5 healthy sleep habits to start with your baby

Sleep is important for your and your baby. But both of you won’t get any sleep unless you develop healthy sleep habits from the beginning. So, here’s five tips to get you off on the right foot and make your life as a new mama easier and less-stressful. Check it out.

So I have been blessed with five beautiful children and all of those children were once babies. Although I’m not an expert on sleeping training babies, I have had five of them. I’ve learned a thing or two that works for our family. Hopefully I can pass my knowledge along to you so you can figure out the best sleep schedule and habits that will work for your family.

Habit #1: Develop a consistent bedtime sleep routine

The very first day that my baby comes home from the hospital, I create a consistent sleeping routine. Your routine might look different than mine, but the point is to do that same thing every night before you put your baby to bed. For me, I like to give my baby a warm bath. Then I rub lotion all over my baby and put her in a dry diaper and warm pajamas. Sometimes I like to keep the lights dim too.

After just a few times doing this, your baby will start to recognize when it’s time for bed. Just like as adults, we have bedtime routines, our babies should too. It helps relax your baby and get them prepared for a long night’s sleep.

Habit #2: Swaddle your baby

Every baby likes to be swaddled, at least when they are newborns. It makes them feel safe. I am a firm believer that consistent swaddling helps babies sleep much better much earlier on. Of course, as they get older, they will wiggle out of their swaddle and that’s okay. Swaddling triggers sleep habits in your baby’s head. They know that it’s time to go to bed or take a nap.

If you’re not sure how to best swaddle your baby, check out my blog post on how to swaddle a baby. It’s super simple and it will help you baby sleep safe and calm.

Habit #3: Put your baby’s crib in a different room

When my babies are newborns, they sleep in a bassinet right next to my bed for at least a couple of weeks to a month. But as soon as you put your baby in another room, you’ll think, why didn’t I do this sooner? Babies wake up at night and make noises. And every time your baby wakes up, you will wake up too. As long as you baby is in a crib without any obstructions, your baby will be fine. Trust me on this one.

Habit #4: Teach your baby who’s in charge

It’s easy to jump out of bed the instant your baby starts to cry, but resist the temptation. After your baby is 4 months old, they should be able to last the entire night without eating. That’s a good time to start sleep training. So, if your baby cries, wait for a minute. Then go check on her. Increase the amount of time you wait each time.

Some parents are opposed to the cry-it-out method, but I am not. I reached a point for each of my babies that I just let them cry it out for a couple of hours for a few nights in a row and then they would sleep through the night. Give them lots of love and attention during the day and make sure they know they’re not abandoned. But a sometimes all it takes is a few miserable nights and they’ll sleep amazing from there on out.

Habit #5: Resist the urge to pick your baby up

If you’re trying to sleep train your baby, stop picking her up out of the crib! Sing a song. Put her binky back in. Caress her face. But don’t pick her up. She’s not going to learned good sleep habits if she’s in your arms every time she wakes up.

Bonus tips for good sleep habits

• Keep a good perspective: This won’t last forever. Eventually babies grow up and eventually they will sleep on their own.
• Consider what you’re willing to put up with: If you don’t mind getting up in the middle of the night and feeding your baby, then do it! If you don’t care, then do whatever you think is best.
• Avoid Dr. Google: You may never find the answer you’re looking for my scouring the internet. Your mother’s intuition is the best resource you can find.
• Try a sleep aid: Sometimes you can help your baby fall asleep with a white noise machine or a battery-powered stuffed animal that plays music.

I hope these tips for good sleep habits will be helpful for you as you’re navigating the world of parenthood. You’re doing an amazing job!

Related link: Top confessions of an imperfect mommy blogger