Need sleep? We can help
Are you feeling completely exhausted because you never seem to get more than an hour or two of shut-eye in a row. Don’t panic – it’s an issue the vast majority of new mothers grapple with. While there are no 100%-guaranteed solutions, here are some tips to make things just a little easier:
Be realistic
You can’t force a child to sleep. The best you can do is to create a calm, comfortable and secure environment that encourages sleep and helps your baby develop a healthy attitude towards sleeping. Don’t get frustrated if it takes them a bit of time to get there.Stay flexible
No single approach will work with all babies all the time or even all the time with the same baby. If your approach isn't working, try something new. Determine what works best for your baby and stick with it, but always be prepared to change things at a later stage if necessary.Recognise the cues
Pay attention to the things that give away the fact that your baby is ready for bed. She might become a little more whiny than usual, yawn or rub her eyes – don’t let her become overtired.Establish a routine
Many babies thrive on a regular schedule. Try setting predictable and consistent rituals for daytime naps and evening bedtimes. Stick to the same times every day, calm baby down, perhaps with a bath or a massage, and nurse them down by breastfeeding or giving them a bottle. Many experts believe that between 6:30 and 7 p.m. is an appropriate bedtime for most babies, but ultimately you and your little one need to figure out what works best for you.Create sleep associations
By sticking to a certain routine at sleep time, you may be able to teach your baby what to expect and get him or her to associate certain patterns of behaviour with sleeping. This could include rocking him or her gently or walking slowly with them while lightly patting them on the back.Give it time
Allow your baby to self-soothe by putting them down to fall asleep on their own and only coming into their room intermittently to comfort them. He or she might fuss or cry before finding a comfortable position and falling asleep. If the crying doesn't stop, speak to your baby calmly and stroke his or her back.Keep it calm
Sleep time should be quiet time. Block out any disturbing noises and bright lights from your baby's bedroom. That doesn't mean that you have to create a completely noiseless environment, however. Calming music played softly or singing a lullaby are proven winners in many sleep routines.Consider a dummy
If your baby has trouble settling down, a dummy might do the trick. Research suggests that using a pacifier during sleep helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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