Moms will surely agree, getting enough sleep is an essential need for newborns. However, the biggest challenge often comes when trying to put the little one to sleep. Newborn babies can sleep 14–17 hours a day, but not always at regular times.
This is because a baby's circadian system has not fully developed. Therefore, understanding how to properly put a newborn to sleep greatly helps in creating a calm, comfortable atmosphere that supports optimal growth and development.
This article will discuss eight effective ways for newborn babies to sleep faster and more soundly based on expert guidelines.
How to Put a Newborn Baby to Sleep
1. Pay Attention to Nap Patterns
Babies who sleep too long during the day may have difficulty sleeping at night. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), newborn babies generally need about 14–17 hours of sleep per day, divided between day and night.
Moms can start regulating nap patterns by ensuring the baby doesn't sleep too long at one time, for example, a maximum of 2–3 hours. Gently wake them up for feeding, then engage them in interaction to maintain their nighttime sleep cycle.
2. Do Not Provide Excessive Stimulation
Stimulation such as loud toys, bright lights, or excessive physical activity before bedtime can actually make the baby more awake.
It is advisable to reduce stimulating activities 30 minutes before bedtime. Replace them with a calm atmosphere such as hugging, gently rocking, or singing soothing lullabies.
3. Train Independent Sleep Patterns
Meski terdengar menantang, Moms bisa mulai melatih bayi untuk tidur sendiri sejak dini. Menurut metode sleep training yang banyak digunakan oleh dokter anak, membiasakan bayi tidur di tempat tidurnya sendiri akan membantu menciptakan pola tidur yang lebih stabil.
Place the baby in the crib when they start to get drowsy, not when they are already asleep. This teaches the baby to soothe themselves.
4. Pay Attention to Signs of a Sleepy Baby
Each baby has distinctive signs when they start to feel sleepy, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, becoming fussy, or staring blankly. Recognizing these signs will help moms respond more quickly to put the baby to sleep before they become too tired.
Babies who are too tired actually tend to have difficulty sleeping because their bodies become more active.
5. Avoid Sleeping While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding does make the baby feel comfortable, but if done while lying down, it can make the baby accustomed to falling asleep only when being breastfed. This habit can disrupt long-term sleep quality.
Moms can breastfeed first, then after the baby appears sleepy but is still awake, place them in their bed. This way, the baby learns to differentiate between feeding time and sleeping time.
6. Give a Gentle Massage
Pijatan lembut terbukti secara ilmiah dapat membantu bayi merasa rileks dan tidur lebih nyenyak. Penelitian yang dipublikasikan oleh Journal of Pediatric Psychology menunjukkan bahwa pijatan pada bayi dapat menurunkan kadar kortisol (hormon stres) dan meningkatkan melatonin, hormon yang membantu tidur.
Use safe baby oil, and gently massage the baby's back, legs, and arms before bedtime.
7. Create a Consistent Sleep Routine
Routine sleep greatly helps babies recognize when it's time to rest. Moms can create a simple schedule like a warm bath, putting on pajamas, singing a lullaby, and then putting the baby to sleep. Do it consistently every night so the baby gets used to it. This routine creates a sense of security and predictability for the little one.
8. Set a Comfortable Room Atmosphere
Lingkungan tidur yang nyaman sangat mendukung bayi untuk tidur lebih nyenyak. Pastikan suhu kamar tidak terlalu dingin atau panas, pencahayaan redup, dan minim suara bising. Gunakan white noise atau suara lembut seperti suara kipas angin untuk menenangkan bayi. Tak kalah penting, pilih alas tidur dan perlengkapan yang lembut dan menyerap keringat.
One way to create maximum comfort for your little one while sleeping is by choosing supportive equipment, including the diapers used. MAKUKU Skin Health is here as the right solution to support a more restful sleep for babies.
With the ability to absorb liquid for up to 12 hours, MAKUKU Skin Health helps reduce moisture on the baby's skin. This diaper is also dermatologically tested, effectively preventing irritation and diaper rash, and has an ultra-soft surface for extra comfort throughout the night.
With MAKUKU Skin Health, your little one's sleep remains dry and comfortable, and Moms can also rest more peacefully.
Putting a newborn baby to sleep indeed requires patience, diligence, and strategies tailored to each child's needs. By understanding the eight methods above, Moms can help the little one sleep faster and more soundly, which will certainly have a positive impact on their growth and development. Don't forget to create a comfortable sleeping environment, from routines and gentle massages to using the right diapers like MAKUKU Skin Health.
