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What you'll need:
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Sleep
One time to dos:
🔲 ✨Learn how to start a bedtime routine: Approximately eight weeks in, many sleep experts suggest creating a bedtime routine. This practice can help signal to babies when it's time for bed, encouraging them to settle down for their first and usually longest stretch of sleep.
Tip!: Avoid making a complex bedtime routine that will be difficult to complete every night. Stick with simple and repeatable.
💡 Learn More: Precious Little Sleep: Bedtime Everything Starts Here | Taking Cara Babies: Baby's Bedtime Routine | Happiest Baby: The Simple Baby Bedtime Routine That Really Works
🔲 ✨Follow the manufacturer's instructions to setup the crib: If your baby is sleeping in a bassinet, it’s essential to transition them to a crib once they reach the manufacturer’s weight and height limits or when they achieve certain milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, or getting on their hands and knees. This usually occurs around 4 to 6 months, but it can happen sooner. Consider purchasing and setting up the crib now, so you're prepared if your baby begins rolling early or is progressing quickly in their growth.
Recurring to dos:
🔲 ✨ Get to know your newborn’s daily sleep patterns: Expect around 12-16 hours of sleep a day. It may be in bursts of 2 to 4 hours at a time. Reminder! There is a range of normal, if you are ever concerned speak with your baby’s pediatrician.
Tip!: Around 6-8 weeks you may start to see improved nighttime sleep. The first sleep stretch of the night will be the longest. If you are struggling for sleep go to bed when baby does to ensure you are getting a long stretch too.
Tip!: As your baby continues to get older their sleep needs will continue to change. Yes, it is a moving target! Check-in about every 1-2 months to ensure your schedule is meeting your baby's needs.
💡 Learn More: AAP: Getting Your Baby to Sleep | AAP: Waking Up Is (Sometimes) Hard to Do (How to wake a sleeping baby) | Happiest Baby: First Year Sleep Schedule | Precious Little Sleep: Are you keeping baby awake too long?
🔲 Try 1-2 (or all) crib naps daily: If you're about to start daycare soon or simply need a moment to yourself while your baby naps, it's a great idea to begin practicing crib naps. Whichever approach you decide to try, maintain consistency for 5 to 7 days, and then take some time to reassess the situation.
🔲 Follow safe sleep guidelines: Your baby's safety is top priority and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can be a scary topic for new parents. The AAP has guidelines for safe sleep to help reduce the occurrence of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Take a moment to review AAP's website in safe sleep.
Important Note: As I am not an expert in sleep, I am only linking to AAP's official policy. If you are struggling to stay awake with your baby or find it difficult to follow these guidelines please speak with your care team to discuss safe options.
💡 Learn More: AAP: How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
🔲 Optional sleep helpers: Swaddles, sound machines, and pacifiers can be helpful sleep aids. Try these out to find what works for your family.
Important Note: Swaddle sizing should be monitored to ensure correct fit.
Important Note: Pacifier age should be fore 0-3 Months.
Important Note: Sound machine should be placed away from baby's sleep area and no louder than 50 db.
💡 Learn More: AAP: Sleep