- Learn to recognize and try to respond to signs your baby’s tired like yawning, rubbing their eyes, flicking their ear, crying, and whining.
- Show your baby the difference between daytime (active, light, noise, excitement) and nighttime (calm, dark, quiet) so they can recognize the cues for bedtime.
- Build in a calm, quiet half hour before you start your baby’s sleep routine that includes feeding, if possible—hungry babies don’t sleep well.
- Try giving baby a warm bath followed by a gentle baby massage.
- Change them into their sleep clothes and a fresh diaper.
- Read a bedtime story and maybe sing a lullaby.
- Say good night to everyone (including teddy) and give them a kiss goodnight.
- Say the same night-night phrase as you put them down to establish a familiar sleep cue.
- Put baby down when you notice she is becoming drowsy, rather than fully asleep.
- Remember the secret to a good routine is consistency, not perfection.
- Find out how much sleep your baby needs here.
Sources
Canadian Paediatric Society. Caring for Kids. Healthy Sleep for your baby and child. https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/healthy_sleep_for_your_baby_and_child Accessed September 2020.
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