Is your newborn finding it hard to sleep? There are some newborn sleep hacks every exhausted mom needs to know.
Having a baby is a wonderful thing, a beautiful miracle.
You’ve waited those long nine months for this smallie, and you feel like you’re finally ready, body and soul, to welcome your child and pour all that love in your heart upon them.
But, are you really ready for what’s coming?
The second you see your baby, you’re hit with a kind of love that’s bigger and stronger than anything you’ve felt before. And right away, you feel this powerful need to protect them and keep them safe. It’s a very emotional and overwhelming moment.
That’s the special love of a mother and it is okay. Every cuddle, every feed, every moment you share helps build this amazing bond, making the connection with your child deeper.
You get to know what makes them cry, laugh and smile.And you will do anything to make sure your newborn is happy and comfortable.
Thinking back to when my daughter was born, bringing that sweet little girl home; my whole world changed. I loved her deeply and would do anything to keep her happy and comfortable.
My baby is new to this world and i was all she had. Suddenly, everything changes. It’s not about me anymore. It’s all about her. The tables have turned.
Every little thing they need, you’re the one. They cry? You’re there. They’re hungry? You’re there. They just want to be held? You’re there.
I had to focus all my energy on caring for my newborn because those first few months are so important for their growth and development. I felt like I couldn’t afford to make any mistakes.
It was then it dawned on me that taking care of a newborn is a big responsibility. I had to consistently change nappies, feed, and soothe her when she cries and that was a lot to deal with.
And to think I was prepared for this. Absolutely not! But nothing prepares you for motherhood, you learn on the job.
You can read all the parenting books you want, attend the antenatal classes. Nothing truly prepares you for this journey and your tiny little boss is constantly changing its course.
That carefully planned routine may not work as newborns are unpredictable so be ready to apply your instincts and be flexible.
Yes, you will make mistakes after all you can’t be an expert from day one but through experience, trial and error, you will learn.
Motherhood is a journey of continuous learning driven by the love and desire to care and support your newborn.
So here you are juggling a million things at the same time, feeding the baby, changing nappies, doing house chores, and this little one who always needs you. You’re just completely worn out.
You finally get the baby to sleep, and as you’re about to lie down too and get a quick rest, then waaaah! a cry from the other room. Already?!
I know many new mums are likely going through this exact thing right now. That’s why I put this blog together; to help you understand why you’re feeling so worn out and to share some tips that might help your newborn sleep better and for longer stretches.
The Sleep Cycle of a newborn
During the early months with a newborn, I realised they have an irregular sleep pattern and they wake up in between each stretch.
Sometimes before you put them down in the crib, they are already awake again. Their sleep cycle is so different from that of adults. They can sleep for 14 to 17 hours a day, broken down to small stretches of 10 to 50 minutes. It depends.
One of the reasons that causes them to wake frequently is the need to feed at intervals. This is because newborns have small stomachs especially if they are breastfed. Breastfed babies tend to be fed more often than formula fed babies.
Secondly, newborns also cannot differentiate when it is daytime and when it is night, and that’s the reason you see a baby stay awake all through the night and sleep during the day. And that can be a serious issue for the mother who needs her rest too.
That’s why it’s so important to find ways to help your newborn sleep longer and more soundly, so you can also get that much needed rest.
Sleep hacks to make your newborn sleep better and longer
1.Well fed babies sleep better
Hunger is the main reason babies wake up from sleep. A well fed baby can sleep in longer stretches, so feed on demand.
Watch out for hunger clues such as sucking hands, moving hands to the mouth, turning head and opening mouth as if searching for the breast or bottle.
It is also important to feed your baby before they are not over hungry, as a more relaxed baby during feeding is more likely to sleep afterwards.
Not burping after each feed to remove air bubbles can cause discomfort and shorter sleep time. Avoid distraction during feeds so it is advisable to feed in a calm and quiet environment.
2. Swaddle your baby
Swaddling recreates the feeling of being held tightly in the womb. It helps newborn contain movement (such as arms and leg movements) hereby leading to fewer sleep disruptions.
It has a calming effect on babies enabling them to sleep easily. However, ensure you swaddle using the proper technique.
