a baby won’t get attached to it. Babies only get attached to dummies when they have been routinely put in their mouth to shut them up/when they are not needed.
Tip #4 – Use a sling or baby carrier. These can help get your baby to sleep very quickly and easily because they are very close to your body. Sleep will be easy for baby if they feel secured and relaxed.
Tip #5 – Have a routine. Routines can be great and getting your baby to sleep early in the evening. Maybe make a bath part of your routine before bed so that baby can feel relaxed and soothed.
It is worth pointing out that babies cannot be spoilt. It is very important to hold your baby as much as possible and to maintain the closeness. Many people feel that if you hold your baby all the time you are spoiling them. This is ridiculous. A baby needs to be close to their mother – in nature without houses you wouldn’t’ leave your child alone would you? Remember that even though you know that your baby is perfectly safe in their cot in another room, you baby doesn’t know this. They only way they can feel safe is to feel your warmth and touch. Provide this to them and everything becomes easy. Don’t let others tell your you are wrong for the way you are bringing up your child.