The Secret To A Better Night’s Sleep
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“Once the baby arrives, you’ll hardly get to sleep” – a word of caution often given to soon-to-be moms! Yet, when you see your baby eating, napping, and happily playing throughout the day, you’ll begin to doubt this advice. But, the moment of truth dawns on you when night falls. As you prepare to sleep having ticked off all the right boxes – feeding, burping, changing the diaper – your baby doesn’t seem to agree with you. Despite all your efforts, you’ll find that your baby will simply won’t fall asleep. Desperate, you check the temperature. No illness. Then, what could it be? Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? If you too are in a similar situation, then let us give you an insight into what could really be going on in your baby’s mind at bedtime:
1. I Need To Be Cozy
Babies like to be kept warm and secure, just like the way it was in the mother’s womb. Leaving them in open spaces scares them. So, whether it’s tucking them in a warm blanket, swaddling, or just a warm cuddle in daddy’s or mummy’s arms, it’ll give them the same secure feel. Swaddling also helps in reducing their startle reflex. Thus, making them sleep more peacefully.
2. It’s Too Hot/Cold In Here!
Babies are not born with the ability to regulate their own body temperature. This might make them sensitive to temperature changes making them cold or sweaty very quickly. It is advisable to use a room thermometer to help maintain an ideal temperature. Make sure you dress your little ones in clothes made of natural fibers that allow their natural skin to breathe easily.
3. Again, What Time Of The Day Is It?
Babies cannot tell the difference between the day and night. So, all they’ll know at first is just a well-lit surrounding. Therefore, the moment you switch off those lights and complete darkness descends, they get nervous and cry. This is where your creative side comes handy. Use some dazzling light projectors that’ll throw an amazing show on your ceiling. It’ll amuse your little one so much so that he/she will not notice when the lights went off.
4. What’s With The Pajamas?? Is It Sandpaper?
We’re sure you love those cartoon pajamas on your baby. But did you check for the smoothness of the fabric? What’s soft for you might not be so for your baby. Babies have an extra sensitive and soft skin and can easily get rashes with a rough material. Therefore, check for the material, inside tags, and rough edges of the seams before buying baby PJs. Always opt for extra soft material.
5. Plop! There Goes The Pacy Again!
You may or may not you use a pacifier for your baby. But if you are using one, then be on the lookout for it during sleep time. If the pacifier falls off just before your baby can float off into dreamland, it can irritate him/her to no end. So, keep a hold on it until your baby sleeps.
6. I Need A Hug!
When your baby needs a hug, just give it. Period. Of course, your hug makes your baby feel all warm, cozy and secure. However, your baby also misses you – something he/she will still not be able to tell you. Throughout the day, you might have been busy with your household chores as the baby slept, played and ate. At nighttime, just when you are about to sleep, your baby will sense your proximity and will want you to cuddle him/her. Isn’t that simply cute? So, if you’ve made all your checks and your baby seems to be restless for no apparent reason, then this could be it! Go ahead and give your baby a good, warm hug and watch him/her snooze away in a jiffy.
Have these insights helped you crack the secret behind your baby’s sleeplessness during the nights? If yes, then we can’t wait to hear if you followed our advice and how it went. So, please share your experiences in the comments section below and help fellow mothers as well. Thanks!
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