There’s no denying that babies are adorable little bundles of joy that change your life forever. That is, until you try to get them to sleep and they’re up all night crying. If that situation sounds familiar to you, then you aren’t alone. Many parents have to deal with fussy little ones that would rather do anything than sleep through the night. Here are 12 hacks to help your baby sleep at night to help baby and parents alike get some much-needed rest.
Extreme Swaddling
Swaddles are a great way to get kids to sleep, but they aren’t always effective. If you aren’t having much luck with a swaddle, then consider an extreme swaddle such as the Zen Swaddle. It’s got weighted pads on the sides and chest to simulate being held by a parent. There are also baby sleepsuits that are designed for weaning a child off of swaddles. They offer a snuggly sleeping sack complete with arms and legs. Think of it like some kind of Snuggie for babies. Just be warned that these are for uses in cribs and shouldn’t be used with rockers.
Leave the Diapers Alone
As tempted as you might be to change their diaper every time they wake up, you should resist the urge. Changing a baby’s diaper makes them more alert and awake and makes it harder for them to fall back to sleep. Use absorbent diapers and change them if they poop. Also warm baby wipes in your hands a little first so they aren’t jarring.
Use a White Noise Machine
Lots of parents swear by white noise machines. White noise can help soothe a baby to sleep and keep out the other noises from around the house. They’re also great for parents too! If you don’t have a white noise machine, then a hairdryer can get the job done in a pinch.
Try Sleepy Tunes
White noise machines aren’t the only sleep aids that help parent and child. Instrumental zen sounds can help too. If you have an Amazon Echo, then why not ask Alexa to play a lullaby or some classical music to help your baby sleep? Music is a great solution. While you’re dealing with Amazon, check out the Renee and Jeremy Amazon Music station, which plays music for naps.
Keep the Room Dark
If you have to change or feed your little one in the night, you should try to keep the room as dark as possible to avoid overstimulating them and waking them up more. There are smart LED bulbs you can buy that can be controlled from your phone. You can set it up so that the room is already little gently by the time you walk in. Another option to consider is blackout curtains, which stop light from outside getting in.
Rock ‘n Play
The Rock ‘n Play Sleeper is considered by many parents to be an absolute must have. It gently rocks your baby to sleep on an incline that keeps them comfortable (particularly helpful for kids with reflux) and gently vibrates to keep them calm. Even better, it’s completely portable and makes any time or place the right time and place for a nap.
Bounce Around
If you have an exercise ball and are familiar with how to use it, then you can consider gently bouncing your fussy little one to help them relax and get to sleep. Many parents swear by exercise balls. Much like the Rock n’ Play Sleeper, these are also completely portable and handy to have on you. Just be sure to follow the proper safety precautions with it, including ensuring that the ball is inflated properly.
Place Pacifiers
One reason that babies wake up in the night is that they lose their pacifier. If it falls out and they can’t find them, they could wake themselves up looking for it. Avoid this risk by placing some around the crib to make it easier for them to find one when they need one.
Nix the Naps
Try to avoid overdoing it with the naps. Don’t be afraid to make a little noise or have the lights on in the room they use for naps. It makes it easier for your baby to transition between day and night, ultimately making it easier for them to stay asleep through the whole night.
Consider Getting a Magical Doll
There are many great gadgets available for parents. One such gadget is a magical doll that plays recordings of an adult breathing and their heartbeat. These little things can work wonders for kids and they have straps for car seats and cribs to prevent having loose things around your sleeping baby.
Keep Them Warm
Putting your kid down on chilly sheets after feeding them isn’t likely to lull them to sleep. One solution is to put a hot-water bottle in their bed when taking them out for feeding. This keeps their sleeping spot warm ready for when you put them back down. Just be sure that the sheets are a safe temperature for kids before putting them back to bed.
Have a Chill Nightlight
Nightlights are a great parenting tool for children of all ages. There are some that go above and beyond the rest though, including ones that display stars and other shapes and images onto the ceiling.
These distract kids, but in a friendly and fun way that helps them to sleep. You can even make your own at home using a mason jar and some twinkly lights.
Better Sleep for All
Not getting enough sleep is bad for all involved. A sleep-deprived parent is more likely to make a mistake, and sleep deprived children can develop problems of their own. Use these tips and tricks to ensure everyone in your house has a great night’s sleep.
*This post may contain affiliate links and it is a way for the site to earn advertising fees and I might receive compensation at no additional cost to you if you click on an affiliate link.
[..]
Related:
Parenting: 3 Tips-A New Parent’s Sleep Guide For Babies and Adults
7 Useful and Practical Baby Products Worth Investing
10 Ways to Decorate Your Baby’s Nursery with Style and Creativity