Top 5 Mistakes New Parents Make When Trying To Get Their Baby To Sleep

As a new parent, the arrival of a newborn can be both an exciting and daunting experience. One of the things many new parents struggle with is helping their babies get the quality sleep they need. While it may seem like an impossible task at times, there are some common mistakes that parents make that can make the process even harder.

In this blog, we will explore the top five mistakes parents make when trying to get their baby to sleep, and offer advice on how to avoid them.

#1 Too much light

One of the most common mistakes new parents make is having a room that is too bright or not having the windows blacked out. After the first 6 weeks, babies start to become much more alert and wakeful and it’s a common time for babies to start to experience fussy evenings or witching hours.

This is when it’s best to start to sleep your baby in a dark room for both naps and overnight. Sunlight and bright lights can interfere with their natural sleep rhythm, blocking the production of melatonin, and can make it hard for them to settle to sleep. Invest in blackout curtains or blinds to create a dark, soothing environment for your baby to sleep in.

#2 Temperature Too Cold, Or Sleepwear Layers Too Thin

Another common mistake is not paying attention to the room temperature or the layers of sleepwear your baby is wearing. While babies should not be too hot, they do need to be warm enough to be comfortable. Ideally, the room temperature would be between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, and dress your baby in a couple of thin pajama layers and an infant-safe sleeping bag to keep them warm all hours of the night.

If your baby sleeps well in your arms but wakes a few minutes after being placed down in their cot, then this is often because they’re simply too cold. It can take some trial and error, but keeping them warm enough is one of the key things that will help them sleep soundly through the night. 

#3 Trying To Force Sleep When The Timing Isn’t Right

New parents are often told to avoid letting their baby get overtired, so at the first hint of a yawn they’ll assume their baby needs sleep and rush to settle them. Only to find that they’re impossible to settle to sleep, and will either take a really long time to fall asleep or they might fall asleep quickly but wake shortly after.

These nap battles and short naps are often just because a baby hasn’t built up enough sleep pressure to be able to sleep well. Following an age-appropriate nap and feeding routine can help ensure you are aiming for naps when they are absolutely primed for sleep to happen. 

#4 Not Having Consistent Sleep Cues

Babies thrive on routine and predictability, and having consistent sleep cues for naps and bedtime can help them understand when sleep is coming. This can be things like white noise, a dark room and having a pre-sleep ritual like reading a book or singing a song.

These consistent cues will help your baby understand that it’s time to sleep and can help them wind down, and make it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. 

#5 Doing Too Much

In an effort to try and help their baby sleep many parents will actually start doing too much. Perhaps rocking isn’t working so they switch to bouncing, they try music instead of white noise, they try singing instead of shushing, or suddenly swap parents to see if they can settle them faster.

This can backfire and have the opposite effect, making them really overstimulated. So if you ever feel like your baby is “fighting” sleep, sometimes it’s better to just take a brief break and try again when you’re both calm and they have built up a little more sleep pressure. 

Conclusion

Being a new parent can be overwhelming, and getting your baby to sleep can be a big challenge in some households. By avoiding these top five mistakes, parents can establish a healthy sleep routine that helps the whole family get the rest they need to survive and thrive. If you continue to struggle with sleep issues, consider reaching out to a baby sleep consultant to help you find the right solutions and establish great sleep habits for your baby.

 

Author Bio

Written by Melissa, an internationally certified infant sleep consultant and founder of Baby Sleep Code. Baby Sleep Code offers virtual one-on-one sleep consulting packages and takes a holistic approach to sleep. Providing recommendations on everything that can impact infant sleep, from feeding, nutrition, nap timings, sleep cues, environment, temperament, settling, and more.