How often do we see inexperienced parents completely exhausted because of their new little one’s sleep problems? The weeks immediately following the arrival of the newborn in the home are often punctuated by restless nights, with fragmented sleep due to frequent feedings. This is a difficult phase, where sleep is short and of poor quality.
However, by adhering to certain recommendations and rules, you will be able to gradually improve your little one’s sleep, which will have the direct consequence of providing full and truly restful nights for you, the parents.
Find advice
Whether we’re talking about awakening, hygiene, nutrition, or sleep, there’s always a parenting advice post on the subject. There are educational resources, general sites that cover all these topics, and other more specialized ones.
You’ll also likely receive a ton of advice from those around you about how to help your child get optimal sleep.
However, it is important to keep in mind that every family is unique, and the bedtime routine that ensures a child gets a good night’s sleep can vary greatly from one home to another. Methods that work for one family may not work for another.
Multiple awakenings, how to avoid them?
A common but exhausting problem is frequent awakenings. They are an unmistakable sign of disturbed sleep. They are as tiring for the little one as for the parents.
There are many possible reasons why a baby may wake up frequently. Colitis, which is common in babies, may be one cause. But there are many other possible explanations.
Sometimes, repeated awakenings can be attributed to simple factors that one would not suspect: the baby may be too hot because he is too covered, or he could be disturbed by too absolute silence, which makes him feel insecure.
Bedtime ritual, the real good plan
By paying close attention to your child, you will be able to quickly discover what worries him and what soothes him. This knowledge will help you establish a personalized and effective bedtime routine for him.
Does he enjoy the soft glow of a night light that projects soothing patterns on the walls? Does he calm down with a certain lullaby you hum softly? Does your finger gently caressing his cheek until he falls asleep help him fall asleep?
These loving gestures, repeated every evening, form your baby’s routine and will help him fall asleep in a more peaceful and restorative way.
Young parents’ dream: to sleep through the night
When a baby’s sleep is disrupted, parents struggle to get a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep. They quickly find themselves overworked, with dark circles and fatigue that build up day after day. Sometimes, older siblings are also disturbed and woken up by the baby’s cries.
Therefore, healthy and regular sleep for the infant is of vital importance for the well-being and balance of the whole family. When the bedtime routine is well established and followed regularly, the baby begins to get used to it and manages to sleep through the night, which brings immense satisfaction to the whole house.
Good nights make good children
Finally, it is important to emphasize the importance of good sleep for a child’s development. As the saying goes, children grow while they sleep. Ensuring they get a good night’s sleep is not only crucial for their physical growth but also for their intellectual development.
Their bed should be a reassuring and comfortable space. The more comfortable they feel there, the better they will sleep. Bedtime should remain a moment of joy and tenderness, and the bedtime routine should actively contribute to this.
It is, therefore, crucial to take the time necessary to follow this routine, with calm and affection, to ensure your child gets the restful sleep he needs to grow and flourish.
