The sad truth is that some babies are easier than others. We all have that one friend whose baby magically sleeps 6-8 hour stretches from the get-go.
Chances are, you are not that friend or even remotely close. That is completely okay and it doesn't mean that you are less of a parent. In fact, it is normal for babies to wake every 2-3 hours. However, just because something is considered normal, it doesn’t mean that you aren't struggling or suffering.
Normal is often a blanket term for a lot of different variations when it comes to parenting. Here are a few tips that we recommend for your baby to get good sleep.
Have a good routine. Once your baby gets adjusted to life outside of the womb, which can take up to 3 months, you should notice a shift in their wake and sleep patterns. Once this shift occurs, it’s time to implement a schedule and change up feeding and playtime so that you are not feeding the baby to sleep. We all know feeding is probably one of the easiest ways to settle your little one down for sleep. The problem with this is that once you put them down, they are likely to get startled, resulting in you having to redo the entire process.
Use a pacifier if your baby has a high need to suckle even when they are not hungry. I recommend using a pacifier only when your milk supply is established; otherwise, you may inhibit your production (if you breastfeed). There are many different models and sizes, so make sure you use the correct size for your baby's age.
Use a swaddle or sleep sack. Using a swaddle is great for newborns or infants who cannot roll over yet. Swaddles help them feel secure and comfortable in the strange world outside the womb. Sleep sacks are best for babies who like to roll over and give them more freedom to move around. This is especially useful for babies who suck on their hands to feel secure.
Make sure their room is dark enough. Excessive light can make naps and bedtime a struggle. If the room is too bright, it will reduce melatonin production (the sleep hormone that governs our sleep cycles). Napping in a dark room will support melatonin production, which helps them fall asleep and stay asleep.
Use a white noise machine. A white noise machine can aid children in falling asleep faster by blocking out noise from siblings, cleaning, and all other activities happening around them.
Is your family struggling to get enough sleep? You can always reach out to us for the help of a sleep trainer or our postpartum infant care doulas.
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