Top Sleep Tips for Baby – First 6 months

Make sure you get some sleep while you can!

There’s not a pregnant women on Earth who hasn’t had this well-meaning piece of advice sent their way, as those who have come before us share their stories of sleeplessness and exhaustion.

Of course, there’s always those mums whose babies slept through the night seemingly from the very moment they came home.

In reality though, there is no set time that your baby will start to sleep through the night. Babies are their own unique little people and how and when they sleep can depend on a number of different variables.

However, there are some things you can do to encourage your bub to rest easy, and – hopefully – get a little more sleep.

Meaning you’ll get a little more too!

Here are our top sleep tips for baby in their first 6 months:

Let bub lead the way

Everyone has a story to tell, and there’s an abundance of information available that suggest baby need follow a set sleeping schedule. However, babies know when they’re tired, and when they’re not – so let them guide you.

You’ll get to know your baby’s tired signs pretty quickly. Don’t fight it, go with your gut, and let bub sleep as much as she likes.

Forget what you “should” do

Everyone has an opinion on what is the right and wrong way to help your baby go to sleep. Especially in those first few months – throw all that advice out of the window. If you want to rock your bub to sleep (and it works), go for it!

Use a dummy or some background noise if you choose – even take bub for a drive. If and when doing these things becomes inconvenient for you, slowly make some transitions that work for both yourself and your baby.

Frequent waking is normal

It’s important to remember that it’s completely normal for babies to wake frequently through the night. While some babies do begin to sleep through the night early, that isn’t a sign of some spectacular parenting techniques, so don’t let it get you down.

Instead, try to enjoy that time with your baby when he wakes in the middle of the night.

Check the room

Just like us, babies’ sleep can be impacted by the weather, so being too hot, or too cold will wake them up.

Make sure they’re dressed for the weather, and have a blanket on hand to adjust.

Take note of any annoying smells and consider a nightlight for added comfort for bub.

Try to stay close

Studies have shown that baby benefits from sleeping in their mother’s room for the first six months of their life.

For day sleeps, consider baby-wearing devices or let bub sleep on you. If you need to move around, think about a bassinet on wheels that you can move around with you.

Take care of you

If mum isn’t healthy, how is she supposed to take care of anyone else, let alone a precious little baby.

Make sure you rest when bub does and keep yourself as healthy as possible through a nutritious diet and exercise if you can.