Proper Swaddling technique
- Lay the swaddle blanket in a diamond shape and fold the top corner down.
- Place your baby on their back with their shoulders just below the fold.
- Straighten their arms down by their sides.
- Bring one side of the blanket across their body and tuck it snugly under the opposite arm and side.
- Fold the bottom of the blanket up and over their feet, ensuring their legs can still bend at the hips and move freely (hip-healthy swaddling).
- Bring the other side of the blanket across their body and tuck it securely.
Some babies resist being swaddled. If your baby seems constantly uncomfortable or distressed when swaddled, don’t force it.
3. Give your newborn a gentle massage
A gentle massage using a good baby oil is a natural way to promote better sleep for your newborn. It can help calm your baby’s nervous system and cause your newborn to fall asleep as well as sleep longer.
It helps relieve any discomfort such as colic, gas and constipation. This can be done during or after bath in the morning and night.
Those gentle strokes on the legs, feet, check, back and tummy help release trapped air and reduce fussiness.
4. Make the sleeping area comfortable for your baby
Creating a comfortable sleeping environment is very important as it contributes to how well your newborn sleeps.
You have to check for the right temperature; cover your baby if the weather is cold and wear less cloth if it is hot. Aim at maintaining room temperature as overheating can cause sudden death infant syndrome.
Open the windows for fresh inflow of air. Use a fan faced away from the baby or if you can afford an air-conditioner, Fine. Avoid smoky areas and strong odors like cigarettes and strong perfumes.
Check for mosquitoes and insects. You can use a mosquito net around the baby’s crib. Dim the light and use black curtains during the day time to block daylight.
5. Engage in Soothing activities and Gentle motion
When your newborn was inside the womb, it was a warm and cozy place, being rocked around as you moved about. That’s the reason this works all the time.
It reminds them of that time in the womb when they were secured and safe. Some soothing activities includes:
- Rocking them gently back and forth,moving from side to side.
- Singing soft songs like a lullaby, the rhythm is all that matters, not your voice. So don’t worry.
Doing these activities tells the newborn that it is time to wind down and rest.
6. Establish a Bedtime routine
Establishing a bedtime routine is one of the most effective ways to help your newborn sleep better. This has to do with having a consistent and calm environment that can signal the baby that it is time to prepare for sleep.
You can start from a warm bath, and a gentle massage with baby oil. This can help relax the baby’s muscles. When you’re feeding the baby, try to keep things calm and quiet. You can even speak softly so you don’t startle them.
Remember to change the baby’s nappies and wear comfortable clothes suitable for the weather. Dim lights or use dark curtains to block daylights and sing a lullaby, and then put them down when drowsy but awake.
The essence of putting the baby down when drowsy but awake is to help them self soothe and learn to fall asleep on their own. If the baby cries and is fussy, when put down, gently pat their back or offer a pacifier.
Be consistent with this routine, around the same time, each time. Consistency is key. Don’t be worried if you can’t follow the routine perfectly each day. It’s fine. Be patient with yourself and your newborn as more peaceful nights are ahead.
Why do babies refuse to sleep even when tired
This can be frustrating when it is obvious that a baby is tired but won’t sleep. Most times, they keep crying and feeling fuzzy. Here are some reason why:
1. Babies have their sleepy time and as a mum, you have to try and figure that out. Look out for signs such as rubbing the eyes, yawning, looking away etc. If they miss that time, it may be harder to fall asleep again.
2. This whole world is brand new for your baby, full of bright lights, sweet sounds, and so much love from everyone. Family and friends can’t get enough, wanting to carry and cuddle them all the time. Who wouldn’t want to stay awake and soak in all that pampering and excitement?
3. They are babies and do not know how to calm themselves down and fall asleep.So as a mum, it is your responsibility to help them. Engage in activities to make them realize it is time to wind down.
So prepare the environment, and follow these hacks. They worked for me and could work for you too.
Focus on understanding your baby’s cues, meeting their needs, and establishing a gentle rhythm rather than a strict schedule. Be patient, as their sleep patterns will mature over time.
You may also see:
How to survive the first 3 months with a baby without feeling overwhelmed
