Top Ten Sleep Training Tips for New Babies
Top Ten Sleep Training Tips for New Babies: How to Create a Calming Bedtime Routine.
Nothing makes bedtime more comforting than a peaceful environment and a loving routine. Below, I’m sharing my top ten sleep training tips to help you establish healthy sleep habits for your little one.
Sleep training for your little one can feel like a daunting task, but it’s such an important step for both babies and parents. After raising three boys, I can assure you that with the right guidance, patience, and routine, sleep training doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are my ten tips to help you create healthy sleep habits for your baby.
1. Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A calm, relaxing bedtime routine is essential. It’s something I wish I had stuck to more consistently when my kids were babies! Whether it’s a warm bath, a gentle lullaby, or a cosy cuddle with their favourite bedtime buddy (like Ben, Taylor or Frankie the Whale), it signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down. Consistency really is key here.
2. Set a Regular Sleep Time
Try to put your baby to bed at the same time every night and wake them up at the same time in the morning. This helps establish a regular sleep-wake cycle and helps your baby’s internal clock. We used to aim for the same bedtime every night, and while it didn’t always go as planned, it made a huge difference in the long run.
3. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Your baby’s sleep space should be safe and serene. I learned quickly that a quiet, comfortable room free of distractions is key. Ensure the crib or cot has a firm mattress, and remove any soft toys or blankets that could be a risk. Ensure that your baby’s sleep space is safe, quiet, and comfortable. The room should be kept between 16°C and 20°C (60°F to 68°F) to maintain a comfortable temperature as this is key to your baby's quality of sleep, not too hot or cold. We loved using soft, calming lights, like the ones in our Whales, to create a peaceful atmosphere before bed.
4. Practice Safe Sleep
When it comes to sleep safety, always place your baby on their back to sleep. I still remember the anxiety around this when my kids were little, but it’s so important to reduce the risk of SIDS. Keep the crib free of pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals, and always use a firm mattress.
5. Learn Your Baby’s Sleep Cues
It can be easy to miss the early signs of sleepiness. I learned to watch for signs like yawning, rubbing eyes, or fussing. Every baby is different, but once you spot those cues, put your baby down before they get overtired. That’s when sleep battles often happen, and we’ve all been there!
6. Offer Consistent Naps
Regular naps are essential for keeping your baby from getting overtired. I found that balancing daytime naps with a bedtime routine worked wonders. Just be mindful that naps too close to bedtime can disrupt night sleep, so try to time them well.
7. Teach Self-Soothing
This can be a hard one, but it’s so important! Over time, try putting your baby down when they’re drowsy but awake so they can learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. It’s not easy, but being patient with the process (and not rushing in at every cry!) will help your baby learn to fall asleep on their own. White noise can be a helpful tool in promoting self-soothing. Gentle, consistent sounds like ocean waves or soft rain can mimic the familiar sounds from the womb, helping your baby feel more secure and drift off to sleep more easily.
8. Night Feeding Strategy
When your baby is old enough, you can start gradually reducing night feeds. I remember the challenge of night feeds, but by slowly cutting back and offering smaller amounts, my babies eventually slept through the night. It wasn’t easy, but being consistent worked in the end.
9. Stay Calm and Patient
Sleep training can be a bit of a rollercoaster. Some nights will be smoother than others, and that’s okay. My biggest lesson was to stay calm and patient. Every baby is different, so adapt to their needs and be flexible in your approach.
10. Seek Support
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Sleep training isn’t something you have to do alone! I’ve talked to many moms who’ve been in the same boat, and sometimes a little support or a chat with a professional sleep consultant can make all the difference.
Every baby is unique, and sleep training isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It takes time, and there will be ups and downs. But with patience, consistency, and a little help from bedtime buddies like Ben, Taylor or Frankie the Whale, you’ll create healthy sleep habits that work for you and your baby. If you need help setting up your little one’s peaceful sleep environment, check out our range of baby sleep aids, designed to make bedtime easier for everyone.