4 Secrets to Help Your Baby Sleep Better

In a previous blog post, we gave a few examples of how to help your baby sleep better, but, as this is such an important topic, we wanted to dedicate an entire post to all those moms struggling to get their little ones to sleep soundly.

We know that restless nights are common for many moms and babies but getting a good night’s sleep is essential for both you and your baby!

 If you’re tired of your, and of your little one’s being tired, here are some secrets about baby sleep you might find helpful:

1. White Noise 

Some moms believe babies need complete silence to sleep soundly, but babies actually sleep better with a bit of background noise. The noise just needs to be the right kind.

When a baby is in the womb, she is surrounded by muffled noise. Even when her mother is asleep, there’s a natural “hum” inside her body. So white noise can be helpful when putting a baby to sleep. Babies love that natural, constant background “hum” because it’s reminiscent of the womb.

When you use white noise, you’re also less likely to feel like you’re walking on eggshells around the house, trying not to make a peep. With a steady stream of noise, your baby is less likely to be disturbed, as the white noise will muffle or drown out other sounds.

You can buy white noise machines designed for babies, download white noise apps to a phone or tablet, or, use household items that provide a steady “hum,” such as a dehumidifier or fan.

2. Darker Room = Deeper Sleep 

Kids are afraid of the dark, right?

Not babies (wink wink).

While some toddlers may be afraid of the dark, babies aren’t. In general, the darker the room, the deeper the baby’s sleep.

Using blackout curtains during naptimes can help simulate nighttime, providing that womb-like environment. A darkened room also supports melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep cycles.

Babies don’t need a nightlight, but if you’re more comfortable having one in your baby’s room, make sure that it’s either plugged in away from your baby’s face, or that you position your little guy in the opposite direction so that he can’t see the light directly. Some experts also recommend using lights that have a warm, yellow/orange/reddish glow as opposed to a cool, blue light as the warmer bulbs are less likely to affect melatonin.

3. Swaddle 

Another way to simulate a womb-like environment is by swaddling your baby. You do this by wrapping your baby in a blanket to help him feel “hugged.” Some babies also respond well to movement – a gentle bounce or swing - that mimics jiggling of the womb (similar to how car rides can make babies and toddlers sleepy). However, some experts suggest this practice may train your baby to NOT fall asleep unless he is being rocked or bounced. You can always talk to your doctor and get his or her suggestions of best practices for your baby.

The gentle act of swaddling paired with a dark room and white noise helps recreate the feeling of the womb so that your baby feels safe, secure, and of course, sleepy! 

4. Keep it Cool  

Sometimes we tend to “mother-hen” our little ones a little more than necessary.

Because babies are so small, we sometimes think that any slight chill in the air means they might be cold. Of course, we want babies to be warm, but most of us can agree that sleeping while you’re hot is no fun at all.

Babies prefer cooler rooms to overly warm rooms, so don’t think that the baby’s room must be warmer than the rest of the house. Babies sleep best when the temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit—generally where most adults like to keep the thermostat.

Keep an eye on the temperature in your home, and don’t be afraid to keep it cooler.

Connect With One by One Ministries 

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For more information about One by One Ministries, visit our about page to learn more! We can’t wait to meet you!