Expert advices
Understand what the baby’s rhythms are
Each baby has different sleep-wake rhythms. This is why paediatricians invite parents to try to tune themselves to the same wavelength baby has by observing every variation of the rhythm of rest. So mom and dad will have to adapt to the sleep of the newborn and no vice versa …
Do not get caught up in impatience
Baby’s sleep-wake rhythm is not automatic but is acquired with the passing of the months. This is why parents need to be able to wait patiently and at the same time respond to the needs of the newborn.
Create rituals to associate with the phase of sleep
To encourage the sleep of the baby you can sing a lullaby every night, read a tale and so on.
Fall asleep and let the newborn sleep in his bed
The newborn must always fall asleep in his own bed … and this from the very beginning, the “falling asleep” ritual should be associated with his bed. It is in fact absolutely counterproductive for baby to fall asleep while kept in your arms or in a different place than his cot.
Keep calm
Parents should try to maintain control and not lose patience by raising their voice. If the baby wakes up during the night he does not do it on a whim, but he is trying to communicate an inconvenience or a discomfort.
Do not rush into his room as he cries but wait a little
If the baby’s sleep is disturbed it is cause of a discomfort or just because he is hot … frequent nocturnal awakenings may occur with tears. Parents should wait a while before rushing to its room. They should reassure him with cuddles and also check for any possible discomfort (dirty nappy, thirsty, hungry, etc.). It is advisable not to turn on the light of the bedroom and speak in a low and calm tone of voice.
Create an environment suited to baby
The environment where the child sleeps should be as silent as possible, poorly lit and with a temperature of around 19 ° / 20 ° C never higher.
Make the baby sleep on its back.
It is an internationally recommended position by pediatricians especially because it helps preventing the so-called “death in craddle”.
Do not smoke at home and do not cover your baby too much
These are two very important tips to prevent SIDS (death in the cradle) and to prevent the child from becoming ill with disorders of the respiratory system.
Do not use drugs or natural cures to induce sleep in the newborn
Instead of obtaining the desired effect, these substances risk worsening the problem because, more often than not, they create a paradoxical effect. If the baby does not sleep for prolonged periods, it is always best to consult the paediatrician and get advice on the best strategy to follow.
