While most of our day-to-day norms are sure to fly right out the window when a new baby arrives, healthy sleep habits can start sooner than you'd think!
Everly wasn't fully sleeping through the night until she was about nine months old. Now, with baby No. 2 on the way in just a few short months, I'm already thinking about how to help our little guy along on his journey right from the get-go to keep our entire family on the right, somewhat rested track. And while I know that night feedings and soothings are par for the newborn course, I will take any help I can get!
Enter: Team Norani. These mamas have created the "Snugababe Swaddle," which features unique arm inserts and fasteners to keep baby warm and secure. Considering Everly's arms would never stay in her traditional swaddle, I am beyond excited to give this one a whirl when baby boy arrives.
Of course, there's more to it than just good gear. Read on for Ani and Nora's top seven tips for helping your newborn (and yourself!) catch some Zzz's.
Ani and Nora from norani.com here to help you get a good night’s sleep. Here’s our favorite sleep tips for your little ones:
You’re home from the hospital and you have this adorable newborn that’s depending on you for everything. But you’re exhausted and desperate for a good night's sleep. But you won’t get that until you get your baby on a good sleep schedule, right? Right! Here are some tried and true tips on how to get your baby to sleep well.
Set a schedule:
This is the most important tip for teaching your baby to sleep. Schedule, schedule, schedule!
Most newborns should be in bed by 8:30-9pm the latest. This time frame will get pushed earlier as they grow (eventually landing around 7:30pm), but keeping a consistent schedule is key if you want your child to be...well...consistent. You can’t do 9pm one day and the next day do 7pm because you’re tired. It just doesn’t work that way. Naps should be consistent and nighttime should be consistent because babies love schedules. You’ll thank us for this one later.
Set the mood:
Think about the environment you love sleeping in. The temperature is just right (should be about 68-71 degrees F) and the room is nice and dark. Your baby wants the same mood. Don’t leave on bright nightlights or have the room too warm. White noise is also going to be important, but we’ll touch more on that later.
The power of the crib:
I know some parents only do co-sleeping, but let's be honest, it’s not good for anyone. Parents are on edge all night concerns about possibly rolling over on to the baby, accidentally hitting the baby or waking them up. The baby gets used to sleeping next to you and then refuses to sleep in their crib after. Repeat after me--everyone suffers! You bought your baby that gorgeous crib--use it! Your baby should be sleeping in their own bed every night if you want them to actually learn to sleep on their own, and in their own room.
Milk is golden:
Ah the power of milk. Whether you're breastfeeding or doing formula, don’t forget to do that last good feeding of the night to help your baby go right to sleep, happy and full. And if you notice your baby is always waking at 1:30am crying for milk, try dream feeding them around 1am before they’re actually awake-it’s a game changer.
Fresh Diaper:
Change your baby’s diaper before the nighttime feed to minimize the changes of waking them up. A fresh diaper = a happy, dry baby.
Swaddle, Swaddle, Swaddle!:
Mommy--meet the swaddle. Swaddle--meet mommy. You two will be best friends for the first 4-5 months of your babies life. Swaddling will help your baby sleep better and longer. If you have trouble using the traditional swaddle, try the norani ‘snugababe’ swaddle, it’s easy to use, keeps your baby cozy and comfortable all night, all while taking out the guesswork of how to swaddle properly every time.
White Noise:
Don’t underestimate the power of white noise. It’s all your baby heard for 9 months while in your warm, comfortable belly. White-noise machines create a comfortable, womb-like environment that calms anxious infants, encouraging them to stop crying and fall asleep faster. You can order a white noise machine from Amazon for under $20, it’ll be a big help, trust us!
For more helpful newborn and toddler tips, you can check out our instagram page at @noranibaby. Good luck, mama!
