A Guide to Getting Your Baby to Sleep Longer & Better at Night

Ebube Imana

To ensure that your baby sleeps better and longer at night, it’s vital to first understand your baby and then, create a favourable bedtime routine which must remain consistent.

Generally, during the first few months of a baby’s life, due to the capacity of their little tummies, they need to feed often, making it impossible for them to sleep throughout the night without waking up to feed. However, as they get older, usually from 6 months when formulas and solids are introduced,  they should be able to sleep longer for about 5 to 6 hours at a stretch, making ‘night duty’ less demanding.

If your baby still wakes randomly at night, other factors besides hunger may be responsible.

1. More Cuddle Time With Mummy
Your baby may just want to spend more time getting some cuddles or warmth from you. This happens when there is a sudden change in baby’s sleeping arrangement, and is common with babies who used to share the family bed (co-sleep with mum and dad).  A change might result in baby waking up quite often until they get used to the new sleeping arrangement.

2. Teething
As your baby grows, teething is inevitable and so is the pain. Your baby may wake up during the night due to the discomfort. Using a recommended teething medication to soothe your baby will most likely get him back to sleep.

3. Developmental Milestones
When your baby starts learning to do new things like crawling, walking, and so on, he may wake up during the night so he can try this out. This is normal and will soon pass.

4. Hunger During Growth Spurts
Growth Spurts is usually associated with increased appetite, and with increased appetite comes a higher demand for food. During this period, a baby will wake up more often to feed.

5. Reverse Cycling
If you have been away during the day or just resumed work, your baby may try to make up for lost time with you during the day by waking up at night to play with or just be held by you.

With my son, he woke up a for few days after I started work to play but eventually stopped. Not to worry, after a while, your baby will become accustomed to your new schedule and return to his normal sleep pattern.

With common underlying causes highlighted, learn effective ways to reinforce better and longer baby sleep through the night. Curb sleep deprivation and become a more rested mum!

READ ALSO: New Mums: 5 Baby Sleep Mistakes You Should Avoid

Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
This cannot be over-emphasized. Usually, your baby will be more relaxed and prepared if there’s a routine that makes him familiar with what’s next. The more relaxed baby is, the easier and quicker it is for him to fall asleep. Whatever routine you decide on, consistency is key. Your baby may need a few days to adjust and cooperate as you continue with his routine. Introduce calming or soothing bedtime activities before sleep, such as, a bath, a bottle or breast-feed, a massage, and so on.

Consistent Daytime Routine
During the day, keep your baby to consistent schedule by ensuring he feeds, and naps at the same time every day, as this helps to set his internal clock. Babies love schedule and thrive on it. Knowing what to expect makes them feel comfortable.

Feed Baby Close to Bedtime
It is important that your baby is fed before bed so he will not have to wake up later at night due to hunger. This also puts him in the right mood for sleep.

Allow Baby Nap During the Day
An overtired baby is less likely to sleep, so, allow your baby nap during the day or your baby will be restless and fail to settle down to sleep easily.

Appropriate Clothing
Not too light if the weather is cold or too warm if the weather is hot. Ensure your baby is as comfortable as possible as this will make him sleep longer. Excessive cold or heat interferes with baby sleep, whether at night or during the day.

Invest in Sleep Inducing Gadgets
A rocking or swaying cradle or white noise machine helps. The sound of a fan can also help soothe baby to sleep.

When Baby Wakes Up At Night, Avoid…
-Doing Diapers
Unless in the early stages when your baby wakes up because he wants a diaper change, do not change your baby’s diaper during the night unless it is very messy.  Changing your baby’s diaper will make him alert and prevent returning to sleep easily afterwards.
-Feeding Immediately
Try not to feed your baby immediately he wakes up during the night as he may not even be hungry. Wait and see if he soothes himself back to sleep.
-Carrying At The Mildest Sound
Unless your baby’s cry is insistent or sounds like he’s in distress, do not lift him off his crib. Try to pat him back to sleep. Sometimes, your baby may even go back to sleep on his own if you wait a bit.

Finally, be open to discovering and adapting new techniques along the way, taking cues from your baby. With consistent and pleasant sleep routines, babies do learn to sleep uninterruptedly as they get older.