GETTING your baby off to sleep can be a challenge at the best of times, especially if you’re a new parent.
But don’t worry, Emma Hubbard, a Paediatric occupational therapist, has revealed some of the common mistakes you could be making, and most importantly, what to do instead.
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The parenting pro explained that she struggled with getting through the night with her own little one, but soon realised where she’d been going wrong.
According to Emma, she used to rock or feed her baby to sleep.
“That in itself isn’t really a problem during the newborn phase, it’s common and works quite well,” she said.
However, once your little one is between three – five months old things begin to change.
At this point babies go from having two phases of sleep to four, and sometimes wake up partially or fully after the end of a cycle.
“Because I was rocking my daughter to sleep she would fall to sleep in my arms, but when she woke up between sleep cycles she’d find herself alone in the crib,” Emma explained.
This can be quite confusing and scary for the baby, the pro said, but it can be avoided by helping little ones learn to fall asleep in their cots alone in the first place.
However, this doesn’t mean you need to your baby alone to cry it out, but rather stay next to them as they learn to fall asleep on their own, she added.
That’s not the only mistake parents make though.
Emma explained that she being over attentive can also sabotage sleep for babies.
She said she would rush in to see her daughter whenever she made the slightest sound.
“I’ve since learnt that babies are noisy when they sleep, they thrash around, cry out, giggle, smile and even open their eyes while they’re in REM sleep,” she said.
All of these things are normal, Emma added, she there’s no need to try and soothe your little one too often.
The third mistake is something that can happen during night time feedings, the pro said.
You might try to stay awake during night feeds by switching on the TV to binge-watch your favourite show – well this is a big no-no, Emma said.
“The bright lights and sounds from the TV were confusing [my daughter’s] brain, making her think it was time to stay awake instead of sleep,” she said.
And if you’re still struggling to get a peaceful night’s sleep with your little one, Emma also shared a few savvy tricks to help improve their sleep schedule.
Keep the same wake up time
Emma explained that waking your baby or toddler up in the same 30-minute window every day is one of the easiest things any parent can do.
It might seem like a big no-no to wake a sleeping baby, but the pro still recommends it.
How to baby-proof your house
IF you’ve got a baby coming very soon, here’s our top tips on how to get your home ready for their arrival…
Secure Furniture and Appliances: Use brackets or straps to anchor heavy furniture and TVs to the wall. Ensure that large appliances like fridges and ovens are stable and cannot tip over.
Install Safety Gates: Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Use gates to block off rooms that are not baby-proofed.
Cover Electrical Outlets: Use outlet covers or plates to prevent little fingers from poking into sockets. Ensure that electrical cords are out of reach or secured.
Lock Cabinets and Drawers: Install child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Store hazardous substances, sharp objects, and small items that can be swallowed out of reach.
Use Corner and Edge Protectors: Attach soft corner and edge protectors to furniture with sharp edges. Consider using them on low tables, countertops, and fireplace hearths.
Secure Windows and Doors: Install window guards or locks to prevent windows from opening more than a few inches. Use door knob covers and door stoppers to prevent pinched fingers.
Maintain a Safe Sleep Environment: Use a firm mattress and avoid placing pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the cot. Ensure the cot meets current safety standards.
Keep Small Items Out of Reach: Regularly check the floor for small objects that could be choking hazards. Be mindful of items like coins, buttons, and small toys.
Adjust Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater to a maximum of 49°C (120°F) to prevent scalding. Always test bath water temperature before placing your baby in.
Use Baby Monitors: Place baby monitors in the nursery to keep an eye on your little one. Ensure the monitor cords are out of reach to avoid strangulation hazards.
By taking these steps, you can create a safer environment for your baby.
“Simply starting your child’s day within the same 30 minute window each morning will reset their circadian rhythm and help establish a consistent sleep pattern without the need to sleep train,” Emma explained.
This will also help lead to consistent nap times as well, but you’ve got to be patient for your tot to develop a routine.
Spot their tired signs
It can be easy to focus on the time you think your baby should be sleeping, rather than when they’re actually tired – but this can be a mistake, Emma said.
It is helpful to know “age-specific wake windows”; you should also remember they’re just a guide, and knowing how to spot “tired signs” can be handy.
Tired signs include:
- Losing interest in people or toys
- Becoming fussy
- Staring into the distance
- Squirming
- Rubbing eyes and ears
- Yawning and hiccupping
When you start noticing the signs it can be good to start getting your baby ready for bed, the pro recommends.
“Babies and toddlers settle for bed better if they’re not over tired,” she says.
Establish a naptime and bedtime routine
Emma said that babies love predictability, so keeping nap and bedtime times the same can “help soothe and calm a baby while letting them know that it’s time to go to sleep.”
In fact, the parenting pro says that improvements can be seen as quickly as in three nights after keeping a routine.
So what is a good routine?
According to the pro you should have “a set of activates that occur in the same order before every sleep.”
This can be as simple as closing the blinds, putting them in their cot, reading them a short story and laying them down.
Create a good sleeping environment
You probably find it hard to fall asleep if it’s bright outside or noisy – and your baby is the same.
Making a few small changes to their environment after they’re around six-weeks-old can help make it easier for them to dose off as they “become aware of the world around them.”
A good sleeping environment has three features – Darkness, cool air and quiet.
Of course, all three of these can be tricky to achieve all of the time, but they’re always good to aim for if you want your baby to catch some Z’s.
