How to help your baby sleep: our practical advice
During the early stages of life, a baby spends the majority of his time sleeping. Sleep is indeed an important time, especially for its development. Sleeping well helps baby grow properly. Over time, this will promote their language, their learning, their memory, the regulation of their mood, their feelings…
Like nutrition, sleep is fundamental to a child’s growth. It must therefore be of good quality and above all long enough. And for good reason, it is during sleep that the body begins the production of growth hormone.
As parents, you must ensure that your little one gets enough hours of sleep every day. But how can we help him? What to do ? In this article, discover some practical recommendations so that your baby enjoys restful sleep every day.
The importance of sleeping well for a young child
For a baby, as well as a child, it is necessary to have sufficient hours of excellent quality sleep every day in order to grow properly. Sleeping well every day, in a comfortable bed, is essential for many reasons.
Quality sleep is essential for recharging energy, maintaining optimal mental and physical health, and promoting concentration and creativity in infants. During the night, the brain regenerates, resulting in beneficial physical relaxation and improved cognitive abilities.
Sleep is just as important as nutrition, for adults and babies alike. Sleep deprivation in toddlers can lead to low morale, just as malnutrition affects their health. Peaceful sleep promotes cell regeneration, eliminates toxins from the brain and encourages the formation of new neuronal circuits, which in turn facilitates learning and memory.
In addition, sleep contributes to the production of growth hormone, necessary for growth, repair of muscle, bone and skin tissue, and regulation of appetite. These reasons underline the crucial importance of sleep in a child's overall development. It is therefore essential for parents to provide their children with an environment conducive to quality sleep. The following tips can help.
Some effective techniques to help baby fall asleep
As you probably already know, a baby sleeps a lot during the first months of his life. Unfortunately, he sometimes has trouble falling asleep. This is where you come in. You can give it a boost with the few tips below.
The pacifier: an ideal companion for baby's nights
Around the age of 6 to 7 months, most babies begin to feel the need to reassure themselves with a cuddly toy. This companion soothes the baby when he has to fall asleep alone in his room, far from his parents.
From their very first month, infants develop the ability to recognize objects by smell, touch and sight. This ability facilitates the transition to solitary sleep, as the baby quickly becomes attached to his cuddly toy.
Once bonded to their comforter, babies will feel more secure when they have to sleep alone in their crib or bed. It's a good idea to have several comforters, especially if you need to wash one.
The night light: an effective way to help baby sleep
Installing a small night light in your little one's room will definitely help them fall asleep. This accessory will allow him to be less afraid. Some children cannot sleep without a light or a lullaby. The low light emitted by the night light will soothe and calm your little one. Very often, children fear the dark and this can lead to nightmares. With the night light, he will sleep peacefully.
In addition, the subdued light of the night light constitutes ideal additional lighting. Instead of turning on the main light source, which can be dazzling, especially for baby's sensitive eyes, simply use the night light. While all the lamps are off, the night light will remain on and provide sufficient brightness to prevent baby from being afraid.
In short, much more than a simple decorative element, the small wall lamp can be very practical. When the child asks for a nighttime feed, there is no need to turn on the central light, because the night light will do the job perfectly. Mom will breastfeed him quietly and for his part, the toddler will quickly get back to sleep.
The cuddly toy: baby's best friend from a very young age
Most of the time, babies begin to feel the need to own a cuddly toy from the 6thth or 7th month. The comforter is like a companion who helps the little one calm down when he has to leave his parents to sleep alone in his room.
From his first month, the infant is already able to recognize objects thanks to his sense of smell, his touch and his sight. This ability will allow him to better experience the separation from mom and dad before sleeping. He will then quickly become attached to his cuddly toy.
As soon as he has bonded with his cuddly toy, your child will no longer dread the moment when he will have to go to bed alone in his cradle or bed. Ideally, buy your little darling several cuddly toys. This will be more practical, especially when the companion is sent to the laundry.
Swaddling the infant while sleeping
Swaddling a child is a practice that has existed since the dawn of time. It can be of great help when the infant has difficulty falling asleep. Swaddling simply involves covering your baby with a blanket that is not too thick. If you don't know how to do this, ask your pediatrician or midwife how to do it.
Curled up in the blanket, he will feel the feeling he had when he was still warm inside his mother's womb. He will feel very safe. Not being able to move, he will sleep longer and rest well. However, you must be careful because swaddling can increase your baby's body temperature. When you swaddle him, remember to put him in light clothing.
Cuddles from mom and dad: nothing better to fall asleep to
Before bed, the ritual of cuddling is a more than privileged moment, both for the parents and for the little one. It is reassuring for baby to feel your skin against his. This makes him feel safe, being snuggled in your arms. Enjoy this moment of complicity. You can also rock him and sing him a melody that will soothe him.
If you want, you can massage it using an oil specially designed for toddlers. A gentle, light massage will relax him and help him calm down, and at the same time get ready to fall asleep. Last point, end this beautiful moment full of sweetness with a loving kiss to wish him a wonderful night.
Tips for providing your baby with an environment conducive to falling asleep
Now that you know what elements can be useful to help your little angel fall asleep, find out how to create an environment conducive to sleep.
Optimal temperature in your bedroom
An infant feels almost the same things as adults. When it is too cold or too hot in the room where he sleeps, he will not fall asleep easily. For him to sleep in the best conditions, the ambient temperature should be between 18 and 20°C. Every day, ventilate the room for at least half an hour.
If possible, reserve the room in your home that has the best exposure for the little one. This way, he will be able to benefit from natural light, which will pleasantly warm his space. The best would be to have a south or southeast exposure.
How to put the little one to bed?
It is essential to always lay your child on his or her back. Once he is able to roll over on his own, he will do so if he wants, but never put him on his stomach. This is a security issue.
On the other hand, so that he properly develops his neck muscles, place him on his stomach from time to time. This, only when he is awake. Do this two or three times a day, and of course under your supervision.
Conditions relating to sleeping space
When purchasing your child's bedding, consider the following criteria. First of all, choose a bed exactly the size of your little one. Opt for a firm mattress and do not add any blankets or large pillows. Instead, cover the bed with a fitted sheet. If you are afraid that he will catch a cold, dress him in an over-pajamas or a sleeping bag.
What about the baby monitor: is it an obligation?
The baby monitor is a practical and useful accessory for parents with young children. And for good reason, it allows you to keep an eye on your little one and know how they are doing. It should be noted that to date, there are several models of baby monitors, some of which are equipped with cameras. However, when the little one is sleeping, you do not have to use it. In any case, this gadget can be reassuring for parents.
Conclusion
Making it easier for baby to fall asleep is a simple task as long as you follow good practice. Make sure you create a comfortable room that is conducive to sleep, with every item carefully arranged.
Establishing a regular ritual can also help baby fall asleep more easily and feel secure at bedtime. To achieve this, choose a fixed bedtime every night and create a peaceful environment that gently prepares your child for sleep. This ritual can also be a special time for sharing pleasant moments together.
By following these tips, you'll be able to get your little girl or boy to sleep in no time, creating more peaceful nights for the whole family.