You may be finding yourself at 3AM, wide awake, but ever so tired, wondering why your little one will sleep all day and then insist on interacting with their new world while you and the rest of the family are trying to get some shut eye.
What’s The Secret!?
Are there any old wives tales or tried and true methods that actually work when lulling a little one to sleep? If you really go digging and asking around your friends and family, you’ll find that everyone has a special strategy that seemed to work for them. Some say that a strict bedtime routine is a must, while others say that despite how much you try and how strategic you are, the child will ultimately do what it wants, so you may as well just throw the towel of control in now! Let’s dig in.
Ultimately, we highly recommend keeping a journal and a calendar. If the plan is to have no plan, then jot that down and keep track of how many days/nights it works for you. If you’re feeling extra-curricular, it may do you well to keep a sleep log, detailing the number of hours slept, alongside other variables such as activity levels and eating habits throughout the day. You may be amazed to find that you might just find a few unexpected correlations.
Try Different Things!
We suggest that in trying out different methods, unless you’re particularly sleep deprived and desperate for any strategy that will work at that moment, you should attempt to create a sleep habit that is both manageable and do-able on a nightly basis. For example, if a car ride seems to soothe and calm your child, then only use that as a last resort, as often times the transfer from the car to bed will awaken them and you’ll find yourselves starting the process from scratch.
Experiment with different methods of soothing to bring down the energy level of your child. If they’re sleepy enough, in theory they’ll welcome the rest. Sometimes it may be wise to keep from making bedtime such a big deal.
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Setting up a proper environment is crucial for a smooth transition from activity and playtime to sleep and decompression. If your space allows, consider keeping you child’s bedroom or sleeping area strictly for all things calming, low-key and mellow. Read books near their crib, stretch, play lightly. We wouldn’t suggest running around and climbing on the crib, making it a playhouse for the child. Avoid blurring the lines between furniture’s uses.
Consider the lighting and sound of the space. This is where black out curtains and noise machines come in handy. Perhaps consider researching plants that prove to aid in sleep, such as lavender, that you could have around the nursery. Always make sure that your pediatrician approves.
Other Tips and Tricks
Adopt the techniques of the infant facial massage to soothe them. Hands On Health Inc states “Massage helps to turn “off” the sympathetic nervous system and turn “on” the parasympathetic nervous system. When the body is massaged blood and lymph circulation is increased moving vital nutrients and oxygen to throughout the body to organs and muscles.”
One idea that we love is placing a hot bottle of water in the crib prior to the baby’s bedtime, being sure to remove it before they are placed inside. This is the same concept as a heated blanket getting our bed nice and cozy before we turn in for the evening. A baby just may settle down into their sleeping space if it’s more inviting than a cold surface.
You Got This!
At the end of the day, we are all unique and the debate of nature versus nurture continues to rage on. Do thorough research and spend time testing out methods for a nice stretch of time. Found a new method that sounds promising? Give it a solid week or two before ditching it as nonsense. Go easy on yourself, your partner and your little ones. Sleep is one of those struggles that will take some serious effort but once you figure out what works for your unique situation, fingers crossed that you’ll all be sleeping like a baby.
