This is the question I am asked most by new mom’s, “How do I get your baby to sleep through the night?” I have already shared my 5 ways I help my babies sleep, but I also can’t live without these 5 things!
(This post contains affiliate links that help support this blog For more information read my full disclosure.)
Elevate the Crib
I had my second child in a military hospital. The one good thing about it was their bassinets. They were elevated almost at a 45 degree angle. This helps with acid re-flux and can benefit a new baby’s digestive system. It kept my child from choking on spit up in her sleep (She has been my best sleeper yet!). Your child might slide to the bottom of the wedge in the morning, but it will definitely help them stay asleep!
Imitate the Womb: It’s Dark
When it comes to babies, they want everything to be like the womb. It is virtually pitch black in the womb, so why not mimic that to help them sleep? When nap time comes, make sure the room is darkened, and at night it should be black! These black out curtains work perfectly. Make sure you get a dark color and hold-backs to let a little light in during the day. I use these with all my children and am thinking about getting some for my room!
Imitate the Womb: It’s Warm
Your womb is the same as your body temperature; 98 degrees! The normal household temperature is right around 75 degrees. Your newborn’s body will adjust to the temperature eventually, but in the mean time he needs plenty of coverings to make him comfortable. That’s why I use a seed warmer to make sure they don’t wake up because they’re cold. I like to put it in their bed before laying them down, and then I move it to their feet while they sleep.
Imitate the Womb: No Empty Space
Baby has been cradled in a perfect sack for 9 months. The new empty space feeling can be scary. To keep my baby from flailing, I use a sleep sack. The pictures on the left are two different kinds. I have never used the one on the far left, but my friend is in love with her Zipadee-Zip and I can’t wait to try it! I’ve always used one like the Halo Sleep Sack on the right. They keep baby wrapped and feeling safe.
Imitate the Womb: Constant Low (white) Noise
Have you ever listened to your heart beat from a Dr.’s Stethoscope? It is pretty loud. Now, think about being inside your body. You would hear your heart beat, lungs take a breath, stomach digest your food, your voice box, plus noise from the outside! Quietness is unnatural to babies. That’s why they love white noise. This cozy Giraffe Sound Machine is so cute, or for constant noise, try this Sound Therapy Radio.
*Please consult your doctor for the care of your newborn and educate yourself about SIDS.
If you’re a new mom, make sure you have these 5 things on your registry and if you’re dealing with a sleepless newborn right now, I hope that this post brings a little relief. Don’t forget to read, 5 Ways to help your baby sleep for more strategies.
Thanks for reading. For more parenting tips and tricks, like me on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!
New Moms, Grab a Free Nursing Pillow!
Gail @BibleLoveNotes.com says
Even though my children and grandchildren are past the baby stage, I was curious about your tips. I didn’t realize that your second child was born in a military hospital…was your husband in the Army?
Both of my children were born in military hospitals, and my experiences were challenging : )
But that was almost 40 years ago.
Thanks for participating in TGIF. Always a pleasure to have you there.
Gail @BibleLoveNotes.com recently posted…Who Ya Gonna Please? (TGIF #11)
Tulip says
Hi Gail, Yes my husband was in the Army and my Emma was born on base. It was pretty stressful but the elevated bed was one good thing. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
Katherine says
These are great tips! Swaddling has been my number one go to for helping my babies sleep. At 7 months old though I think we’ve finally outgrown it. I’ve never been too concerned about temp or darkness though. I’ll remember these things if we have need for them in the future 😉
Katherine recently posted…Babies and Beyond Link-Up #4
Alice @ Mums Make Lists says
Lots of great tips here … we really suffered with colic and I so wish I had raised the cot right from the start.
But I do have a child here who broke the darkness and warmth rules. At 3 she still has to have the curtains a bit open or a night light to be able to drop off and apart from a blanket she just cuddles, never knowingly sleeps with bed covers 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing at the Friday Baby Shower – Alice x
swanfish says
Not to be a downer, but the hospital where I had my sons participated in a program for parents through the not for profit organization First Candle, in which parents were educated regarding SIDS. In that class we learned that adding ANYTHING to a crib increases the risks of SIDS. I would advise parents to NEVER add the giraffe noise maker or the seed warmer to the crib when the baby is present. Instead place the noisemaker on the nightstand. Also, be leery using wedges and only use the wedges that go UNDERNEATH the mattress. Actually just adding a few books underneath the legs at the head of the crib can increase the incline much safer then a wedge. Also, we were advised to be very careful regarding over heating baby. Optimal indoor temps. should be between 68-72 degrees. There is actually a slight increase in SIDS deaths in the winter months linked to well meaning parents over bundling their infants. Putting the baby in a sleeper and a sleep sack is sufficient to keep the newborn warm. It is not necessary to add blankets in the bed or a seed warmer. I realize the risk of SIDS is small and that in the 80’s my parents put me on my stomach to sleep with a heavy blanket in a probably leaded bassinet and I managed to survive. However, knowledge is power and we now know better. Here is the address for the First Candle website: http://www.firstcandle.org
Tulip says
Great information! I totally agree. It is better to be safe than sorry. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment.
Andrea says
Good response here. Furthermore, in my experience using white noise, such as with this giraffe sound machine, can make things much worse. Your baby can become attached to it and NEED it in order to go to sleep properly. They can wake up during the night and crave the attention of the music. The same goes with rocking babies to sleep, using a pacifier etc. So if you use this strategy be sure to monitor things carefully.
Andrea => http://bestbabysleep.net
Lisa's Baby Guide says
Very well compiled post. I have just one query, is elevating the Crib really necessary and does it work for all?
Stylish says
What helps our baby sleep was slow sleeping baby music we found on youtube. This helped out a lot. Thanks for this article we can relate to this.
lisa mom says
Good response here. Furthermore, in my experience using white noise, which includes with this giraffe sound system, can make matters much worse. Your baby can become attached to it and NEED it that allows you to go to sleep well. They can wake up in the course of the night and crave the attention of the track. The same is going with rocking toddlers to sleep, the usage of a pacifier and many others. So in case you use this approach be sure to display matters carefully.
lisa mom recently posted…Best Baby Jumper Walker 2020 | Top 10 Reviews & Buying Guide
Hima says
This is ulitmate guide for me to help baby to sleep easy. These are the unknown things for me before reading this article. Thank you for sharing it.
Janine says
You’re welcome!
Zahid Hasan says
This is the perfect guide for me to help my baby sleep soundly. Before reading this article, I was unaware of these facts. Thank you for rendering it available.
Zahid Hasan says
Excellent information! I completely agree. It is preferable to be safe than sorry. Thank you so much for your thoughtful response.
Zahid Hasan says
This is an excellent response. Furthermore, in my experience, using white noise, such as this giraffe sound machine, can exacerbate the situation. Your baby may become attached to it and require it to sleep properly. They may awaken in the middle of the night, craving the attention of the music. The same is true for rocking babies to sleep, using a pacifier, and so on. So, if you use this strategy, keep a close eye