Newborn babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults. They typically sleep in 30 to 45 minute bursts and wake up at least every 3 hours for feeding before going back to sleep. The unpredictable nature of a newborn's sleeping habits can be quite challenging those first few weeks (and months) of your child’s life. As unpredictable as it may be, your baby’s sleep plays a very important role when in his or her health. As a parent, it is also crucial to get enough sleep. Here's a couple of tips on how to get a better quality of sleep.
Sleep is essential for a child's brain development and the strengthening of their immune system. It is also a known fact for new parents that babies who sleep well are often happier and less irritable. Getting a newborn to settle down and fall asleep can be difficult at times, but there are some ways to help your baby become a good sleeper sooner than they might otherwise. Here are four simple products to help give your baby the edge they need to get their sleeping on track as quickly as possible:
Swaddling Blankets
Swaddling is an age-old practice of wrapping babies securely in light, wearable blankets. This ancient technique is said to make babies feel snug and cozy, similar to how they felt inside the womb. Tucking babies into little burritos keeps them from getting disturbed by sudden jerks or twitches (known as startle-reflexes) in their sleep by keeping their arms tight against their sides. Swaddling, when done properly, creates a feeling of calm that helps babies sleep more soundly during the day and at night.
Aroma Diffuser
A sleep environment can almost always be made more relaxing with the help of an aroma diffuser filled with lavender oil. The calm, soothing floral scent of lavender essential oil is known for its sedative effect. Plus, it can also relieve symptoms of colic, thereby helping fussy babies relax and fall asleep.
White Noise Machine
White noise machines help lull babies to sleep by mimicking the comforting low-pitched, shushing sound that they hear in the womb. They also drown out any unwanted ambient noise, resulting in improved sleep quality and duration.
Window Treatments
Babies prefer sleeping in the dark because doing so brings them back to being inside their mother’s womb. For maximum darkness in your baby’s nursery, try using window treatments such as curtains, shutters, and blackout window film.
