Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night feeling groggy and exhausted? This situation is familiar for parents with a fussy baby who refuses to sleep.
Infants and toddlers don’t understand that sleep is necessary for their development. It’s their job to learn this during this time in their lives. As the primary caregiver, it’s your job to help them through it with some direction, patience, and creativity.
Not sure how to deal with your baby’s sleepless nights? Here’s our guide on everything you should do if your baby won’t sleep.
Swaddle Baby
Swaddling is one great way to soothe your baby and help them to drift off into dreamland. To swaddle your baby, lay out a light blanket and fold one corner up, placing your baby on top with arms and legs inside the blanket.
Secure the wrap at the top and wrap the sides around to the back. Ensure the wrap is not too tight, as this can cause discomfort and be dangerous.
Offer a Pacifier
If your baby doesn’t sleep, there are a few things to consider. One strategy is to offer a pacifier. The sucking motion of a pacifier may be soothing and comforting for a baby and may help them to drift off to sleep.
Even if your baby has previously refused a pacifier, you can try offering one again now. Be sure to use a clean pacifier, as bacteria can build up over time.
Use Rumbly White Noise
When a baby won’t sleep, it can be a significant source of stress for both parents and baby. One way to help home in on the problem is to look into using rumbly white noise. White noise helps drown out background noises like cars, music, and conversations so the baby to falls asleep easier.
Rumbly white noise mimics the sounds of the womb to lull babies into a deep sleep. It can cancel out any disruptive noises that might be keeping the baby awake.
Rock Your Baby
If you’re having trouble getting your baby to sleep, rocking them is a great way to soothe and calm them. Gently rock your baby in your arms or a rocking chair, and sing or speak reassuringly.
You can also try skin-to-skin contact with your baby to ease them off to sleep. Make sure to try and keep the environment quiet and dark so your baby can relax and stay asleep.
Seek Help From a Sleep Consultant
If you have a baby that won’t sleep, it is vital to reach out to a qualified sleep consultant. Working with them can help you understand patterns in your baby’s sleeping and wake times and potential environmental factors affecting their sleep and help create a personalized plan to fit your family’s needs. It is important to remember not to give up if solutions are not immediate.
Do These Things When Baby Won’t Sleep
If your baby is having difficulty sleeping, don’t panic. Through trial and error, you can find a routine that works for your baby and helps them get the sleep they need. You can help your little one drift off peacefully with the right advice.
Try these tips if your baby won’t sleep, and get a peaceful night tonight.
