Sleep and Your Baby

We tend to think that night waking is a problem and needs to be fixed, but in fact, developmentally it is quite normal for a baby to wake frequently in the night. Sometimes a baby will wake up more frequently than other times. We can’t force a baby to go to sleep, but we can help by doing specific activities that can help guide them to sleep.

Here are some ways that you can try to provide your baby with sleep success.

Prepare a sleep environment. Close the curtains, turn off electronics, talk in calm, soothing tones.

Turn on music that is specific to nap and bedtime. This will allow baby to know that these activities and the environment mean sleep time. Their heart rate will slow, their melatonin production will increase, and their body temperature will drop.

Skin to Skin is proven to lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate, releases serotonin and relaxes muscles.

White noise in utero was anything but quiet. Blood was rushing through veins, the heart was pumping, mom was talking, laughing, singing etc. Having background noise is absolutely okay for baby. Some things to consider though: 1) use something portable in case baby comes to depend on it, 2) how loud is the noise - something too loud could damage baby’s auditory development, and 3) where it is - have the white noise far from baby’s crib, by the door, not right next to their ears.

Infant Massage is proven to help baby sleep longer. Massage helps relax muscles, improve blood circulation, releases serotonin.

Routine - As adults, we have our set routines before bed; specific activities that we do before we go to sleep. Babies are no exception. Babies thrive on familiarity and predictability. As a baby grows older, they will become more predictable in their sleep/wake cycle. So keeping their routine consistent will allow their bodies to regulate when they sleep and when they wake up. Regular feedings also can help with setting their body clock (aka circadian rhythm). Cuddle baby, read a story or two, sing a song, rock baby, feed baby, then put them to bed (in your arms or in their crib). Whatever routine you set up, stick to it. Babies love familiar, not new.

Being aware of the age and stage your baby is in can help bring understanding to why they may be waking up. They may be going through a stage where they wake more frequently, are hungrier, learning something new etc.

If you are finding frequent wakings difficult to handle, especially from lack of sleep, know that you can always put baby down in their crib and walk away. Allowing your baby to cry for a few minutes so you can calm yourself is okay. It will not hurt your baby. Take deep breaths. Call someone you trust. Ask for help.

Written by Paula Dibbits, RECE, Parent Support Educator