A full night’s sleep is one of the biggest things that most parents miss about their life before children. I am here to tell you that it is possible for your baby to sleep through the night.
These are my top 5 tips for getting your baby to sleep through the night.
Start a Regular Routine
- Start early in your baby’s life to set up good routines
- Spend morning and daytime in a well lit room, allow your baby exposure to indirect sunlight in the mornings
- Babies should nap in a light filled/noisy environment when first home from the hospital in order to reset their circadian rhythms
- Make night time feedings as boring/least stimulating as possible
- Start feeding baby at regular intervals (after the first 6 weeks of life) once breastfeeding is established
Understand Your Baby’s Sleep Needs
- Different sleep needs for different ages
- “Sleeping through the night” usually means about 4-6 hours for young babies and 10-12 hours as your baby gets older
- Manage your expectations by learning what your individual baby’s sleep needs are
Set a Bedtime Routine
- It can be as simple as bath, book, bed
- Do your routine about the same time every night (even weekends)
- Young kids need early bedtimes
Put Your Sleepy Baby to Bed
- As your baby gets older (past 6 weeks of age), establish a simple routine of eat, play, sleep
- Do your best to not allow your baby to associate feedings with sleep (you don’t have to do this perfectly every time)
- Try to put baby down when sleepy but not fully asleep
Set up a comfortable sleep environment
- Cool, dark room
- Same space for all sleep (naps and night time) whenever possible- crib or bassinet, black out curtains, closed door
- Set up sleep cues- white noise machine, etc
How can an at-home pediatrician help with your baby’s sleeping habits?
Dr. Andrea Wadley is a board certified pediatrician that offers convenient, evidence based pediatric care to kids and their families in and around Colleyville, TX. Our practice is limited in size and all house calls so we get to know your kids.
You have direct access to the pediatrician so you never need to sit on hold or worry that no one will call you back.
So, if you are tired of phone trees, waiting rooms and never getting timely answers to your questions, give us a call today. We are accepting new patients in Colleyville, TX.
© 127 Pediatrics; September 2022
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
Dr. Andrea Wadley is the owner, pediatrician, and breastfeeding medicine specialist for 127 Pediatrics. She has an established house-calls-only concierge pediatric practice in Colleyville, TX. She is also the owner and operator of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center.
