Are you a parent desperate for a nap? If so, you’re in luck– this tutorial is here to help you meet your goal of getting your baby down in a speedy 40 seconds! Read on for tips on how to get your baby to sleep fast!
How to Put a Baby to Sleep in 40 Seconds?
Putting your baby to sleep in such a short period of time might sound like a dream, but it’s actually quite doable. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Create a Calming Environment
You’re first step in helping your baby to fall asleep quickly is to create a relaxing atmosphere. This means removing noise sources such as televisions, keeping kids and pets away, and making sure there’s not too much light in the room. A dark and calm room is the ideal environment to help a baby settle down to sleep in less than 40 seconds.
2. Establish a Sleep Routine
Babies are creatures of habit and need time to warm up to sleeping. Creating a bedtime ritual is key to helping them fall asleep faster. This could include a warm bath, turning on a noise machine, or playing soothing music. Keeping the same order to your routine every night will help your baby to associate it with bedtime and thus, fall asleep faster.
3. Play White Noise
White noise is a gentle sound that is repetitive, making it easier for babies to to drift off and stay asleep. You can use a white noise machine or download an app or video to a phone and keep it playing while your baby is sleeping.
4. Swaddle
Swaddling is a process where you wrap a baby snugly in a blanket to give them a sense of security. This gives them a cozy atmosphere that is similar to the womb, helping them to relax and fall asleep. Additionally, swaddling can prevent them from jerking awake from the feeling of their own limbs moving.
5. Have Patience and Don’t Rush
It can be tempting to rush through the pre-sleep routine in order to get your baby to sleep quickly, but doing so can be counter-productive. Rushing can cause more stress and hinder the bedtime process.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that: “Parents should be mindful of not so much attempting to get a certain amount of sleep each night, but to create a bedtime that works best for their family.”
What are Some Tips for Getting a Baby to Sleep?
As stated above, creating a calming environment and a routine are key when putting a baby to sleep. Here are some additional tips that can help:
1. Snuggle
Cuddling and snuggling your baby can help her to relax and feel secure. This can be done through cuddling, rocking her, or stroking her hair.
2. Avoid Overstimulation
Overtired babies can be more difficult to put to bed, so parents should make sure to avoid overstimulation. This can include ensuring your baby doesn’t have too many visitors, avoiding bright lights before bed, and not giving them anything sugary before settling them into bed.
3. Set an Ideal Temperature
The temperature of the nursery should influence sleep success as well. “Colder temperatures can make the room feel like the womb or a swaddle blanket,” according to Kerry Hagen, a registered nurse and certified lactation consultant. “Cooling down the room is the best way to help the baby sleep.” Hagen recommends a room temperature of between 65 and 68 degrees.
4. Use a Sleep Schedule
Having a consistent wake and sleep schedule is a great way to regulate your baby’s bedtime routine. Try to keep their bedtime and wake times about the same every day (including weekends) and give them plenty of time to wind down before sleep.
5. Breastfeed or Bottle Feed Before Bed
One of the best ways to help your baby to relax at night is to feed them before they go to sleep. Breastfeeding or bottle feeding can be the perfect way to get them close while they drift off and will provide them with essential nourishment as well.
It’s not always easy to get a baby to sleep, but with these tips (and a little persistence!) you’ll be able to say goodnight in 40 seconds or less. Good luck!
References:
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015, October 14). Pediatrics: “Bedtime Routine.” AAP. www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/bedtime-routine.aspx
Hagen, Kerry. (2020, April 14). Mayo Clinic: “Caring for Your Baby: Creating a Bedtime Routine.” Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org/healthylifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/caring-for-baby/art-20044762