Just Sox

5 ways to get your baby to go to sleep and stay asleep longer Part 2

5 ways to get your baby to go to sleep and stay asleep longer

 

It's a basic fact, children need sleep.  As parents we want to do everything we can to make sure our little ones fall asleep and stay asleep for longer.  There are tons of sleep advice books and tools out there, but before you spend too much money on something that may not work, we figured we'd publish the second of our four part series on things you can do to help your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep longer:

 

1. Set predictable and consistent nap routines:  Choose times of the day that you are most tired and lie down with your baby to get him used to a daytime nap routine.  This will let you get some much-needed daytime rest and develop a pattern of rest within your baby.  The saying "sleep begets sleep" is true; babies who have a consistent routine of daytime naps are more likely to sleep for longer stretches at night.

 

1. Consistent bedtimes and rituals:  Babies who have a consistent bed time and enjoy familiar going-to-bed rituals usually go to sleep easier and stay asleep longer.  Yet, because of modern lifestyles, consistent and early bedtimes are sometimes not realistic or as achievable as they used to be.  Two-income parents often don't get home until six or seven o'clock in the evening, and following a bedtime routine after this time can sometimes seem impossible.  Familiar bedtime rituals set the baby up for sleep.  The sequence of a warm bath, dressing in a sleepsack, nursing/bottle and quiet time are all cues that, when repeated, let the baby know that sleep is expected to follow.  Capitalize early on patterns of association so you can reap the benefit as your baby grows.

 

1. Dress for the occasion:  In the early months, many babies like to "sleep tight", securely swaddled in a baby blanket.  Older infants like to "sleep loose", and may sleep longer stretches in a sleep sack that allows more freedom of movement.  Make sure that the swaddle or sleep sack you use is made of a natural fabric such as merino, which has temperature regulating properties and will insulate baby when the temperature drops or cool if baby gets too warm.  Merino is also naturally hypoallergenic and will not cause heat rashes or irritate sensitive skin, unlike manmade fabrics such as polyester which have undergone a number of abrasive processes and often have synthetic flame retardant chemicals applied to them.  A baby who gets too hot or too cold may become restless, so it's important to dress them in appropriate sleepwear to ensure longer periods of rest.  for conditions and on themay have coatings on thema number of synthetic coatings.

 

1. Quiet in the bedroom:  Since most babies can block out disturbing noise, you don't have to create a noiseless sleeping environment, but some babies will startle and awaken easily with sudden noises.  For these babies, oil the hinges of the door, put out the dog before he barks and turn the ringer off the phone.

 

1. Darkness in the bedroom:  Use opaque shades, block out blinds or dark curtains to give you an extra hour of sleep if you have little roosters who awaken to the first ray of sunlight in the morning.

 

Dressing your baby in a merino sleep sack each night creates a sleep association that tells baby it's time to relax and sleep is to follow.  Merino is the optimum fabric for babies to sleep in because it can regulate body temperature and wick away excess body moisture, ensuring your baby is comfortable and will not overheat.

 

Look for Part 3 in our four part series on tips to get your baby to sleep and stay asleep longer.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Francis Frost is the owner of Module Marketing in Auckland New Zealand. He is the new father of a 1 year old boy and an advocate of using merino and baby sleep sacks, especially the Merino Kids Baby Sleep Bag. With its award winning design, merino fabric and outstanding function the Merino Kids baby sleep sack is second to none.

Painting demonstration "Master Class" with Alex Perez, Final session part 1 of 2

MODERN MASTERS Metallic Paint #221 Opaque Warm Silver/6OZ. $9.99 Metallic Paint CollectionTM is an elegant alternative to ordinary latex paint. It's simple: just substitute ordinary latex paint with one of the beautiful shimmering metallic paints. You need neither artistic talent nor special skills to transform your project from ordinary to extraordinary....

MODERN MASTERS Metallic Paint #221 Opaque Warm Silver/QT. $26.99 Metallic Paint CollectionTM is an elegant alternative to ordinary latex paint. It's simple: just substitute ordinary latex paint with one of the beautiful shimmering metallic paints. You need neither artistic talent nor special skills to transform your project from ordinary to extraordinary....

Berkshire Trend Rib Opaque Trouser Sock The Berkshire ribbed trouser sock works great with tailored pants, and is a must have for flat shoes. Silky, stretch feeling sock Ribbed matte opaque trouser sock 82% nylon % 18% Lycra construction...

