Sleep Tight: Tips for New Moms on Helping Baby Sleep

New Jammies WhalesAt New Jammies, we know that all babies need sleep. In fact, they spend at least 50 percent of their time doing so. Newborns sleep when they’re not being fed, changed and nurtured, so it’s important they’re as comfortable and safe (see our sleep sacks collection) as possible when doing so.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests it’s best to put newborn babies to bed when they are sleepy, but not asleep.

“They are more likely to fall asleep quickly and eventually learn how to get themselves to sleep,” the NSF says. “When infants are put to bed drowsy but not asleep, they are more likely to become ‘self- soothers’ which enables them to fall asleep independently at bedtime and put themselves back to sleep during the night. Those who have become accustomed to parental assistance at bedtime often become ‘signalers’ and cry for their parents to help them return to sleep during the night.”

The NSF says newborns can be encouraged to sleep less during the day by exposing them to light and noise, and by playing more with them in the daytime. “As evening approaches, the environment can be quieter and dimmer with less activity.” The foundation also offers these sleep tips for newborns:

• Observe baby’s sleep patterns and identify signs of sleepiness.
• Put baby in the crib when drowsy, not asleep.
• Place baby to sleep on his/her back with face and head clear of blankets and other soft items.
• Encourage nighttime sleep.

Baby’s sleep patterns for ages 4-11 months can change as eating schedules adapt and social and developmental issues arise. The NSF says by six months, nighttime feedings are usually unnecessary and many infants sleep through the night; 70-80 percent will do so by nine months of age.

“Infants typically sleep 9-12 hours during the night and take 30 minute to two-hour naps, one to four times a day – fewer as they reach age one,” the NSF says. “Secure infants who are attached to their caregiver may have less sleep problems, but some may also be reluctant to give up this engagement for sleep. During the second half of the year, infants may also experience separation anxiety. Illness and increased motor development may also disrupt sleep.”

The Baby Sleep Site

Along with nonprofits that offer advice on baby’s sleep including the NSF, the March of Dimes and more, the experts at babysleepsite.com, provide information on sleep methods, scheduling routines, and baby’s development needs. Nicole Johnson, owner of the Baby Sleep Site and a senior baby sleep consultant, started an Internet-based message board and later a website to offer e-books, articles, a blog, and customized sleep consulting.
“I overcame my son’s sleeping issues in a way that matched my own parenting style, and knew it was my mission to help other tired parents ‘find their child’s sleep,'” she says. ”

The site provides free e-Book Sleep Guides, available at http://www.babysleepsite.com/free-baby-sleep-books. After entering an email address, download the top 15 sleep tips, five ways to help your child sleep through the night, seven secrets to better naps, and how to help your toddler sleep better. Each of the free e-Books come with a blank sample sleep plan.

Bedtime Sleep App

Johnson's Bedtime baby appFor those parents and caregivers who utilize their smart phones and tablets to track and monitor baby’s development, the Johnson’s Bedtime baby sleep app is a convenient tool. Log babies’ daily sleep habits, including how long they sleep and when they’re awake. Records of baby’s sleep log can be stored and shared with your pediatrician. Also, sleep questions can be answered by experts and they can get advice from baby sleep expert Dr. Jodi Mindell on sleep-related topics such as nap time, before bed, and night wakings.

The app also allows users to create their own mix of ambient sounds and baby lullabies to a playlist. A timer automatically quiets the device, and there’s also a dimmer for nighttime viewing.

On the Johnson’s Baby YouTube channel, parents can watch videos on the clinically proven Johnson’s 3-Step Routine, which involves a warm bath, soothing massage and quiet activity.

Safe sleeping with New Jammies

Sleep SacksNew Jammies double-layered sleep sacks are perfect over a onesie for warm nights or with footies for cooler evenings. Sleep sacks encourage infants to sleep on their backs and keep babies warm without loose blankets in the crib for the prevention of SIDS.

Made with 100% organic cotton, New Jammies sleep sacks are breathable to prevent overheating, and come in a variety of sizes and designs. We hope you love them as much as we do!