Tips for teaching a baby to sleep

Newborns spend most of their time sleeping, but it's not continuous sleep; it occurs in short periods of time and varies with age. As weeks and months go by, sleep patterns regulate, with less time spent asleep but in longer stretches.

What does it mean that a baby's sleep occurs in short periods of time? Newborns sleep around 16 hours a day, spread out between night and day without distinction, but they don't sleep for more than two hours at a time.

Source: etapainfantil.com

How to help your baby sleep alone

One of the first things we should teach the baby is to differentiate between day and night. During the day, keep the house blinds up and carry out tasks as usual, without avoiding noise. This way, the baby will get used to daytime noises. In contrast, at night, do the opposite; create a relaxed atmosphere with dim light and minimize noise.

Start establishing sleep routines as well. For example, set a time for bath, which will also relax the baby and help them sleep better. This way, gradually they will know that after the bath and dinner, it's time to go to bed.

Also, avoid stimulating the baby with games right before bedtime. Ensure the baby is relaxed to fall asleep more easily.

To prevent the baby from getting used to sleeping in your arms, place the baby in their crib when they are about to fall asleep. Or you can gently rock them until they fall asleep.

During nighttime awakenings, don't rush to pick them up. Babies may cry without fully waking up or fall back asleep on their own in a few minutes if they have woken up.

How to tell if the baby is sleepy

Recognizing when the baby is sleepy is important to help them sleep. Otherwise, if they are not sleepy, following these guidelines won't make the baby fall asleep; in fact, they may get more nervous and delay sleep time.

Some signs indicating the baby is sleepy are:

• Rubs their eyes
• Yawns
• Looks away
• Whines

Nighttime awakenings

It is completely normal for a baby to wake up several times during the night. The causes, besides discontinuous sleep, are usually:

-On-demand breastfeeding: the younger the baby, the more frequent the feedings, hence also during the night.

-Crying due to separation: Between six months and two years of age, separation anxiety may occur when the baby cannot see the mother. The baby needs to feel their parents close by hearing their voice or with a hug.

-Discomfort or illness: If the baby has a fever and discomfort, they are likely to wake up. In these cases, monitor the temperature and be patient.

-Diaper change: Many babies cry when they are very wet, so it's essential to change their diaper to avoid discomfort. However, changing is unnecessary if they are not awake or showing signs of discomfort.

When faced with nighttime awakenings, it's best to meet the baby's needs for feeding, diaper change, or addressing discomfort without engaging in prolonged play. Over time, the baby will understand that nighttime is for sleeping, not playing.