- Emma, a pediatric occupational therapist and mother of two, shares seven tips for helping newborns sleep during the night and day without needing to be held all the time
- She emphasizes the importance of ensuring the baby is truly awake and not in light sleep, as newborns spend most of their time in light sleep and might be accidentally woken up
- Emma recommends maintaining a cool room temperature (mid-60s to low 70 degrees Fahrenheit) for optimal sleep, suggesting the use of a room thermometer and appropriate clothing or sleeping bags to regulate the baby's temperature
- Keeping the room dark and quiet is also crucial, as newborns do not have circadian rhythms and can easily be stimulated by their surroundings, potentially affecting their sleep
- Swaddling or using a sleeping bag with the baby's arms down can help dampen the startle reflex and promote uninterrupted sleep
- During nighttime feeds, Emma advises keeping the environment quiet and not stimulating, using a nightlight if necessary, and avoiding activities that could make it harder for the baby to go back to sleep
- Emma warns against allowing the baby to become overtired, stressing the importance of observing their cues for tiredness and providing a quiet and dark environment for naps to ensure better sleep quality
- She suggests considering the use of dummies or pacifiers for soothing, noting that they can be calming for babies and are not necessarily harmful if used appropriately, urging parents to be consistent with the strategies and offering resources for managing fussy periods and engaging the baby when awake
Summary for: Youtube