Tips to help your baby sleep through the night

When do babies start sleeping through the night?

Usually, most infants begin to sleep longer hours at night without waking between the ages of four and six months. Most children at this age start eating solid food. Their dependence on breastfeeding from the mother gradually decreases.

How do I get my baby to sleep through the night?

1| Establish a bedtime routine

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is essential to improve a child's sleep. This routine can include activities that help soothe and relax your baby, such as a warm bath, massaging with natural healthy oil, reading a story, or singing softly to your little one. Doing these same activities at the same time every night helps the baby understand that it is time to sleep.

2| Set an adequate sleeping environment

The sleeping environment plays a significant role in how comfortable the child feels. Ensure your child's room is dark, quiet, and at the right temperature. You can also use thick blackout curtains to prevent outside light from entering during the day. Adjust the temperature to suit the child by adjusting the air conditioner settings.

3| Use sounds smartly

Certain sounds, such as white noise, can help a child sleep. You can also use calm music or a device that emits natural sounds, such as rain or sea waves. These sounds help calm the child and make him feel safe, allowing him to sleep throughout the night without waking up.

4| Comfort is key

Make sure your baby feels comfortable before bed. Before he sleeps, check his diaper to ensure it’s dry and clean. Also, ensure he feels full and has eaten well before bed. Feeling hungry or having a wet diaper is one reason babies wake up at night.

5| Avoid stimulation

Avoid stimulating activities such as active play or watching TV at least an hour before bedtime. These activities can make the child more alert, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

6| Watch for signs of sleepiness

Every mother should know her baby's sleepy signals, which can help her understand the appropriate time to put him to bed. The most prominent signs are rubbing the eyes, yawning, and losing interest in playing. Put the child to bed when sleepy, but being awake helps him learn to sleep on his own.

7| Use self-soothing methods

Teaching your child self-soothing methods can help him sleep through the night. Instead of rocking your baby to sleep, try putting him to bed when sleepy and letting him calm down and fall asleep independently. It may take some time, but it is effective in the long run.

8| Reduce night feeding

If your baby is eating solid food but still relies on night feedings, try gradually reducing the number of feedings. This method can help you reduce the baby's frequent waking to feed. Try serving a filling meal before bed to help your baby stay asleep longer.

9| Commit to a fixed schedule

Your child must sleep enough hours during the day to ensure he sleeps through the night. He must also sleep early, at nine in the evening at the latest, so the mother can sleep early and get enough rest.

10| Seek expert help

If you feel tired or your child has persistent sleep problems, do not hesitate to seek help from infant sleep specialists or your pediatrician. They may have the best tips or solutions for your child's condition.

Summary,

Sound and restful sleep are not just a luxury for a child but a necessity for healthy growth and development. The above tips can improve your baby's sleep quality and help him sleep through the night. Remember that every child is unique; what works for one child may not work for another. So be patient and listen to your child's needs.