Blog - How to Calm and Settle Your Baby for a Good Night's Sleep

HOW TO CALM AND SETTLE YOUR BABY FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

Welcoming a baby into your life brings great joy and happiness, along with many sleepless nights. Naturally, sleep patterns may change when you have a newborn baby, and you need to be awake every few hours to take care of your baby during the night.

However, the habits you establish now will contribute to your baby becoming a

great sleeper in the future. It's something to look forward to and be curious about. In this article, I will share some ways that could make bedtime a more peaceful and enjoyable experience for you and your child.

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Create a comfortable sleep environment:

Ensure that your baby's crib or child's bed is comfortable and safe. Use a firm mattress, appropriate bedding, and a breathable sleep sack or blanket. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and minimize noise and light disturbances.

Encourage daytime physical activity:

Engage your child in age-appropriate physical activities during the day. Regular exercise helps expand energy and promotes better sleep at night. Encourage play time, outdoor activities, and interactive games to help tire them out.

Encourage Self-Soothing:

Allowing your toddler to self-soothe is an important skill for independent sleep. While it may be tempting to rush to their side at the first sign of fussiness, giving them a chance to settle themselves can promote better sleep habits. You can start by offering comforting words or gentle pats, gradually giving them more time to soothe themselves back to sleep.

Reduce reliance on feeding:

Toddlers often associate feeding with falling asleep. To help them separate the two, try to feed your toddler before bedtime rather than using it as a sleep aid. This will prevent them from relying on feeding as their primary way of falling asleep, which can lead to frequent nighttime wakeups.

Establish an early bedtime:

Contrary to unusual belief, placing your baby to bed early can improve their sleep. By aiming for an early bedtime, you provide them with the opportunity to get the recommended quantity of sleep primarily based on their age. This approach prevents them from turning overly tired, as exhaustion can make it tougher for them to chill out and go with the flow into dreamland.

Encourage daytime naps:

Naps play a crucial role in a baby’s ability to fall asleep at night. Create a soothing and quiet environment for daytime sleep, preferably in their own bed or crib. Following a consistent nap routine helps regulate their sleep-wake cycles, making it easier for them to fall asleep when bedtime arrives.

Aim for Naps in Their Bed or Crib:

While it's natural to want to cuddle your toddler during naps, encouraging them to nap in their own bed or crib can be beneficial. Napping in their own sleeping space helps establish familiarity and independence, reinforcing the idea that their bed is for sleep.

Use a "Soothing Ladder":

A "soothing ladder" involves gradually reducing the level of intervention you provide to help your toddler fall asleep. Start by offering verbal reassurances and light touches, and over time, decrease the amount of physical contact. This method empowers your toddler to develop self-soothing skills gradually.

Introduce a Sleep Aid Product—Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine:

One product that has gained positive reviews from parents is the Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine. This all- in-one device acts as a nightlight, sound machine, and sleep trainer. It features a customizable sound option, nightlight and light settings, and a time-to-rise alarm clock. The Hatch Rest can create a soothing environment conducive to sleep for your baby or child.

The Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine, available on Amazon, provides various features that aid in promoting restful sleep for your little one. It offers a range of sounds, including white noise, lullabies, and nature sounds, which can help mask disruptive noises and create a calming atmosphere. The nightlight feature emits a soft glow that provides comfort and reassurance for your child. Additionally, the sleep trainer function assists in establishing healthy sleep routines by indicating when it's time to sleep or wake up.

Amazon reviews from satisfied customers praise the Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine for its versatility and effectiveness. Parents appreciate its ability to help their babies and children fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. They also mention the convenience of the customizable features and the quality of the sound and light options. Let’s look at some of the reviews.

Tips based on your baby’s age:

abies aged 0–6 months:

During the first 6 months, try holding your baby until they fall asleep. Use gentle rhythmic patting, rocking, stroking, talking, or singing to relax them before placing them in the cot. You can also try 'hands-on settling,' gently patting or stroking your baby while they're awake but calm and drowsy until they fall asleep. If they become upset, pick them up for a cuddle before returning them to the crib and staying with them until they fall asleep.

Babies aged 6–12 months:

Continue talking quietly and cuddling your baby to keep them calm. Use the 'hands-on settling technique,' gradually moving away as they calm or fall asleep. If your baby becomes distressed, return to comfort them with patting and calming sounds before trying to move away again. Some babies may need you to stay in the room until they're asleep. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and avoiding excessive excitement before bed can also help.

With these gentle techniques, you can establish a peaceful bedtime routine for your toddler, promoting healthy sleep habits. Remember, every child is unique, so be patient and adapt these strategies to suit your toddler's needs. By creating a nurturing sleep environment and empowering your toddler to self-soothe, you're setting them up for restful nights and happier mornings.