Creating a bedtime routine that you implement every night is a key step in order to help baby to sleep through the night. Including relaxing activities such as a bedtime story, bath time and cuddles will help your baby to realize it is bed time. It is important to bear in mind to try and keep your schedule as low key as possible as this will help your baby calm down for bed. Be sure to follow a trouble free bedtime habit and ensure you stick to that same habit every night and your baby will be sleeping through the night.
Feed your baby
You should encourage your baby to feed as much as they need through out the day, with a final feed before bedtime. The theory being the more they feed through the day the less they feed through the night. If your baby wakes up at night for a feed, you should try and keep it as low key as possible. When feeding your baby, keep the room dark with no distractions and immediately put them back in their cot after the feed.
A baby's cot needs to be associated with sleep time
The third step to aid baby to sleep through the night is by helping them associate their cot with sleep time. If your baby is showing signs of tiredness be it day or night, put them in their cot before they fall asleep. This will help to teach them that their cot is for sleeping and should they awake during the night will be much more likely to fall asleep by them selves as they will know that their cot is a safe, comfortable environment for them to sleep in.
By following the simple advice above you will help baby to sleep through the night and it wont be long before you will get those peaceful nights sleep that you have been hoping for for so long.
Playtime Have some gentle one-on-one play with your baby - she'll always love special attention from Mum or Dad. If you're playing with an older child make sure you follow any rowdy play with something more calming. Something simple like colouring in or building blocks is ideal. If the weather's nice taking a walk is a good way to get some fresh air and hopefully tire her out - whether she's walking herself or in her buggy.
Bath-time Soaking in a warm bath is lovely and relaxing and the perfect way to end an evening. Let baby bathe alone or you or your partner can go in with her (or all three of you if the bath is big enough!) Wrap baby up in a warm towel when she gets out and she'll be nice and cosy and ready for sleep. Follow the bath with teeth cleaning if baby is old enough - this will get her into a good habit. If your baby doesn't like the bath then don't make this part of the routine - there's no point upsetting her before bedtime.
Reading When baby's had her milk and has got a clean nappy and pyjamas on sit down and read to her. Even a young baby will enjoying being read to because it means being cuddled in Mummy or Daddy's arms, and you'll soon find her favourite stories, which she'll enjoy for the rest of her childhood.
Talking Spending some time talking about what you did that day and what you're going to do tomorrow will give her more time in your arms and essential verbal skills - believe me, it won't be long before she answers you. You can also sing nursery rhymes if baby has any favourites. Don't worry if you're out of tune, baby really doesn't care.
Tell her you love her When you put baby in her cot tell her you love her - it's always nice to hear and she will understand you one day. Say goodnight, tell her where you're going ('Goodnight darling, it's time for bed. I love you and Daddy loves you and we'll just be downstairs if you need us') - babies understand a lot more than we give them credit for and just hearing the comfort and love in your voice will help her feel safe.
Both Quinton Van Oudtshoorn & Nicola Pedley are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Quinton Van Oudtshoorn has sinced written about articles on various topics from Babies. to get more information and other tips about helping your baby to sleep through the night at or visit. Quinton Van Oudtshoorn's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.