Why is baby sleep so important?
Baby sleep is essential for your child's healthy development. Many parents face the challenge of their baby not sleeping well or waking up frequently. In this article, you'll learn how to improve your baby's sleep – with tried-and-tested bedtime routines and practical tips.
1. How much sleep do babies need?
The amount of sleep babies need varies greatly depending on their age:
|
Baby's age |
Recommended sleep duration per day |
|
Newborn (0-3 months) |
14-17 hours |
|
3-6 months |
12-16 hours |
|
6-12 months |
12-15 hours |
|
1-2 years |
11-14 hours |
It's important to know that every baby has unique sleep needs. Some babies sleep through the night faster, while others wake up more frequently as they get older.
2. Common baby sleep problems & gentle solutions
Problem: Your baby has trouble falling asleep
💡 Solution:
- An individual bedtime ritual (e.g. quiet singing, gentle rocking, a soothing massage) helps the baby to prepare for sleep.
- Integrate goodnight pads into your evening routine as a natural sleep aid with a relaxing effect.
- A regular sleep routine with consistent bedtimes helps you fall asleep.
- The baby's bed should be quiet and comfortable - a dark room and a pleasant temperature (approx. 18-20°C) promote sleep.
- Physical closeness for a feeling of security, so that your baby feels safe.
Problem: Your baby wakes up frequently at night
💡 Solution:
- Growth spurts or teething are often the cause. Gentle soothing (quiet whispering, gentle stroking) can help. The Harmony Pad can be a real help as a teething aid .
- A night light with dim light prevents unnecessary waking due to fear of the dark.
- Avoid active play periods right before bedtime.
Problem: Your baby doesn’t sleep through the night
💡 Solution:
- Breastfeeding or feeding before bedtime can help achieve longer periods of sleep.
- A sleeping bag prevents you from freezing or overheating at night.
- Waking up several times during the night is completely normal. Your baby is making sure you're still there.
3. Proven bedtime rituals for babies
Bedtime routines are key to better baby sleep. Here are some tried-and-true methods:
✔ Gentle sounds & white noise: A steady noise (e.g. the sound of the ocean or quiet music) can calm most babies.
✔ Evening bath: A warm bath relaxes and signals to the baby that it is time to sleep.
✔ Goodnight pad: Natural sleep aid from birth.
✔ Bedtime story: The soothing voice of mom or dad can help your baby fall asleep faster.
✔ Breastfeeding or bottle feeding: Most babies sleep better when they are full before bedtime.
4. FAQ: Frequently asked questions about baby sleep
🔹 A regular sleep rhythm and bedtime rituals help your baby sleep better.
🔹 An optimal sleeping environment (dark, quiet, safe) is essential.
🔹 Patience & routine are crucial – baby sleep improves over time!
With these tips, your baby can sleep more peacefully – and so can you. 😊
📢 Is your baby having trouble sleeping? Share your experiences in the comments!