Putting a baby to sleep is not an easy thing for mothers to do. Especially if the baby often wakes up in the middle of the night and makes the mother tired. If this condition continues, it will have an impact on the health of the baby and mother. Therefore, let's look at the following reviews on how to put a baby to sleep effectively.
In general, newborns do not have a fixed sleep pattern. This is because newborns cannot distinguish between day and night, so they tend not to follow the normal sleep cycle.
Various Ways to Put a Baby to Sleep
Here are some ways to put your baby to sleep that you can apply:
- Set room temperature
Generally, the bedroom temperature that is considered ideal for babies is around 21 to 22 degrees Celsius. If your baby looks sweaty, add layers of cloth to help absorb the sweat and don't swaddle. Meanwhile, if the baby feels cold, you should add a blanket so that the baby is comfortable again.
- Short massageOne effective way to put a baby to sleep is to give him a baby massage. Gentle massage can make the baby feel comfortable and relaxed. Massage the arms, legs, and stomach before going to bed. It doesn't take too long, just do this for about 15 minutes. You can also use baby oil as massage oil. Instead, stop the massage if the baby looks uncomfortable and fussy.
- Give comfortable clothesIf you want your baby to sleep soundly, wear clothes made of comfortable materials such as cotton. This is also one way to put the baby to sleep so he sleeps faster. In addition, wear diapers that easily absorb fluids to anticipate if the baby pees, so that the baby's sleep is not disturbed.
- Take the baby to bed and make sure the baby's sleeping position is safeWatch for signs your baby is sleepy, such as yawning, eye rubbing, and heavy eyes. Although the baby is still awake, but there are signs of sleepiness, immediately take him to bed. Let the baby calm himself until he is completely asleep. The thing to remember, don't make eye contact with your little one for long because it will stimulate him to interact with you again.In addition, position the baby to sleep with his back touching the mattress alias on his back. This position is the safest. Avoid sleeping on the stomach or on the stomach, because it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
- Pay attention to room lightingMaking the room dim is also an effective way to put your baby to sleep. Light in the bedroom can have an impact on the body's circadian rhythm, which is our natural sleep and wake cycle. Dark rooms also affect the production of the hormone melatonin, which is a hormone that helps the sleep cycle.
- Avoid rocking babyIf the baby is 5-6 months old, avoid putting him to sleep by holding and rocking. When he looks sleepy, just lay him down in a crib or crib and give baby a chance to calm himself down. This can train him to sleep on his own.
The main way to put a baby to sleep is to create the same routine every night. This will make it easier for your baby to sleep, and you can get enough rest. If you are disciplined to apply it, gradually the baby will understand that the night is the time to sleep.