“Happiness consists of getting enough sleep. Just that, nothing more.” - Robert Heinlein
Newborn - 3 months
#1 Skin to skin: Skin to skin can really help with bonding, it helps to relax mother or father and baby. It also really helps to regulate your babies temperature and release oxytocin, which helps to support mothering and feeding in the early weeks. Your baby will be used to hearing your heart beat and voice so this in-turn helps your baby feel safe and secure.
#2 Swaddling: Swaddling can help soothe and settle your little one, although not all little ones like it. It is important that swaddling is practised safely. The Lullaby Trust have a lovely section on how to swaddle safely - https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/swaddling-slings/ . Babies who are showing signs of starting to roll is a sign that you should stop swaddling (with their arms wrapped inside) as this is now unsafe incase a baby rolls onto their tummy, but cant roll back due to their arms being wrapped up.
#3 Slings: Slings in the early weeks can be really useful way of still holding and comforting your baby, but with your hands free! It is extremely important that you are using a sling or baby carrier safely with your really young infant. The Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers provides a TICKS guideline to ensure this;
Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back
Slings can also be a really lovely way for partners and other carers to help out and bond with the baby, which can also take some pressure off of you!
#4 Sleepy cues: It can be really helpful to look out for your baby's 'sleepy cues'. Some babies only show one or two early signs and then become very quickly overtired. Some early cues may be;
Yawning
Fussing
Loosing interest in toys or people
Turning face away
Glazed expression
Waving arms/ legs
Going quiet
Babies that are overtired may then become very difficult to settle. Early signs include:
Back arching
Rubbing eyes
Crying / becoming inconsolable
Pulling ears
Rubbing their face on your chest or shoulders
Asking for comfort through feeding
Not wanting to be put down
This really varies baby to baby, but you may find it useful to be mindful of how long your baby has been awake for to avoid that over tiredness stage.
#5 Enjoy all the snuggles and cuddles of a newborn! This stage goes by too fast, you can never 'spoil' a baby. It is completely normal for your baby to want to be close to you, feed to sleep and needing help to settle. Also, don't forget to reach out to anyone for support, your GP, Health Visitor, friends, family etc are all there for you.
3 months+
#1 Sleep environment: Work on getting your baby used to being put down into a cot, this can be great practice as they start to get older. If they need a helping hand from you to settle, that's OK, think about the use of white or pink noise, patting or rocking. Also, the natural process of melatonin (sleep hormone) will be maturing at around the age of 4 months, so this is really helpful if you start to create a space that your baby associates with sleep e.g. darkness, calm and quiet.
#2 Bedtime routines: You can start thinking about a bedtime routine at around 3 / 4 months old. This may only be 5 minutes long! A consistent routine may involve a bath or top and tail, change of Pj's, massage, story etc. A predictable routine each day can help them feel safe and secure.
#3 Feeding: Babies can start to become very distracted during feeding at this age. It can be useful to feed in a quiet or less stimulating room to ensure feeding in the day is optimised. Having said this, night time feeds are very normal and common at this age.
#4 Development: The development of the circadian rhythm (body clock) occurs around the age of three months old. They are also learning lots at this age e.g. rolling, learning to vocalise, maturation of salivary glands, which is why you may notice lots of dribbling! Encouraging practice in the day helps to minimise the urge to practice at night.
Other tips to consider;
#1 Temperature: are they too hot or cold? Ensure your babies sleep environment temperature is between 16 - 20 degrees. The Lullaby Trust have guidance on this https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/baby-room-temperature/
#2 Exercise and fresh air: Exposure to fresh air, natural daylight and the opportunity to burn off some steam is so important for sleep. Try and find some time in the day to go outside, even if its for just 10 minutes, toddlers love to feel free and run around, for younger babies, allowing them to do some tummy time or simply just a push around in the pram can help.
#3 Medical conditions: Reflux, tongue tie, allergies etc. can have an impact on how well your little one sleeps. Therefore, it is important to get a review with a health care professional before you consider any sleep changes.
#4 Finally, look after yourself!: It can be so easy to forget about yourself when caring for children, try and set some time aside during the day to rest. Find out what this means for you whether that is having a bath, reading a book, watching one of your favourite films or simply just sitting down a taking a minute.
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