5 Baby Sleep Tips You Have Probably Never Heard Before
In the first month after my son was born my biggest baby questions were about sleep! He had a growth spurt and I had no idea it was just a phase, he slept okay and then horribly, and I didn't know what was happening or what to do.
So I googled how to get my baby to sleep... Everything I read made me feel like I was doing something wrong. "Put your baby down sleepy but awake," might be great advice but not in the first month! Worst than that though, I saw a ton, a ton, a TON of "Cry It Out" advice and sleep training methods.
It ended up really harming my view of what my baby needed and what was normal as for babies sleeping. So I wanted to share with you 5 Baby Sleep Tips you've probably never heard of before:
1. Hold your baby. This sounds counter-productive and opposite to everything you might read or hear, but hold them, especially in the first three months! They need to know you are there and they are not designed to be far from you. You are their safety and source of life, so hold them as much as you can, enjoy the cuddles, and know that this time is very short and you will get to get up and clean and go out soon, I promise.
2. Every baby is different. Some baby's can sleep anywhere and everywhere and some can not. Some would be content to fall asleep in a crowd of people and some need to be at home in a dark, quiet room. That's okay, it's normal, they're all different, which leads me to my next point.
3. Do what works for you. Not what works for your sister's baby, or your friend's baby, do what works for you and your baby! If that's sleep training, go for it. If that's co-sleeping and nursing them to sleep, go for it! You and your baby are unique and special and what works for you is going to be different than what works for someone else.
4. When it doesn't work, try something else. What they need changes. I quickly learned that my baby was not one of those kids who just sleep everywhere. He needed help going to sleep and it became increasingly difficult as he reached 3 months old. At that time I knew something had to change and I did a gradual decreasing of my involvement with helping him go to sleep and it worked wonderful for him. (This was a article that I found helpful: No Cry Method). Do what works for you and when it doens't work anymore, try something else.
5. Get Support. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to check with your doctor to make sure there is nothing wrong. Trust your insticts and do what you need to. Know you are not alone!
I hope these simple tips can encourage you in the time of difficult sleep. IT DOES GET BETTER! It might not be at 3 months, or 6 months but it does improve over time. You will sleep again. You will clean the house or make a meal again. Give it time. You are doing a fantastic job and are a wonderful mother, NEVER FORGET THAT.
Sending love your way,
-Joy
You might also enjoy this blog
on "Bad Baby"
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So I googled how to get my baby to sleep... Everything I read made me feel like I was doing something wrong. "Put your baby down sleepy but awake," might be great advice but not in the first month! Worst than that though, I saw a ton, a ton, a TON of "Cry It Out" advice and sleep training methods.
It ended up really harming my view of what my baby needed and what was normal as for babies sleeping. So I wanted to share with you 5 Baby Sleep Tips you've probably never heard of before:
1. Hold your baby. This sounds counter-productive and opposite to everything you might read or hear, but hold them, especially in the first three months! They need to know you are there and they are not designed to be far from you. You are their safety and source of life, so hold them as much as you can, enjoy the cuddles, and know that this time is very short and you will get to get up and clean and go out soon, I promise.
2. Every baby is different. Some baby's can sleep anywhere and everywhere and some can not. Some would be content to fall asleep in a crowd of people and some need to be at home in a dark, quiet room. That's okay, it's normal, they're all different, which leads me to my next point.
3. Do what works for you. Not what works for your sister's baby, or your friend's baby, do what works for you and your baby! If that's sleep training, go for it. If that's co-sleeping and nursing them to sleep, go for it! You and your baby are unique and special and what works for you is going to be different than what works for someone else.
4. When it doesn't work, try something else. What they need changes. I quickly learned that my baby was not one of those kids who just sleep everywhere. He needed help going to sleep and it became increasingly difficult as he reached 3 months old. At that time I knew something had to change and I did a gradual decreasing of my involvement with helping him go to sleep and it worked wonderful for him. (This was a article that I found helpful: No Cry Method). Do what works for you and when it doens't work anymore, try something else.
5. Get Support. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to check with your doctor to make sure there is nothing wrong. Trust your insticts and do what you need to. Know you are not alone!
I hope these simple tips can encourage you in the time of difficult sleep. IT DOES GET BETTER! It might not be at 3 months, or 6 months but it does improve over time. You will sleep again. You will clean the house or make a meal again. Give it time. You are doing a fantastic job and are a wonderful mother, NEVER FORGET THAT.
Sending love your way,
-Joy
You might also enjoy this blog
on "Bad Baby"
SHARE. ENCOURAGE. COMMENT.
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