If it is your first born, things can be overwhelming. There are times you do not know what to do. This is completely normal that is why you need all the support and help you can get from your mom or friends who have children. The good news is that their smile or laugh is worth it at the end of the day.
If in this case you are having troubles putting your newborns to sleep, you need to know few basic things. Newborns have a difficult time differentiating day and night. This is the reason why sometimes they have short bursts. However, in a few weeks, he/she can differentiate as long as you teach him/her. Here are some sleeping tips that you can consider:
- Use light to your advantage
It was mentioned earlier that newborns cannot differentiate day and night. It has something to do with the light. Remember that lights serve as the push button of your newborn. When it is dark, the brain will release melatonin – a sleep hormone. When it is bright, it will keep the baby active. You can help your baby differentiate by making his/her days bright and nights dark. With this, he/she will figure out when it is sleeping time.
When it is day, bring your baby outside for sunlight. When it is time to sleep, you can employ the help of dimmers. To facilitate sleep, lower the lights at least two hours before his/her bedtime to set the mood.
- Check if he/she is drowsy
Paediatricians here in Singapore and the world remind the parents to put the baby on bed drowsy and awake. If the baby is asleep, he/she will get used to it. If you put him/her on bed little bit drowsy, he/she will learn to go to sleep on his/her own. When the baby wakes up at night, he/she will learn to self-soothe.
- Do not rush to his/her side
It is normal that babies cry in the middle of the night. If you jump hearing squeak, you will only teach your baby to wake up more often at night. DO not rush to his/her side. Instead, wait for a few minutes before going to his/her side. Do not try to pick him/her up. An assurance will do. Don’t engage the baby by meeting his/her gaze because this will mean playtime for them.
- Be lean on diaper changes
Your baby cries and you kind of figured out he/she needs diaper change – that is not the case all the time. You will just jostle the baby awake. When he/she cries, try to sniff and you will know when it is time to change.
