Well Rested Mama’s top FIVE sleep tips to kick off the New Year
As a certified infant and toddler sleep consultant, here are my top FIVE hacks for conquering a full night’s sleep in the new year and BEYOND!
#1 – Your baby’s sleep environment is KEY.
You want to make sure you are setting your little one up for success when it comes to their sleep environment. A dark room will ensure that your baby is able to fall asleep without any visual distractions and helps with not only falling asleep but staying asleep. Babies wake every 4-50 minutes – a dark room will allow them to connect sleep cycles and fall back asleep. The room should have a controlled temperature between 68-72 degrees so that your baby can sleep comfortably in their Dreamland Baby sleep sack or swaddle. Additionally, playing white noise will help reduce outside noises that could hinder your little one’s ability to stay asleep.
#2 – Monitor your baby’s wake windows during the day.
The better your baby sleeps during the day, the better they will sleep at night. We want to make sure your little one isn’t becoming overtired by bedtime. Following appropriate wake windows can help avoid overtiredness, which will give your little one an easier time falling asleep at bedtime – and minimize nighttime wakings.
#3 – Keep track of your baby’s nutrition.
Your baby will eat the same amount of calories in 24 hours. That said, we want your baby to consume most of those calories during the day. Ensuring your baby is taking full feeds during the day and not snacking will help minimize nighttime calories.
#4 – Promote independent sleep habits
.Once your little one can put themself to sleep at bedtime, they will be able to put themself back to sleep at night. It is expected that your baby wakes during the night – we all do. If your goal is to have your baby sleep independently all night long, they need to be able to put themselves back to sleep during those wakings. If your baby needs help falling asleep at the initial bedtime, they will also need your help during the middle of the night wakings.
#5- You got this! Remember doing what’s best for your baby is the best thing you can do as a parent. Identifying their needs, as well as yours, is going to make you the best mom (or dad) you can be! Be patient with yourself. You’re doing a great job!
Hi! My name is Cara and I created Well Rested Mama in 2019, while pregnant with my third baby!
I truly understand the struggle of being a tired mom and constantly trying to guess what your child needs or wants. As a new mother, you feel like the world is watching and pressuring you to do everything perfectly; that in itself can be exhausting. By implementing a consistent daily schedule and routine, I have always aimed to create a positive sleep foundation for our family. Since then, lives have been significantly easier and more stable.
Becoming a certified sleep consultant was one of the best decisions I have made. I love helping frustrated parents succeed while overcoming sleep deprivation and helping their children! As your sleep consultant, it is my mission to provide you and your child with the necessary support to achieve your sleep goals. Each sleep plan we create is customized to meet your individual needs as a parent. There is no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to sleep training. Together, we will create a plan that aligns with your parenting philosophy and values.
