The sleep environment for babies is very important because it can have a direct impact on sleep quality. Babies sleep better when they are in an environment that is dark, quiet, and cool. In this blog post, we will discuss 9 ways to create the perfect sleep environment for your baby!
For some reason, babies don’t seem to go to sleep as easily as they do in the movies. The expectation is that you put them in their cot and they doze off with a sweet smile on their face. Reality? Most babies need a little more encouragement than that. That’s where our handy-dandy guide to getting your baby sleep-ready comes in.
Our tips will have your nursery optimized for snoozing in no time. Not only that, but it’ll also make sure your baby is sleeping safely and comfortably.
9 ways to create the perfect sleep environment for your baby
1. Make sure the nursery is dark
Babies and toddlers sleep best in a dark room, which means that blackout blinds are in and night lights are out. Light can actually suppress the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin and make babies much more wakeful. Ensuring the baby’s room is dark will help to reduce the stimulation and help your baby to learn that it’s time for sleep.
It’s a good idea to keep the lighting in the rest of the house dim if your child is able to get up by themselves and leave their room.
2. Choose the right sleepwear
Making sure your baby is wearing appropriate sleepwear will go a long way towards helping them sleep much more soundly. Bonds Wondercool zip wondersuits are made from specially engineered adaptive cooling fabric – perfect for both hot and cold nights. The range not only looks adorable, but it also helps to keep babies at a comfortable temperature. It’s also the only baby clothing approved by Red Nose for safer sleep.
3. Adhere to safe sleeping guidelines
Speaking of Red Nose … Ensure everyone in your family is up-to-date with the current safe sleeping guidelines, especially when it comes to sleep position and items that are considered safe for nursery use. A must-do when it comes to the perfect sleep environment.
4. Select appropriate bedding
Safe sleep also relies on using the right kind of bedding. Choose fitted pieces made from natural fabrics and make sure they’re appropriate for the season.
Be sure to avoid using bumpers, doonas, soft toys, cushions, and pillows, as well. Soft bedding could cover a baby’s face and obstruct their breathing, or cause overheating
5. Be temperature smart
It is not necessary to monitor your baby’s room temperature or to leave the heating or cooling on all night, as long as they are dressed appropriately for the room temperature.
If you’re feeling concerned though, using a room thermometer may give you peace of mind.
6. Add some white noise
Some babies are easily woken by loud and/or sudden sounds. A white noise machine in a quiet setting can help babies feel more secure and help them remain settled. The machine’s hum means your child is less likely to be started awake by everyday sounds. Just make sure you position it well away from your baby’s cot or bassinet so there are no pesky cords putting your child in danger.
7. Try a fan
On a hot day, a fan can be a good way to circulate the air and help keep the baby cooler. Recent research suggests that the use of fans in a baby’s room can help reduce the risk of SIDS in some situations. Be sure your baby is warm enough if you’re going to sleep them with the fan going, however.
8. Add a comfort object
Soft toys and comforters can be helpful for older babies who need a little extra help self-soothing at bedtime. A small lovey and soft toy may help to settle your child and encourage them to drift back off to sleep or stay asleep as they transition from one sleep cycle to the next. Soft toys or comforters should never be placed in the sleeping environment of a child who is younger than seven months because they can cause a suffocation risk.
9. Remove any stimulating objects or toys
It’s best to keep your child’s room free of toys or objects that might get them excited at bedtime. Red Nose also recommends that soft toys are kept out of the cot or bassinet in babies less than seven months of age to optimize the safety and comfort of a safe sleeping environment.
Conclusion:
Creating the perfect sleep environment for your baby is important, however, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple tips and you should be well on your way to creating a sleep haven for all members of the family!
