top 10 baby sleep tips!

• • Dark Room: like really really dark. if you are here for advice, mine is to get blackout shades. tape black trash bags on the window. do what you have to do. but make it dark. so dark you can’t see your hand when you’re in there.
  • White Noise: white noise mimics the womb at an early newborn age and continues to reinforce sleep as they grow. I recommend a strong sound machine and make sure it’s not the kind that turns off automatically, because that could wake the baby up itself (and I’ve seen it happen with Leo multiple times)
  • Temperature: baby’s room should not be too warm or too cold. I always think about what I sleep in or what I am currently wearing during the day, and then add on a layer or so for the baby (i recommend a swaddle or sleepsack pending age).

2. Daytime Calories 

baby needs to be eating enough during the day to ensure a good nighttime sleep! the amount of breastmilk, formula and solids vary pending age, but I always remind myself that a satisfied tummy helps more than we think!

3.Daytime Sleep

sleep begets sleep! the more restful sleep they get during the day, the better they will sleep at night. that said, baby should not sleep too much during the day, but age appropriate naps are extremely important!

4. Wake Windows

wake windows are so important as in order to get a good sleep baby should not be under tired or over tired. the appropriate wake windows vary per age AND baby so it’s  a fine line and can be tricky but reading sleep cues is essential.

5. Read ThoseSleep Cues

as mentioned above, reading sleep cues has been so essential! some (but not all) things to look for are red eyebrows, rubbing of the eyes, and fussiness. when I see any of these signs, it’s time for nap or bed!

6. Put Baby Down Awake

7. Talk To Your Pediatrician

if you’re concerned about anything at all, especially when it comes to baby’s diet/food intake, regular behavior and overall wellbeing, talk to your pediatrician :) this is SO important, for your baby’s health and everyone’s peace of mind.

8. Routine

we had a strict schedule for the twins the moment they came home from the hopsital. we had to have it to survive with two at once! with leo, we were more leniant. a scheudle is helpful, but it doesn’t need to be strict. especially at a young age when regular naps at specific times have yet to be established. that said, babies do need a routine that associates sleep. even if it’s a few simple things a night like bath, pjs, feed, song, babies need these repetitive rituals that will set them up for healthy sleep habits at as young as a few months old. lots to say about routines and schedules later :)

9. Consistency

be consistent in whatever routine and rituals you set up in your family

10. If its working for mama, its working (Oh, and take a deep breath) 

there are so many books, rules, pieces of advice, but here’s the thing. if it’s working for you mama, it’s working. if baby is up twice a night, and you are loving the midnight nursing sessions in silence because it’s total chaos during the day with your other kiddos, keep loving it. If you want every hour of sleep and need the strict structure, so be it. Remember it won’t ever be perfect. Even if you have the best sleeping baby with the most structured day set up. take a breath, be patient, and most importantly, give yourself (and baby) a little grace. there are moments you’ll want to “break the rules,” snuggle your baby a little longer and all the things. do it. even with my third baby, I’ve learned that the little guy isn’t the only one learning here, I am too. Mommy and baby are in this journey together.