- thenutralmom
How to get your newborn on a sleep schedule.
If you are here, you either just had a baby or you are due to have a baby soon! In that case, congratulations! As you can see from the title, the goal is to get those babies on a sleep schedule that is not only realistic, but one that is easy and can be altered as baby grows. Understand, I am no professional or expert, so these are just my experiences and the things that I found works for us.
The first few weeks of life for baby will be an adjustment for everyone. Not only you and baby, but everyone in the home. So during this time, I believe it's best to get used to the change, heal, and just go with the flow.
Around month 1, there should have been a pattern that you've notice. Especially if you start your day at the same time each morning. This is the time where you can start to put a schedule and routine into place. Alongside the things listed below, remember to be gentle on yourself, try to be consistent and have a lot of patience.*
*DISCLAIMER: some days the schedule you put into place may work and some days it may not.
Create a consistent bedtime routine. Make sure to designate a specific time each evening for your baby's bedtime routine. This could include bath time, reading a bedtime story, playing white noise, or giving them a massage. Doing the same routine each night will help your baby understand that it's time to wind down and get ready for sleep.
Establish a regular working schedule. Make sure to start your day at the same time each morning, even on the weekends, so they can become accustomed to a regular sleep schedule. Remember this sleep schedule includes naps, so pay close attention to those times as well.
Put your baby down when they are sleepy, but not asleep. I found that putting my baby down while he's still awake but is clearly showing signs that he will be sleep soon, helps him learn to "self sooth".
There is no specific order of importance, but understand that these few things may help you get free time, and/or allows you the opportunity to be able to plan according to the times baby is asleep. Understand there is no right or wrong way to raise your baby. The best way is what works for your home. Apply these tips with the sleep guidelines based on baby's age to form the ideal schedule.
If you have any other tips, tricks or hacks that you found helped get baby on a schedule, be sure to comment below, or comment on our instagram to help other moms.
