Baby Sleep Hygiene Tips for Better Rest

Creating a soothing sleep environment can make a big difference in your baby’s rest. Some helpful practices include:

• Establishing a routine: Incorporate activities like reading a story or singing a lullaby before bed. Even with newborns, these routines can help build consistency.

• Controlling light exposure: Keep lights dim during bedtime and overnight feeds, and use blackout curtains to prevent disruptions from natural light.

• Using white noise: A white noise machine can help your baby stay asleep by masking household sounds.

• Maintaining a calm environment: Keeping bedtime predictable and relaxing is beneficial for both baby and parents.

Good daytime sleep also supports nighttime rest, so ensure your baby gets adequate naps. As they grow, their nap patterns will shift, so follow your baby’s cues to adjust schedules as needed.

If sleep deprivation becomes overwhelming, consider seeking help from a nighttime newborn care specialist, doula, or even family members. You could also add overnight care to your baby registry as a gift. Supporting sleep doesn’t just ensure safety but also helps preserve caregivers’ mental health, as exhaustion is a major risk factor for perinatal mental health challenges.