10 tips to help your baby fall asleep

Getting baby to sleep is often the hot topic when we chat about our little ones. Between granny's advice, your neighbour's suggestions, your friend's reproaches and the paediatrician's stern looks, it's hard to know where to turn! Everyone has their little piece of advice, delivered with those grand phrases that begin with "if I were you...". You are you, and this is your baby. As parents, you are best placed to know what is right for your child. Here, in all simplicity, are 10 tips to help your baby fall asleep, to adapt as you see fit:

A look at 10 tips worth knowing

1. Set times

Babies need a routine to learn to tell day from night. By putting your baby down at the same time each day, you give them a habit that will gradually reassure them, making it easier for them to fall asleep.

2. Establish a bedtime routine

Just like set times, a bedtime routine helps the child to feel settled. You could start with bath time, then breastfeed them in their room (or give them a bottle), read a story, and then put them in their cot whilst gently stroking their forehead, for example.

3. A soothing massage

A massage — what bliss for unwinding! Well, your little one agrees entirely. Apply a wellbeing oil for baby's massage, to put them in the right frame of mind for a peaceful sleep.

4. Soft lighting

You can leave a small night light in the room. Some even project little patterns onto the ceiling for a night full of sweetness and lovely dreams.

5. A comforting snuggle toy

If you like the idea of your child having a snuggle toy, introduce it from birth so they get used to it. A snuggle toy can be reassuring for them and help them to fall asleep.

6. Swaddling

Swaddling is a technique for wrapping your baby in a muslin cloth, so that it reminds them of the womb. Being snuggled in on themselves has an almost immediately calming effect, and also prevents the Moro reflex.

7. White noise

White noise refers to specific sounds that tend to help babies fall asleep. To find out more, do have a look at our blog post on the subject!

8. Speaking softly

The bedtime routine should begin by adopting a calmer manner with your baby and speaking more softly. It's time to sleep, and they need to know it!

9. An evening bath

Morning bath or evening bath? That's for you to decide. But a good bath in the evening can help your little one to fall asleep more easily.

10. Mummy's scent

Giving your baby a muslin cloth with mummy's scent on it can be an almost miraculous trick for some babies. Give it a try! And what is your trick for getting your baby to sleep?