Does bedtime feel like an unsolvable puzzle? It’s like you’ve got all the pieces, but none of them seem to fit.
Every new mom has been there—staring at a wide-awake baby at midnight and googling “why won’t my baby sleep?”
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten practical and mom-approved tips to help you get some much-needed rest for your baby (and yourself!).
Baby Sleep Tips You Need
1. Establish a Bedtime Routine
Babies love knowing what’s coming next. Consistency is their secret sauce for feeling safe and secure.
Set the tone for bedtime with a simple, predictable routine.
Think warm bath, a quick story (because your voice is their favorite), and maybe a sweet lullaby to wrap things up. Learn more about creating the perfect bedtime routine here.
This signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down for the night.
Quick Win: Keep the routine short and sweet—around 30 minutes—to avoid overstimulation.
2. Invest in a Quality Sleep Sack
A sleep sack can keep your baby cozy and safe while eliminating the need for loose blankets in the crib.
Look for breathable materials and the right size for your baby’s age.
Pro Move: Transition from a swaddle to a sleep sack when your baby starts rolling over.
Check out our guide to the Best Baby Sleep Sacks
3. Create a Calming Sleep Environment
Picture this: a cozy, cave-like vibe. Dark, quiet, and cool—that’s the dream environment for baby sleep.
Make sure your baby’s sleep environment is safe—no loose bedding or toys in the crib—to give you peace of mind as they drift off.
Use blackout curtains to block out light and a white noise machine to drown out background noise.
Sound Advice: Choose a white noise machine with a continuous sound option rather than one that turns off after a set time.
Learn more about the Best Blackout Curtains for Nurseries
4. Learn Your Baby’s Sleep Cues
Watch for signs like rubbing eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy.
Catching these cues early helps you put your baby down before they become overtired.
Sleep Hack: Track your baby’s sleep patterns with a baby sleep app to identify their natural rhythms.
5. Stick to Consistent Nap Times
Babies need naps to recharge during the day.
Aim for naps at roughly the same time daily to help regulate their internal clock. Check out our tips for creating a great nap routine.
Nap Booster: Start a mini version of your bedtime routine before naps to reinforce sleep associations.
6. Encourage Self-Soothing
Once your baby is a few months old, you can gently encourage self-soothing by putting them down drowsy but awake.
Keep in mind that young babies’ cribs should be as simple as possible—no blankets, no toys, just a firm mattress and a snug sleep sack. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own.
Reassurance Reminder: When your baby is old enough you can use a comfort item like a small, baby-safe lovey to provide reassurance.
7. Be Patient During Nap Transitions
Nap schedules can change as your baby grows.
When transitioning from three naps to two (or two to one), expect a period of adjustment.
Transition Trick: Gradually extend wake windows to help your baby transition smoothly.
Read about Navigating Baby Nap Transitions
8. Address Sleep Resistance
Babies often resist sleep during developmental milestones or teething.
Stick to your routine, offer extra comfort, and know it’s a phase that will pass.
Teething Tactic: Use teething toys or remedies before bedtime if teething is the issue.
9. Consider Blackout Curtains
Bright light can disrupt your baby’s ability to fall asleep, especially during daytime naps.
Blackout curtains can make a huge difference in creating a dark, sleep-friendly environment.
Travel Tip: Portable blackout curtains are great for travel!
Learn more about the Best Blackout Curtains for Nurseries
10. Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help
If sleep troubles persist, consider hiring a baby sleep coach.
They can provide personalized strategies and support.
Expert Insight: Look for coaches certified by reputable sleep training organizations.
Explore When to Hire a Baby Sleep Coach
FAQs About Baby Sleep
What age should I start a bedtime routine?
You can start a bedtime routine as early as a few weeks old. Keep it simple and flexible—think a bath, a book, and a lullaby—and adjust it as your baby grows.
How do I know if my baby is overtired?
Watch for signs like fussiness, rubbing their eyes, or zoning out. An overtired baby might also have trouble settling down or wake up frequently.
What’s the best way to transition naps?
When moving from three naps to two (or two to one), gradually extend wake windows and shift nap times over a few weeks.
Baby Sleep is in Sight!
Every baby is their own little mystery, and finding what works can feel like cracking a code. Stick with it, and don’t be afraid to try different approaches until you find your rhythm.
Celebrate the small wins—like an extra hour of uninterrupted sleep—and know you’re doing an amazing job! For more tips and detailed product recommendations, check out our related posts on baby sleep.
Stick with it, and celebrate the small wins—like an extra hour of uninterrupted sleep! For more tips and detailed product recommendations, check out our related posts on baby sleep.
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