All babies are different and it's highly unlikely that their sleep needs will time well with yours. Get your baby into a relaxing bedtime routine as quickly as possible - the sooner they become accustomed to it, the easier it will be to get them (and you) on a regular sleeping pattern.
For more details on how to get your newborn baby to sleep, please visit NHS.uk. If you enjoy the post, please don't forget to spread the word of Expert Home Tips - thanks, we really appreciate it.
Oh, and if you're an adult looking to sleep well - check out our 20 ways to get a better night's sleep for some really helpful tips.
1. Use a tissue
Put your baby to sleep in less than one minute with this trick from Nathan Dailo. All you need is a tissue -and a baby! Now... I wonder if this would work on me?
2. White noise
Help calm and de-stress your baby with white noise. After all, they've come from the womb - an incredibly loud place! Try a sound machine or static radio, or head to YouTube and search for white noise. It's an easy and effective and cheap way to help aid sleep.
3. Keep it natural
Avoid irritation during sleep time and purchase cotton pyjamas. Cotton is soft, fine and can offer a comfortable feel for babies. The natural fibres will help keep your baby cool in the summer and warm in the winter. For more information have look at why cotton is the best choice for babies.
4. Bath before bed
Who doesn't feel relaxed after a lovely calming bath? Warm water and a soft wash-cloth is the perfect way to soothe your baby into sleep mode. After the bath, get your little one ready for bed in a dimly lit room to help keep them relaxed. Zzzzzzz...
5. Read a story
A story will help to soothe your baby during their bedtime routine. Your voice will have a calming effect and cuddling will help to comfort your baby ready for sleep. Reading aloud can also help to teach about communication, listening and the more words your baby is exposed to - the better equipped he or she will be when it's time to start talking.
6. Keep an eye on the temperature
Make sure your baby's room is kept cooler at night and warm in the day. The optimal temperature is between 16°C and 20°C. By using a room thermometer you can keep an eye on the temperature - there are lots of different (and super-cute) options at Amazon.co.uk.
7. Create a sleep zone
Encourage good sleep habits by creating a specific sleep zone for your baby. In this room try to get them napping and sleeping at the same time every single day. Sticking to this consistent routine will help your baby to get into a pattern.
8. Soothing hands
When baby is placed in their crib, soothe them by gently placing your hands on their arms and stomach to provide comfort. You can find out more about baby massage: tips and benefits from nct.org.uk.
9. Keep it clutter-free
All your little one needs is a fitted sheet in their cot or crib. Pillows, safety bumpers, toys and other items can all pose a danger, so keep it all clutter-free.
10. Turn down those lights
Head to a dimly lit room at night with your baby when it's close to bedtime to get them used to day and night. Consider getting a blackout curtain if your baby is likely to be disturbed by outside light. A small night-light will be enough for feeds and nappy changes.
11. Avoid a stare-off
Make sure you make no eye contact with your baby just before bed. Your bundle of joy finds contact with your eyes very stimulating, so when you're putting him or her to sleep, as difficult as it may be, try to look away.
12. Swaddling
Up until 1 month of age, swaddling can help to soothe and settle your baby when they are overstimulated. Check out I've heard of swaddling. But what does it mean? from babyCentre.co.uk which has all the information you need on swaddling.
13. Stick to a routine
Once you've got your bedtime routine sorted - bath, bed, a story and soothing - try to keep the whole process to under 30 minutes. A consistent routine will help get your child and you get into a predictable pattern as soon as possible.
14. Sing
Add a lullaby or two to your bedtime routine to help soothe and comfort your baby. If you want some background support then johnsonsBaby.co.uk offer some instrumental MP3s for your to download.
15. Let in the light
In the morning, or after a nap, open the curtains and let natural light into the room where your baby has been sleeping. This way your child will soon start to understand the difference between night and day.
16. Be in the know
Download this fantastic Sleep Chart by hipp.co.uk as a guide on how much sleep your baby needs. It will help you to record patterns and identify any problems you continuously encounter.
17. Go for a stroll or drive
Consider heading out in the car for a quick drive, or walk with your baby just before bedtime. This will help to relax the baby and get them ready for sleep. Try not to do this often, as they (and you) may become to reliant on this method.
I hope you've enjoyed reading! If you've got some tips I'd love to hear them in the comments below...
one ideas for babies who nap outdoors have better naps as the colder air helps them sleep longer
Hi there. I have heard this works for certain youngsters too - thanks for sharing! :)
i am trying for my kid,
After babies bath dry and put baby over your knee mix 2drops of lavender essential oil into 2 Tablespoons of baby cream massage baby's back legs with soothing strokes now put baby on mat on floor take cream and massage baby's tummy legs feet upper arms slowing stroking gently speaking softly all the time don't put cream on babies hands and face so no cream gets into eyes do this every night and baby will sleep soundly
That sounds great! Lavender is so powerful.