Sleep is just as important as nutritious food and drink for you infant. Unfortunately, with busy schedules, work and other stress-related factors in your lifestyle, infants may miss out on their important bedtime rituals. The following tips can aid in your baby getting a good night’s rest.
Power Source
The power switch that affects your infant’s mind, alertness and keeps them calm is sleep. This is an excellent way for your infant to recharge their brain for the next round of activities that they have to deal with. When your child gets a sufficient amount of sleep either during nap time or at night, their brainpower and thought process is increased. It also allows them to be at their physically and mentally best.
How Much Sleep is Sufficient?
During the first few months of your newborns life, your baby may sleep as much as 16 hours. Your infant won’t know the difference between the daytime and nighttime hours. Their naps could be between the two and four hour range with brief periods of alertness and eating mixed in between. As they grow, you’ll find that they will require less sleep, but you can adjust this based on their health and wellness.
Mood and Positivity
A baby who doesn’t get enough sleep may seem cranky and fussy. They could even go through bouts of crying, rubbing their eyes and whining. This could in turn affect your mood and positivity if you’ve been up all night to deal with their moodiness.
Set a Schedule
Even though you may have your own busy schedule and find it difficult to adhere to, it will be much more beneficial for your child’s health and mood if they follow a set schedule. This means eating dinner at an appropriate time and easing into their bedtime rituals.
Toys and Infant Equipment
Toys and infant equipment for you baby can also aid in getting them ready to sleep. Whether you are using a traditional crib or a baby play yard, putting them to sleep in the same bed each time can help to set up the routine. The movements, sounds, lights and melodies can all do their part to get your child to relax and lull them to sleep on time. Since the quality of their sleep is just as important as the number of hours, you’ll find these natural sleep methods to be beneficial for them to enjoy an uninterrupted sleep pattern.
Bedtime Rituals
Bath time rituals and massage therapy are other natural methods of getting your infant to relax and get ready for bed. If you’re rushed through a busy day, your baby can feel the stress and chaos that you’re experiencing. A warm bath can aid them in relaxing their muscles and releasing the anxiety and tension that they may have experienced. You can also take a massage therapy class, so you know which areas are most beneficial to soothing them and allowing them to relax. Another bedtime ritual is bedtime story hour. This is a great tradition that can last into their school years.
Sleep deprivation will have a significant negative impact on your infant’s growth, development and mental capabilities. While each child is different, and their needs may vary, you should assess your child’s own personal quota. Even if they don’t appear tired and ready for slumber, their sleep schedule can help keep them on track to being well-rested and filled with brain power.