Although I think a star night light is a great tool to help a baby and furthermore the parents get to sleep. Sometimes it takes a little more effort than that.
Some babies are difficult to settle no matter what you do. With that in mind here are a few helpful tips that hopefully make a difference in your attempts to help your baby sleep.
1. Try to create an environment whereby your baby is used to sleeping with or without you. Generally, most babies will want to be put to sleep in the same way they were previously. Do not lay down with your baby to help him or her sleep. If you start doing this you will be doing it for the rest of your living days!
Well maybe not that long but I am sure you get the picture. Allow your baby to fall asleep using alternative methods. Try rocking, reading stories, leaving your child to cry or talk themselves to sleep. Just attempt to make it varied. You will both benefit from doing so in the long run.
2. Try to encourage day time naps. These are very important to prevent your baby from becoming overtired and extremely agitated. With most newborn babies, you will find that visiting friends and family members will want to hold your baby. Whilst this is great and very flattering, it can cause you as parents more hassle than what it is worth.
By the time I had my second baby, I never allowed anyone, not even my mother to wake my baby when she slept. If that meant another visit from my friends or my own parents when she woke again, well that’s how it worked in my house. No buts or maybe’s!
Make the use of your cell phone and text certain friends and family members when it’s okay. Otherwise, stay strong, stand up for yourself and the needs of your baby. If you have an overpowering friend or family member who continuously interrupts sleep time for your baby, give them a call at 3 am when you are struggling to get some sleep. I am sure they will soon get the idea!
3. Be consistent when it is bedtime. There is nothing worse than expecting your child to go to bed at 6 pm one night then at 10 pm the following evening. Routine is all about consistency.
Once your child learns of the routine he or she will naturally adjust their body clocks to accommodate the plan. You will know yourself when it is time for bed. I always start to get tired around 10 pm. I am generally in bed and asleep by 10.30. My body goes into shut down mode all on its own. Your baby will begin to do the same.
