THE SLEEP-VIGIL RHYTHM OF NEWBORNS 2015/07/09

We know it well that after a sleepless night it is really difficult to face the next day with serenity. And if our sleepless night has to do with a newborn baby… well, it is even more difficult!

After the first months, we would love for our baby to adapt a little to us or at least we would like if they could understand the difference between day and night

It isn’t easy to give the baby the sleep-vigil rhythm, but we can try to adapt their habits to family rhythm, especially if mom has to go back to work after maternity leave or take care of more children and house chores.

We try to give you some suggestions:

• External stimuli are fundamental: day ‘light’, night ‘darkness’ (you can keep a dim light on for night feedings). This technique must also be adopted for afternoon naps, making sure there is darkness in the room.

• Noises: it should be like the last rule, noise in the day, silence at night, although experts suggest ‘white noises’ that work for the baby to relax: like a softly sang lullaby, the noise of an hair drier, the washing machine, the radio at a low volume, etc. All of those are considered relaxing noises that help with sleep.

• Remember that a bath before bed is extremely relaxing.

• Try to always maintain the same bedtime for the baby, even on the weekends.

• Last, but not least, night routine. Adopt a series of actions that make the baby understand that it is time to go to bed: dim lights, pajamas, change of diaper, milk, a lullaby.. Try it to believe it!

And if the baby has changed the day fort he night, ask for your Pediatrician’s advice: there exist homoeopathists systems, like chamomile or melatonin, to help the baby relax and sleep better.

Good night…