This thing with small babies and sleep is a science in itself. It can be a tough journey for many parents because even if the baby is tired, it seems like they don't want to sleep. The question one might ask is, is it because they don't want to sleep, or are they simply unable to find a way to fall asleep? Life for a little one is full of new information, every hour, every second. It's simply a lot to process and it can be hard to 'shut down'. But luckily, your baby has you. With your help, they can get the sleep they need. The basic ingredients for this are: relaxation, security, and routines. Nothing beats routines for helping your baby fall asleep. Routines convey security and security helps them relax.
- A good bed from the start
Your baby is growing at a rapid pace, which may mean that you have to buy several beds during the first five years of your child's life. This is not good for the wallet and not for your little one because it means they have to get used to a new sleeping environment over and over again. To avoid this, it is smart to buy a regular single bed (with a good child-friendly mattress) that works for the first five to ten years. If you have enough space in your bedroom, you can place it next to your bed at the same height. Make sure there are no gaps or places where the baby can get stuck or fall from. If there is not enough space in the bedroom, a crib or a toddler bed that can be left open on one side is also a good choice. These are usually narrower and only 120-140 cm long. Later, when it's time for your little one to move to their own room, you can simply move this bed.
- A safe sleeping environment
See our guide below, if it helps you can hang it on the refrigerator or in your bedroom.
- Right sleeping bag
It is common for a baby to turn and twist a lot while sleeping. As we get older, we learn to keep the blanket in place when we sleep, but your baby has not yet learned to do this. Therefore, we recommend a sleeping bag of suitable thickness so that your baby is warm at night and can sleep safely. It is important that the sleeping bag fits well so that the baby does not slip down into it. The guideline here is: the child's body length minus the head length + 10 to 15 centimeters for movement and growth. Ergobaby sleeping bags come in different sizes, but also in different thicknesses. Depending on whether it is summer or winter, you may need different sets for your baby. In our TOG table, you can see how to dress your baby during the summer or winter, depending on the thickness of the sleeping bag.
- A dark bedroom
Day or night? A newborn baby doesn't know the difference between day and night and needs to learn the circadian rhythm from you. By keeping the bedroom dark when it's time to sleep, you help your baby relax. Research shows that it is easier to relax in a room without stimuli, so pull down the blinds when it's time to rest.
- Collaboration is the key
As parents, you are responsible for your child and it is you who should set the direction while also responding to your child's needs: if they are hungry, you give them something to eat; if they are tired, you make sure they get to sleep, and so on. Additionally, if you follow routines, it is easier to know when your child needs to eat and sleep if they do not signal their needs.
- Nap after breastfeeding is ensured
A pacifier satisfies your infant's need to suck and can thereby help the child to calm down. But before you start using a pacifier, it is important to ensure that breastfeeding is going well. The part of the pacifier between the lips should be thin so that the child's mouth can close properly. It is also advisable to choose an age-appropriate size.
- Stuffed animal or security blanket
A stuffed animal, security blanket, or similar item can be comforting when it's time to sleep, as they smell like the baby and soothe them. After a while, your baby will also learn that the stuffed animal is always there for comfort. Keep in mind that stuffed animals/security blankets should not be too large and preferably made of materials without harmful additives. From what age can you start with stuffed animals or similar items? Well, when the baby is about five months old. For the smallest children, the safest place to sleep is in a bed as empty as possible, so remove unnecessary items when your child sleeps. When your child turns one year old, you can let the stuffed animal stay in the bed when the child sleeps, and they can then seek out their little friend in the bed and soothe themselves. Before that age, remember that the safest place is a bed without items that the baby can get caught in.
- Get help!
It's not just parents who can help their child fall asleep; another close family member can also do it. Introduce grandparents or similar when you feel comfortable with it.
- Sleep routines based on age
You might already know this, but age-appropriate sleep routines for small babies are worth their weight in gold. Every child is obviously different, but find out what your baby needs and adjust routines according to their age. A simple rule is that at the first sign of tiredness, make sure your baby gets some rest. Do not overexert your baby as it quickly leads to crying. Crying is the last thing your child can do to tell you they are tired. So try to see early signals and don't let it go too far. Also, try to maintain routines by getting up at the same time in the morning and going to bed at the same time in the evening (with a tolerance of about 30 minutes). This gives your baby a routine that helps when it's time to sleep.
- A safe hand – for as long as needed
Your baby will not sleep through the night right away for the simple reason that they are not mature enough for it. Sleep consists of successive sleep cycles, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes. At the end of each cycle, your baby wakes up and usually needs your help to fall back asleep. This will get better over time and your little one will learn to link the cycles independently. But until then, they need you. This does not mean you have to feed, pick up, or change their diaper every time (assuming they are not hungry, etc.). So when your baby wakes up, you can talk softly to them, hum, or place your hand on them. This may be enough to let them know they are safe and can fall back asleep.
In conclusion, one of the hardest things to handle as a new parent is indeed sleep deprivation. But with these tips, we hope that you together can find a good foundation for a good sleeping environment where routines help and facilitate for the whole family. Sleep well!
