How to Put a Newborn to Sleep: 10 Tips from a Sleep Consultant
Parents often ask me the question “ How to put a newborn to sleep ?”.
Are all children the same? No; therefore, the answer to this question cannot be unique either. However, there are some precautions that can be adopted to help the little one improve the relationship with the sleep phase. Read the article to discover my 10 tips.
Before starting, I'll leave you some useful information:
- You can also find us on Instagram with the profile @drsilva.com_official
- In the video courses section you will find an in-depth video course on baby sleep in the first 2 years of life.
How to Put a Newborn to Sleep: Introduction
There are children or babies who collapse immediately as soon as they are placed on the pillow. Then, there are those who seem to feel pins on their bed and who have no intention of sleeping at all.
So how do you put a newborn to sleep?
If you've landed on this article, I imagine you're having trouble getting your little one to sleep .
After accumulating a certain amount of tiredness, do you find yourself having to fight your baby's sleep difficulties in the evening?
That's why I've decided to give you 10 simple tips to try before suggesting you seek the help of a sleep consultant .
Sleep consultant Marika Novaresio
Hi, let me introduce myself. I am Marika, mother of two beautiful children, IBCLC professional lactation consultant and sleep consultant .
For more than 10 years I have been helping thousands of families improve their child's sleep and understand the stages to best deal with it.
Together with Osteopath Matteo Silva I recorded the video course “ Sweet Dreams, Peaceful Nights ” which deals with the topic in depth with scientific answers and practical solutions to help your child sleep better.
Putting a Newborn to Sleep in 40 Seconds: Don't Believe the False Promises
I have read several methods to put a newborn to sleep in less than a minute . Not everything you find on the internet is true.
There is no magic wand to make your baby fall asleep immediately as soon as we put him to bed.
The little one faces different phases of sleep, including those of regressions ; therefore, certain practices that have worked in some moments may not give results in others. To face the difficulties of falling asleep and sleeping, it is first necessary to know the physiology of this.
In fact, sleep has a scientific basis .
For an effective path it is necessary to have a 360-degree vision of the child's well-being. In fact, in addition to implementing some precautions on sleep, it is good to ensure that there are no problems that bother the child such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux ;
- Colic ;
- Muscle contractures or tensions.
This is where the pediatric osteopath comes into play, who can verify the presence or absence of these through a check-up .
If the tips on how to put a newborn to sleep in 40 seconds don't work, what can you put into practice? Discover my 10 tips by continuing to read.
#1: Physical activity that helps
Being physically active during the day helps your baby burn off the enormous (often seemingly endless) amount of energy that characterizes him. In newborns, this means providing him with adequate time for free play and tummy time . This will not only help him sleep better , but will also allow the little one excellent early motor development.
One note, however: be careful that the child does not become overloaded and overexcited in the hours before bed . In fact, relaxing and calming him could be very complicated and frustrating. Therefore, offer him manual games that require concentration or booklets to read, color or browse.
#2: The sun is also good for sleep
Exposure to sunlight during the day promotes peaceful sleep .
Why?
Sunlight influences the production of neurotransmitters that are essential for the sleep-wake rhythm. In fact, it increases the production of melatonin at night, the hormone that regulates the body's circadian rhythm.
This does not mean that children should be exposed to direct sunlight, but that they should spend time outdoors in protected conditions and during the cooler hours.
#3: Avoid blue light
Sunlight is good, while blue light should be avoided. In fact, the light from television, cell phones and screens inhibits the release of melatonin .
It is important to avoid these devices at least 2 hours before bedtime.
#4: How to Put a Newborn to Sleep with Goodnight
A bedtime routine can help your child prepare and understand that the day is coming to an end. Get them used to following the same routine from an early age, perhaps even explaining it as you go through the activities.
For example: “Now let’s go put on our pajamas. Now let’s go brush our teeth. Now let’s read a little book.”
Doing the same activities helps your child relax and get to the moment of falling asleep more peacefully and calmly in his crib . Make sure, however, that it does not last more than 40 minutes.