Sleep Tips from our Resident Expert
Rebecca Michi - April 22, 2015

Soothing Slumbers: Navigating Baby's Bedtime Bliss

In the hushed hours of twilight, as the world outside settles into tranquility, tiny bundles of joy enter a realm all their own – the realm of dreams. Ah, the mystery and magic of baby’s slumber! As parents, we've all experienced the delicate dance of lulling our little ones into a peaceful sleep, where cherubic smiles and gentle sighs reign supreme. As cute as this can be, we all know getting a baby to sleep can be challenging and often isn’t so picturesque. So, let’s talk about our best tips and tricks. From safety to serenity and routine to respite, we're here to guide you through a journey of fostering a sleep haven for your precious bundle.

Embracing the Cozy Cocoon of Safety

Safe sleep is an issue that regularly makes the news, and something parents may experience anxiety about. If your baby is sleeping in your room, their own room or bed sharing, we want to reduce the risk of SIDS. We can do this when we put our baby down to sleep in a safe environment.  Here are some safe sleep tips.
  • Always place your baby on their backs to sleep. If they can roll over onto their tummy, you do not need to worry about them sleeping on their side or tummy.
  • Do not let your baby have a pillow or any stuffed animals in their sleep space until they are at least 12 months old.
  • Do not use a crib bumper as these can be a suffocation risk.
  • If bed sharing, make sure that there is no gap between the mattress and headboard or the wall.
  • The ideal temperature for sleeping is 65F.
  • Keep your baby away from cigarette smoke.
  • Offer a pacifier when your baby goes down to sleep. Studies show that the risk of SIDS is reduced when your baby uses a pacifier when they sleep.
  • If the baby is using a crib or separate sleeping surface such as a co-sleeper, swaddle your baby; the Ergobaby Swaddler is perfect for this. Some studies show that being swaddled reduces the risk of SIDS.
  • If bed sharing, the Ergobaby Sleep Sack is a good option, as you can swaddle your baby with their arms out. (Babies who bed share should not have arms swaddled.)
  • Do not bed share if you have older children or animals on the bed and be sure to follow guidelines for safe bed sharing.

Unveiling the Elixir of Serenity - The Bedtime Routine

Creating a bedtime routine is akin to weaving a lullaby. From soft baths scented with lavender hues to the timeless rituals of storytelling and gentle cuddles, we're here to help you design a symphony of soothing activities that will escort your baby into the realm of dreams with a serene smile. Here’s a sample bedtime routine for your little one:
Time Activity
6:00 PM Give an evening bath.
6:15 PM Put on cozy pajamas.
6:30 PM Dim the lights and create a calming ambiance.
6:45 PM Bedtime feeding or nursing.
7:00 PM Gentle rocking or cuddling.
7:15 PM Read a soothing bedtime story.
7:30 PM It’s lullaby time.
7:45 PM Place baby in their crib. (Check the crib for any loose items.)
7:50 PM Put on white noise or gentle music.
8:00 PM Lights out, and leave the room.
  Finding a bedtime routine that perfectly fits you and your baby takes time, but as soon as you find it, it can be a game-changing experience.

Navigating the Dreamer's Enigma - FAQ Expedition

As the stars twinkle above, questions often twinkle in our minds. "Is it normal for my baby to wake up so often at night?" "When can I expect my baby to sleep through the night?" Fear not, for we've anticipated your queries and compiled an expedition into the most frequently asked questions about baby sleep. Our expert Rebecca Michi answered all of the questions below to help you find clarity. How can I deal with the dreaded 40-minute nap? My 3-month-old has taken only a handful of longer naps in the past 2 months. Short naps are quite normal at this age. Naps develop after night sleep and they develop individually. They usually begin to lengthen out between 3 and 6 months of age. The first nap of the day will begin to lengthen out first and then the second and third. Make sure you are having a good amount of awake time between those naps, an hour and a half should be perfect. Any less and he may not be tired enough, and any more and he could be overtired. See the full thread and related questions and answers here. Is it normal for babies learning how to sleep in different ways to regress? We have been rubbing our twins’ backs instead of nursing them to sleep and it was going well. Now they are waking up a lot again. Not needing to nurse but still needing back rubs. Should we try another sleep association? Could it be teething? I think that the back rubbing is now a habit. It is normal for humans to wake between 2 and 6 times a night. If we need something to get back to sleep (the back rubbing), we will need that every time we awake. Gradually reduce the amount of back rubbing you are doing at the beginning of and during the night. Rub to soothe, but not to sleep. See the full thread and related questions and answers here. How long for a 1-nap-a-day child do you try to get them to nap before throwing in the towel? If you give up, should you adjust bedtime to compensate or not? This is quite personal. Some people will try for the entire nap time while others will stop sooner. I think you should try for at least 30 minutes before abandoning the nap. I would make bedtime earlier if he didn’t nap, but not too early as he could treat that as a nap and then be up for hours! See the full thread and related questions and answers here. As the stars twinkle above and your little one's eyes flutter closed, remember that the journey to peaceful baby sleep is an art that requires patience, care and unwavering love. By prioritizing safety, crafting a comforting bedtime routine and embracing the dance of dream-filled nights, you're not just fostering healthy sleep patterns – you're nurturing a bond that will cradle your child through every slumber and beyond.