Baby’s out, sleep in – we totally hope this is the case. For new parents, probably the earliest challenge would be the first waking nights with the little ones. Trying to get attuned to – firstly, their wails – what keeps them up, and what puts them back on the cradle sounds like hard work, especially when sleep-deprived. Let’s ease you in out of that:
There are two things you can consider to have your child snoozing soundly through the night – probably most nights.
Swaddling
What it is: An age-old technique of wrapping a baby in cloth to create an atmosphere of comfort and security minus your arms.
What it does: During the transition period, swaddling remakes the feeling of the womb as the baby spends its first moments in the outside world. It also…
- Mimics the sensation of touch. Swaddling helps in developing an infant’s tactile system, which promotes healthy development with soothing touches.
- Promotes self-soothing. Swaddled babies are found to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep despite light to moderate disturbances. Hurray for fuller and more rest for the entire household!
- Helps ease colic discomfort. Due to bacterial imbalance or the on-going development of the gastrointestinal tract, a child’s experience with colic often results in seemingly inconsolable crying. Swaddling aids by giving off a therapeutic effect that relieves the tummy distress.
- Lowers the risk for life-threatening accidents. It may seem like a long shot, but most Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases happen because of bedtime suffocation to loose blankets, bedding, or clothing. As proper swaddling keeps them in supine sleeping position, babies would be far from hazards as such.
What you need: The right swaddling requires the appropriate baby wrap material that can accommodate your child in all his or her stretches and movement during infancy. For quality sleep time, the size and fabric should be versatile and multi-purpose, just like L’il Fraser’s Baby Wrap Collection. What’s more is that its non-synthetic fibers and unique weaving have space-saving features that are good for travel!
Co-Sleeping
What it is: A mode of sleeping in close proximity to the little one either on the same bed or in the same room. It could vary from parents in the same bed with the baby, sleeping in the same room but on different beds, or attaching/setting up a crib near the bed.
What it does: While the setup per family is different, present are benefits like…
- Babies and parents getting more shuteye. Breastfeeding and soothing are a lot easier when mom and dad are close by. Plus, the bedtime separation anxiety is at a minimum. Yay – quality sleep for your child means the same for you!
- Less bedtime worries and hassles. Since the baby is under close watch, there are lower chances of SIDS and other emergencies. Nappy changes can also be a breeze since there is less time involved.
What you need: Although bed-sharing sounds space and time-saving especially for breastfed babies, there are actually bigger risks to this. It’s recommended to have a crib or sleeper instead. A Moses basket or cot like Shnuggle Dreami could be a more safe, cozy, and personal option. Your little one’s first six months will definitely be a dream with this spacious, breathable, hypoallergenic, and lightweight sleeper!
Have your little loves enjoy their much-needed full, safe, and sound rest. We gotta love seeing non-cranky smiles in the morning!
*Published with Bloom & Grow Asia.