Hunter Piccolo Heavyweight Opaque Toddler Little Girls Tights 2T-16 $14.50 Cold weather, heavy weight tights are the perfect accessory for any outfit this fall and winter. Great accessory for any dress or skirt by Piccolo....

Burgundy Piccolo Heavyweight Opaque Toddler Little Girls Tights 2T-16 $14.50 Cold weather, heavy weight tights are the perfect accessory for any outfit this fall and winter. Great accessory for any dress or skirt by Piccolo....

Steve Madden Legwear Womens Lace Trim Bike Short $18.00 Get in to the trend with these denim bike short leggings from Steve Madden. These legging are 95% Cotton, and 5% Spandex with lace detail at bottom cuffs. Perfect for pairing with a tunic top or skirt, these leggings are the most versatile addition to any wardrobe. Measurements: S - Inseam 8", Rise 7", Leg Opening 7", M - Inseam 10", Rise 7.5", Leg Opening 7", L - Inseam 12", Rise 8", Leg Opening ...

Steve Madden Legwear Womens Black Denim Bike Short $18.00 Black denim bike short. sized for the perfect fit....

Steve Madden Legwear Womens Denim Bike Short $18.00 Get in to the trend with these denim bike short leggings from Steve Madden. These legging are 60% Rayon, 35% Polyester and 5% Spandex and denim inspired color with copper stitching. Perfect for pairing with a tunic top or skirt, these leggings are the most versatile addition to any wardrobe. Measurements: S - Inseam 8", Rise 7", Leg Opening 7", M - Inseam 10", Rise 7.5", Leg Opening 7", L - Inseam...

Bumble and Bumble Color Support Extra Mild Shampoo for Cool Brunettes Hair Shampoos Buy Bumble and Bumble Shampoos - Bumble and Bumble Color Support Extra Mild Shampoo for Cool Brunettes 8.0 oz. How-to-Use: Wet hair, lather, leave in a minute and rinse thoroughly....

Bumble and Bumble Color Support Extra Mild Shampoo for Golden Blondes Hair Shampoos Buy Bumble and Bumble Shampoos - Bumble and Bumble Color Support Extra Mild Shampoo for Golden Blondes 8.0 oz. How-to-Use: Wet hair, lather, leave in a minute and rinse thoroughly....

Kerastase Soleil Aqua-Seal 125ML $30.99 Kerastase Soleil Aqua-Seal Protective waterproof fluid-cream for very sensitized hair Seals the hair with a waterproof veil to protect against harmful UV rays and water aggressors. Improves water retention to make the fiber more supple. Smoothes the hair and brings shine. Use: Apply 1-2 pumps of product in palm of hand and warm until creamy texture turns shiny. Apply on dry hair throughout lengt...

Cremona Novice 1/16-Size Violin Outfit in Opaque Warm Brown $98.99 SV-100 1/16 Features: -VP-61 alloy tailpiece with 4 built-in fine tuners.-Wood chinrest.-Dyed rosewood fingerboard and fittings.-VP-202 bridge.-Solid maple neck.-Inlaid purfling.-Hand carved solid spruce top.-Solid maple back and sides.-Quality Brazil wood bow with genuine.-Unbleached white horse hair. Includes: -Includes bow and case. Color/Finish: -Opaque warm brown finish....

Angelina Lady's Thermal Tights with Super Warm Brushed Interior $12.99 Cold weather must-haves. This thermal tights is extra thick, super warm, with brushed interior and extra cotton crotch. It is so warm, when you wear this underneath your pants, you can literally wear one-less-layer of clothings. If you want to keep your stylish shorts/skirts with boots fashion during the winter, this thermal tights will be your best friend. Comfortably fits models as tall as 5'9" ...

Ymid Select Bamboo Winter Warm Colorful Floral Opaque Thick Tights Pantyhose Leggings One Size $14.99 Our items will ship from Taiwan( Outside of USA),We expect you will receive the item in 9-30 business days. If you can't wait,please do not purchased.thank you ^_^ Our Tights are the perfect combination sexy and fashion. The tights were made by 80% NYLON and 20% Spandex. Cute Floral pattern design. Add Bamboo charcoal to keep your legs warm. They are soft and durable. Each Tights are Regular siz...

Black and Grey Stripe Solid Opaque Thigh Highs by Foot Traffic $5.95 A great change of pace from pantyhose. These Opaque Thigh Highs by Foot Traffic are perfect to wear to the office or school. Well constructed of a superb Nylon and Lycra blend to assure a comfortable and durable fit. Thigh High Length. One Size. Cold water wash. Imported. Fabric: 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex...