How to get your baby to sleep

This was the top question on my mind as I had babies that never wanted to sleep when I wanted them to!  Whatever worked didn't last longer than 3 days, and then it was back to the drawing board.

For us, we discovered that adding a Bamboobino washcloth inside our baby's clothing (chest area) helped absorb moisture and prevented discomfort from spit-ups. Keeping our baby dry and comfortable helped contribute to better sleep. 

Here are some more tips you can try to help establish healthy sleep habits:

1. Consistent bedtime routine: Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes calming activities such as a warm bath, gentle massage, or reading a story. This routine signals to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepares them for sleep.

2. Create a sleep-friendly environment: Make sure your baby's sleep environment is comfortable, quiet, and dark. Consider using white noise, play a bedtime song or sing a soft lullaby to create a soothing atmosphere.

3. Establish daytime and nighttime differences: Differentiate daytime from nighttime by exposing your baby to natural light and engaging in stimulating activities during the day. Keep the environment bright and active. At night, create a calm and quiet atmosphere with minimal stimulation.

4. Settle your baby to sleep drowsy but awake: Aim to put your baby down to sleep when they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.

5. Teach self-soothing techniques: Encourage your baby to develop self-soothing techniques by giving them the opportunity to settle themselves to sleep. You can try techniques like the "Ferber method" or "controlled crying," where you gradually increase the time between checking on your baby during nighttime awakenings. Consult with your pediatrician or a sleep specialist before implementing any sleep training method.

6. Create a consistent sleep schedule: Establish a consistent sleep schedule with regular nap times and a fixed bedtime. Babies thrive on routine, and having a consistent schedule can help regulate their internal body clock.

7. Ensure your baby is well-fed: Make sure your baby is getting enough feeds during the day, which can prevent hunger-related awakenings at night. Follow your pediatrician's guidance on feeding schedules and the introduction of solid foods.

8. Encourage self-soothing techniques: Help your baby learn to fall back to sleep independently when they wake up during the night. Give them a chance to self-soothe before immediately intervening.

9. Be patient and flexible: Every baby is different, and it may take time for your baby to adjust to sleeping through the night. Be patient and adaptable, adjusting your strategies as needed to suit your baby's needs.

Remember that the sleep patterns of babies can vary widely, and what works for one baby may not work for another. It's essential to be responsive to your baby's cues and consult with your pediatrician or a sleep specialist if you have concerns about your baby's sleep patterns or if you need additional guidance.