Sleep is essential for everyone, especially new parents and their baby. A baby who gets a good night’s sleep is more likely to be happy and well-rested during the day. In this blog post, we will discuss four essentials that can help your baby get a good night’s rest. We will also provide some helpful tips for new parents on how to create a bedtime routine for your little one!
Babies need sleep just like adults do in order to function properly. However, babies often have a harder time sleeping through the night since they have smaller stomachs and need to eat more frequently. Newborns usually sleep for 16-18 hours per day, but this is broken up into shorter periods of time throughout the day and night. As baby grows and becomes more aware of their surroundings, they will start to sleep for longer periods of time at night.
How Can I Help My Baby Sleep?
There are several things that you can do as a parent to help your baby sleep through the night:
Establish a Bedtime Routine
A bedtime routine will signal to your baby that it is time to wind down for the night. This can include giving your baby a bath, reading them a story, and singing them a lullaby. It is important to be consistent with the bedtime routine so that baby knows what to expect. Having a set bedtime routine will also help them to sleep for longer periods of time at night.
Create a Sleep Environment that is Conducive to Sleep
This means making sure that the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. You may also want to consider using a white noise machine to help your baby sleep. Things like night lights can be disruptive to sleep and should be avoided if possible.
Feed Your Baby Right Before Bedtime
It is important to make sure that your baby’s stomach is not empty before bedtime. A full stomach will help them sleep through the night since they will not wake up hungry. You may want to consider giving your baby a small snack before bedtime.
Put Your Baby to Sleep on Their Back
Babies should always be put to sleep on their backs in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. This is the safest position for your baby to sleep in and will help them sleep more soundly through the night. You should also get in the habit of putting them to bed while they are drowsy but still awake. This will help your baby to learn how to fall asleep on their own.
Baby Essentials for a Good Night’s Rest
Comfortable Mattress and Bedding
A comfortable mattress is essential for your baby to sleep well. Make sure that the mattress is firm and free of any objects that could hurt your baby. There are plenty of different crib mattresses on the market, so do your research to find the best one for your baby. Our favorites are the Newton Baby Crib Mattress or the Naturpedic Organic Breathable Mini Crib Mattress. The bedding should also be comfortable and breathable so that baby does not get too hot during the night. Look for baby bedding sets that are made from natural materials like cotton or bamboo.
White Noise Machine
A white noise machine can be a lifesaver for new parents. It can help your baby sleep by creating a calming and consistent sound in the background. There are many different white noise machines on the market, so find one that fits your needs and budget. We like the My Baby SoundSpa because it is small and portable, making it easy to take with you when you travel. For a nursery, our 4-in-1 top fill humidifier doubles as a sound machine with white noise, ocean waves, and rain sounds. This way you can have one device for two purposes and save space. It also has an optional color-changing light with a sleep support red light.
Comfortable Clothing
Depending on their age, your baby will need different types of clothing to sleep comfortably. For newborns, we recommend using having a onesie on underneath the swaddle. This type of clothing is comfortable and will help your baby stay warm during the night. As baby gets older, you can start to dress them in pajamas or using a wearable blanket to sleep. Just make sure that they’re not too hot or too cold and that their clothing is comfortable.
Baby Monitor
A baby monitor is a great way to keep an eye on your baby while they sleep. It can give you peace of mind knowing that you can see and hear them if they need you. There are many different types of baby monitors on the market, so find one that fits your needs. We like the Nanit Plus Baby Monitor because it gives you a clear view of the baby and also tracks their sleep. It even has a crying alert to let you know if they start fussing in their sleep.
As a new parent, it is important to do your research to find out what will work best for you and your baby. There are many different sleep products on the market, so take your time to find the ones that are right for you. With a little trial and error, you will find the perfect combination of baby sleep essentials to help your baby (and you!) get a good night’s rest. For more information, check out our Safe Sleep Guide!
What are your favorite baby sleep products? Share in the comments below.