SLEEPING HABITS

My number one tip for getting a baby into a good sleeping habit is to start a bedtime routine from the very start. An average routine usually last around 20 minutes, if you have a new born it may only be 10 minutes. An example of a bedtime routine is down below.

New born babies do not have circadian rhythms yet, so it is important to have 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark a day. If your baby is still sleeping at 7am open the blinds and let in some sunlight but this does not mean you have to wake up the baby.

If you find your baby is wakening between 3-4 in the morning I would recommend turning the heating on as your body temperature is lowest at this time.

If you are feeding your baby expressed breastmilk I recommend giving the milk at the same time it was expressed as the mother produces hormones that occur in the circadian rhythm.

Avoid using "blue" light for 1-2 hours before bedtime. This includes screens, nightlights, iPad. If you need a nightlight for feeding I would use a red bulb.

Ensure the baby is not over-tired. Follow early signs such as yawning, fussing, waving arms and legs, glazed expression.

A sleep cycle lasts 40-50 minutes if you want to help a baby join 2 sleep cycles together a good tip is going in 10 minutes before the baby wakes and place your hand on his tummy. Not all babies require longer sleep naps.

Swaddling new born babies can help them stop waking up from startling.

Bedtime Routine

1. Bath - Ensure the water is not too hot as this can effect sleep.

2. Baby Massage - Can help relax the baby

3. Stories or a Lullaby

4. Milk

5. If possible try and put the baby in the cot awake.