Help, the baby won't sleep! - Sleeping tips for little night owls
A baby needs a lot of rest. A good, undisturbed sleep is important to process the countless impressions of the day. But this is often easier said than done. So what can you do if your child just won't sleep? Here you will find practical tips and advice to maximise your baby's sleep time.
How much sleep does a baby need?
In the first year of life, babies develop at a rapid pace, and they sleep a lot! A newborn baby sleeps for around 16 to 18 hours a day, evenly spread over around five sleep phases. A few weeks after birth, they will start to sleep for shorter times during the day and longer at night. However, this does not mean that a baby will sleep soundly through the night. It is only at around six months of age that the baby sleeps continuously for around six hours at night.
Each sleep pattern for a baby is unique and no two babies will be the same. For example, you may find that your baby sleeps less or suddenly stops falling asleep on their own, even though previously they could nod off anywhere. This is all perfectly normal - they are constantly developing and their sleeping habits are constantly changing. The good news is there's lots you can do to make it easier for your little one to get a good sleep.
Create routines and rituals
A baby doesn't necessarily fall asleep straight away when you put it in its cot, but there are things you can do to make it easier for them to do so. A regular daily routine such as putting your baby to sleep at the same time each night, creates habits and boosts their feeling of security. Evening rituals such as bathing, reading aloud, singing and cuddling help your child to calm down and a quiet, darkened sleeping environment will help promote sleep. Reading aloud in the evening also sets the mood for sleep. Bedtime books with large, high-contrast pictures can be recognised by small babies and short texts in verse form bring a calming rhythm to the language.
Creating the perfect sleeping environment
A night light
A small night light and a slightly open door ensure that your little one doesn't feel left alone when lying in their cot. What else is needed to make your child feel safe and secure?
The cot
Your baby may not sleep well everywhere. Newborns in particular miss the comfort of the womb. Alone in a large cot, they often feel a little lost and find it harder to rest. Small cots, bassinets and cradles that provide a boundary are more suitable. Another alternative you can use a co-sleeper to provide the physical closeness you long for. It is placed with the open side next to the parents' bed so that mum and baby sleep right next to each other. This has the added advantage of mum no longer needing to get up at night when baby wakes up. They can simply take the baby over to them when necessary.
Music box, mobile and night light
Not only are music boxes, mobiles and night lights purely decorative, they can also be really good sleep aids for your baby. Playing a music box can also be part of the evening routine just before the light is switched off. By repeating this daily, your baby will quickly learn that it's bedtime. The calm dancing of the figures on a mobile occupies the eyes and has a calming effect. A dim night light that breaks up the darkness in the room helps the baby to orientate itself, especially if it wakes up in the middle of the night.
A cuddly toy for comfort
Many children develop a close relationship with a cuddly toy from an early age, which accompanies them wherever they go. The emotional bond with their cuddly friend also ensures that your baby feels safe and secure.
