Top Baby Sleep Tips for Parents Struggling with Sleep Disruptions

When it comes to baby sleep, parents often face a variety of challenges. If you’re struggling to get your little one to sleep, making a few simple changes can significantly improve the situation. Here are our top baby sleep tips:

1. Establish a Daily Rhythm

Create a consistent sleep, feed, and play schedule. A familiar routine signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down. Bath time, reading, and soft music can help your baby feel safe and secure, making it easier for them to drift off to sleep. 

2. Reduce Sleep Associations 

Does your baby rely on being rocked or fed to sleep? Gradually reducing these sleep associations can teach them to resettle and fall asleep independently, reducing those middle-of-the-night wake-ups.

3. Follow Circadian Rhythms for Naps 

Babies have internal biological clocks that help regulate sleep. Encourage naps around 9-10 AM, 12-2 PM, and 6-7 PM to ensure they get restorative sleep. Napping during these windows can make settling easier and improve sleep quality.

4. Create a Calming Sleep Environment 

Make sure your baby’s room is dark and quiet. Melatonin, the sleepy hormone, is produced when it’s dark, helping your baby sleep more soundly.

Things to Avoid:

• Overtiredness: Don’t keep your baby awake too long before naps or bedtime. An overtired baby will struggle to settle and may wake more often during the night.
• Late Bedtimes: Aim for an early bedtime. A late bedtime can lead to overtiredness and more wake-ups, so aim for a 6:30-7:00 PM bedtime for babies around 12-18 months.

Need to talk to someone about your sleep struggles? Get in touch - we're always here for you at SleepBaker.