5 Tricks to Try For When Your Newborn’s Not Sleeping

Newborns often have trouble sleeping through the night due to their brand-new environment, short sleep cycles, and inability to settle down independently. It can be stressful for the whole family, leading to tired parents and an even more exhausted baby. In this post, we’ll share five tricks that you can try to help your newborn sleep better and longer.

We’ll discuss how to create a calming sleep environment for your baby, the importance of sticking to a routine, and how to deal with night wakings. There’s no magic solution for getting your newborn to sleep, but by following these tips, you’ll be one step closer to making sure everyone gets the rest they need.

Create a Calming Environment

Creating a relaxed atmosphere is key to helping your newborn settle into sleep mode. Darkness is essential for your baby’s sleep. Eliminate any pesky sources of light by using blackout curtains or shades, and invest in a nightlight to use when it’s dark outside at night. Additionally, sealing up any potential drafts from windows or doors with a door draft stopper will help maintain a comfortable temperature in the room for your baby to drift off in. A door draft stopper can also block out loud external noises that could easily disrupt sleeping patterns, while adding the familiar sound of a fan or music can add a soothing touch to the environment.

Establish a Routine

Routine is important in any household, but even more so when caring for a newborn. It sets expectations and helps your baby get into a healthy circadian rhythm faster. A regular feeding schedule will comfort your little one as they learn to associate certain activities with falling asleep. Some babies enjoy taking warm baths before bedtime, as it relaxes them and gets them ready for sleep mode. A simple bedtime story may also help your newborn wind down before taking a nap or going to bed at night, as it is soothing for them to hear your voice.

Offer Comfort Measures

A classic swaddle wrap has been known to help soothe babies and relax them enough for a good night’s sleep. Gentle strokes on the back or rubbing their feet or hands can effectively shift their focus away from agitation to feeling more calm and secure at bedtime or during naptime. An infant massage can also be quite beneficial in helping your little bundle of joy relax and get ready for sleep faster. Make sure to use mild massage oil if needed, and light pressure in circular motions over their body to stimulate the release of endorphins that make babies feel safe and relaxed enough for them to drift off into dreamland.

Implement Calming Activities

Establishing calming activities prior to bed will help your newborn understand what is expected from them during this time of day. Reading stories with pictures before bed helps them drift off into a peaceful and happy place where they can doze off without much fuss or trouble. Singing a lullaby is also an excellent way to show your little one love. With familiar tunes such as Rock-a-bye Baby, you can create consistency and signal the end of the day, allowing them to gradually fall asleep without much difficulty. Rocking in an armchair before going into bed can also give your baby a sensation of gentle motion that relaxes them enough for a good night’s rest. Even if they’re fussy or cranky, this motion is soothing enough for them to finally drift off into dreamland after several minutes of rocking back and forth with you.

Monitor Their Awake Time

Finally, keep an eye on how long your baby stays awake throughout the day to ensure they get enough rest. Pay attention to signs that indicate they might need some downtime, such as yawning, stretching, rubbing eyes or heavy eyelids, etc. Knowing when it’s time for bed may sound like common knowledge. However, sometimes we ignore those sleepy cues because our babies still look alert even though they’re exhausted. Installing an analog clock within your baby’s view may also help you keep an eye out for how long they stay awake during the day without having to constantly check the time yourself every few minutes.

The key to a well-rested and happy baby is consistency. Establishing a routine, setting up a sleep-friendly environment, and offering comfort measures are useful steps to help your newborn sleep longer and better. With a little patience and some trial and error, you can be on your way to getting a good night’s rest!