my baby been sleeping 7-8 hours and i don’t really even have a nighttime routine i just keep him up during the day and swaddle him tight at night😭❤️ i been sleeping good i love it
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Establishing Daytime and Nighttime Routines
Establishing Daytime and Nighttime Routines
As night falls, you don't merely dive into bed in your daytime attire and turn off the lights. Unconsciously, you follow a sequence — brushing teeth, washing your face, donning pajamas, and perhaps reading.
Similarly, your baby can benefit from a consistent, predictable bedtime routine.
The Power of Routine
1. Unveiling the Importance of Routine ✨
A baby bedtime routine communicates to your little one that it's time to wind down and embrace sleep. Tailored to your family's schedule, an effective routine bridges the gap between a bustling day and a serene night. These moments can become cherished, tranquil encounters with your child.
2. Initiation Timing: When to Begin ⏰
Don't feel pressured to establish a bedtime routine immediately after returning home with your newborn. Both you and your baby need time to recover. Also, newborns lack a sense of day and night, making predictable patterns elusive.
Around 6 to 8 weeks of age, consider introducing a concise bedtime routine. Initially, it could involve a comforting feed and a brief storytime.
Benefits and the Learning Curve
1. The Significance of a Baby Bedtime Routine 🌠
Bedtime routines harmonize with infants' innate circadian rhythms, guiding their understanding of daytime and nighttime distinctions. In time, these routines help babies relax and prepare mentally for sleep.
2. Comfort in Challenging Times 😴
Regular bedtime rituals offer solace during challenging sleep periods, including sleep training (possible from 4 to 6 months old) and sleep regressions. These routines offer security that assists babies in navigating such phases.
3. Promoting Learning Through Sleep 🧠
Quality sleep supports a baby's development. Restorative slumber helps consolidate the day's lessons into memory, contributing to overall growth.
4. A Bonding Opportunity 🤗
Bedtime routines offer an exquisite way to bond with your baby at day's end, potentially fostering a more tranquil evening for both of you.
Constructing an Ideal Bedtime Routine
1. Personalizing the Routine 🌿
There's no universal bedtime routine that fits all babies. Flexibility is key, finding what suits you and your baby. A sample routine many families find effective includes:
- Calming Bath: Warm water induces sleepiness. Consider incorporating gentle chamomile or lavender products. Note that the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against daily bathing of newborns due to sensitive skin concerns.
- Cozy Feed with Cuddles: A feeding primes your baby for the night ahead. If teeth are present, brushing can be added. If your baby tends to doze during feedings, place this segment before the bath.
- Storytime: Settle into a quiet corner and read a soothing story in a serene tone.
- Gentle Infant Massage: Research indicates that pre-sleep massages boost melatonin production, enhancing sleep.
- Lullabies: A soft lullaby provides a serene transition to sleep. Save energetic activities for earlier hours.
- White Noise: Simulating the womb's sounds, white noise or a musical mobile can be soothing.
- Parting Words: Offer comforting phrases, like "Goodnight, I love you," accompanied by a gentle touch and a kiss.
Tips for Effective Implementation
1. Timing Your Efforts 🕰️
Maintain a sleep log to understand your baby's patterns, identifying the longest nightly sleep stretch. As newborns usually sleep five to six hours at a stretch, recognize your baby's sleep cues, like eye-rubbing or yawning. Aim to start a pre-sleep routine about 30 to 45 minutes before your baby's natural bedtime.
2. Consistency in Sleep Environment 🛏️
Prioritize placing your baby in the crib for sleep, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Even if naps happen in strollers or car seats, ensure that nighttime sleep consistently occurs in the crib.
3. Crafting a Soothing Atmosphere 🌌
Dim lights, close curtains, turn off electronics, and set aside your phone to create a serene ambiance.
4. Mastering the Drowsy Drop-Off 😴
After the bedtime routine, place your drowsy baby in the crib while still awake. This helps babies learn to fall asleep independently.
5. Adaptation and Flexibility 🔄
As your baby grows, their requirements evolve. Stay open to changes and adapt the routine accordingly. For example, bathtime might shift earlier as your baby becomes more energetic in the evenings.
6. Embrace Consistency 🌟
Consistency is vital for a soothing bedtime routine. Regularity fosters comfort, aiding your baby's transition into peaceful sleep.
Tailoring for Naptime
1. Compact Naptime Routine 💤
Naptimes require a briefer routine. Utilize familiar sleep cues like stories or songs, incorporating them into naptime preparation.
Undoubtedly, sleep poses a significant challenge during your baby's first year. However, initiating a bedtime routine early can lead to more peaceful nights for both you and your baby. The journey to restful sleep is facilitated by nurturing consistency, understanding your baby's cues, and creating an environment that fosters tranquility. Embrace the process, as it lays the foundation for years of sound sleep ahead.
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kalie
20 Feb 2023
Does anybody have a nighttime routine that they like doing and if will keep the month old asleep
kalie
What do you do for night time?
27 Mar 2024
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Ebony
A warm bath , a good ole bottle try baby rocking or gentle newborn sounds while rocking
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Ann
5 Jul 2022
For those breastfeeding newborns under 1 month. How long are your nighttime routines including feeding, burp, change, etc? It seems to take me 1.5-2hours. Feeding only averaging about 20 min. and seems to be full and relaxed most of the time. If he’s not full he’ll definitely come back for more. Is anyone else’s routine shorter than this? Any tips?
Mama26Buttheads
That’s normal.
27 Mar 2024
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Blocked user
What’s the longest part of your routine? ? It does seem quite long . Are they feeding on just one breast? If you have to switch breast then burping is preferable but one breast isn’t much burping needed because they aren’t grasping air throughout the switch .. if that make sense and I’ve always changed my babies first because once their sleep I rather them just sleep lol I wrap my babies in muslins swaddles make them comfortable and they sleep the rest the night . So about 20 mins at most because they didn’t suckle that much thought out night time
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