As new parents, you and your partner are likely experiencing the expected absence of those precious ZZZs. While sleeplessness may be considered a right of passage for parents, there are things you can do to soothe and calm your baby throughout the evening so everyone in the house can get some much needed rest. Check out our tips below!
Set the Mood
It's important to establish a calm and soothing environment for your baby. This task can be done by dimming the lights, eliminating distracting noises, and setting the air to a slightly cooler temperature.
Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Bathing baby, rocking baby, singing a lullaby, or reading a bedtime story are all calming activities that can ease your little one into sleep.
Give Baby a Massage
A gentle massage can have a variety of benefits including improved sleep and relief from colic.
Play a White Noise Machine
Having consistent background noise will help calm baby and block out distracting noises.
Practice Sleep Training
With a little research, you'll find there are variety of sleep training strategies available to help baby such as the controlled crying method, which means letting your baby cry for a specified period of time before offering comfort. Some sleep experts also recommend the "gradual retreat" approach in which you lay baby down but stay in the room for a little while to offer reassurance as needed.
You may have to try different methods before choosing one that works for you.
Give Baby A Comforting Object
If baby is over 6 months old, placing a stuffed animal or blanket nearby can be comforting for baby after you leave the room. Just make sure it is safe and baby will not choke on it.
Coordinate With Your Partner
Plan out shifts ahead of time for taking care of baby and make sure you are both on the same page with your approach.
