New parents are constantly seeking advice on various aspects of parenting, such as sleep training, feeding, developmental milestones and childcare. They look for tips, tricks, and expert advice and opinions to help them navigate these challenges!
We plan to use our TT blog posts to provide tips and pointers on the questions on your mind! Lets start with sleep!
Sleep deprivation is common for new parents. I remember when I was looking after my babies and always searching for tips and strategies to help my little ones sleep better and establish healthy sleep routines.
Establishing healthy sleep habits for your baby is crucial for their well-being and your own. Here are ten pieces of advice to help your baby sleep better:
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Create a Consistent Routine: Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Consistency helps signal to your baby that it's time for sleep. This routine might include activities like a warm bath, bedtime story, and gentle rocking.
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Set a Regular Bedtime: Determine a fixed bedtime for your baby. Babies thrive on routines, so having a consistent sleep schedule can help regulate their internal clock.
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Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Ensure the baby's sleep environment is safe and conducive to sleep. Use a firm and comfortable mattress, maintain a comfortable room temperature (typically between 68-72°F or 20-22°C), and use blackout curtains to block out light. Don't forget your Tim & Tam Satin sheets to protect their delicate hair and skin too!
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Safe Sleep Guidelines: Follow the paediatric guidelines for safe sleep, which include placing your baby on their back to sleep and avoiding loose bedding, pillows, and toys in the crib.
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Swaddle Safely: If you choose to swaddle your baby, do so safely, ensuring their hips have room to move and the swaddle is not too tight. Stop swaddling when your baby starts showing signs of rolling over.
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Learn Sleep Cues: Pay attention to your baby's sleep cues, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy. Responding to these cues and putting your baby to sleep when they are drowsy but not yet fully asleep can help them learn self-soothing skills.
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Nap Schedule: Babies need plenty of daytime sleep too. Establish a nap schedule that aligns with your baby's age and developmental stage. Avoid long, late-afternoon naps that might interfere with night-time sleep.
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Use White Noise: White noise machines or apps can help drown out background noises and create a soothing sleep environment for your baby. The consistent sound can be comforting.
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Avoid Overstimulation Before Bed: Keep the hour before bedtime calm and relaxing. Avoid stimulating activities, bright lights, and screen time, as these can make it harder for your baby to settle down.
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Be Patient and Responsive: Babies have different sleep patterns and may wake up during the night. Be patient and responsive to their needs. If your baby cries, attend to them promptly, but try not to stimulate them too much in the process.
Remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It may take time to establish a sleep routine, so be flexible and adapt as needed!
Wishing you lots of uninterrupted sleep!!!