Knowing our predecessors are a well of knowledge just waiting to be tapped, we asked our Facebook and Twitter followers what sleep tips they would share with their sleep-deprived siblings, and they delivered a boy.
Instead of letting you drown in a sea of sleep advice, we’ve picked a selection of tips from all corners that you can make or leave. Maybe someone will be affected, or maybe you want to print it out and burn it while screaming about how there is no God. No judgement.
The important thing to remember is that eventually, no matter what you do or don’t do, your baby will fall asleep.
Baby Sleep Tips and Tricks
Many parents have come up with some amazing hacks and tricks that have helped their babies understand how good sleep is.
“Gently rub a newborn with your thumb between his eyes to close them – helped my tired baby fall asleep.” – Eileen
“I put about half a dozen soothers in the crib so he can find them when he wakes up in the night. Sounds crazy but it works.” – Krista
“I put on the same lavender hand lotion every night and I think the smell acts like a cue that it’s bedtime.” – Sara
“Every night I sing the same song when I feed my baby so he knows it’s time to sleep.” – Brittany
“Before I go to bed, I do a “dreamfeed” to supplement baby for the night and it usually buys me a few more hours.” – Let’s go
“Make sure it’s cool (not cold) where they sleep. I always found my kids slept better in a cool room.” – Kate
“I don’t change diapers in the middle of the night unless poop. Butter their bum up with lots of barrier cream before bed then just change in the morning. It helps them stay half asleep for night feeds.” – Christina
“I make sure to go outside every day so my baby gets her days and nights straight. I don’t know if it’s the fresh air or the light but it helps both of us sleep.” – Jamie
You may also find this post useful: Newborn Sleep: Start With This One Goal
Sleep products are loved by people
Many parents have discovered a few products that make a magical difference. Here are the safe ones (I don’t want you to do dangerous things in a sleep-deprived state.)
“White. Noise. Engine.” – Amy
“Blackout curtains and a noise machine (shush pat is great but sometimes you need help with the shush part!)” – Writer Mom Life
“Love To Dream swaddles are a lifesaver for us!” – Ashley
“Huckleberry’s app. I upgraded to get the sweet spot nap prediction tool in a year or two. My youngest is only 3 so I recently ended my subscription, but I’m still using the free part to track how much he sleeps.” – Emily
You may also find this post useful: Huckleberry Premium App Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
Sleep training
All babies learn to sleep. Parents have to decide whether to give them some guidance or let them figure it out for themselves over time. There is no shame in either game.
“*nervously raises hand* we tried all the sorcery for eight months until we finally hit rock bottom. I love my son more than anything but one night we locked him in, closed the door, and became part of the dreaded “you scream . club”. It’s been tough for a few nights, now he sleeps 11-12 hours and sleeps consistently. And he still seems to be doing well and happy to see us in the morning. #dontcrucifyme #wewereallsotired.” – Ariel
“Sleep training at 7 months. We’ve pretty much slept through the night since then and he’s 27 months. Works for us!” – Christine
“I went out for two nights alone and left my 20-month-old home with my husband. Great for father/son bonding and I fell asleep two nights in a row! The separation anxiety I was expecting was ‘ Neither will, so I’m thinking of doing it again soon…” – Jodie
“We sleep trained. My biggest advice is to know how you’re going to deal with it BEFORE you try it. Have a plan figured out before you start or you’ll be inconsistent and it won’t work.” – Jess
You may also find this post useful: Sleep Training 101
Consistency is key
Life can be hectic, but many parents find that sticking to a solid sleep routine helps everyone stay on track.
“No sorcery, just routine!” – Britain
“Remember that all children are different and what worked for your first or second child will naturally not work for the third making him the most rotten of the bunch. But consistency is really key!” – Susan
“Consistency!!! We are definitely parents who end the day with a set bedtime (almost) no matter what and make NO apologies for it. Did two the same way and plan to do the same for the third. Nurse me. at the same time every night and put them to sleep. As they get older, it’s the same routine whether they’re asleep or not. By 4 or 5 months, I can put an awake baby down and walk out of the room and they’ll go to sleep.” – Brandi
You may also find this post useful: Cry-Just-a-Little Sleep Training Method (with Full Instructions)
Go with the flow
Many experienced parents recognize that this time in a baby’s life is relatively short (even if it feels like a lifetime when you’re with it.)
“Sometimes, the most compassionate thing you can do for yourself is to accept that the baby is NOT going to sleep today.” – Ellie
“My 3 year old and 7 year old just create their own bedtimes and we go along with it. The 7 year old goes to bed around 8 pm and sleeps 12 hours solid. My 3 year old sleeps at between 8 and 9 at night and sleeps 12-14 hours solid. They both started sleeping through the night around 4 months old. I guess I just got lucky because they’ve allowed me to sleep very well.” – Allie
“Don’t feel bad about anything you have to do to make this happen. I can assure you that nobody needs to be rocked to sleep when they are 22. This too shall pass.” – Erica
You may also find this post useful: When Your Baby Doesn’t Want to Sleep
What baby sleep tips would you add?
What would you add to help a new parent navigate the sleepless nights? Leave your comments below!
Related: Do Not Disturb Baby Door Hangers (free printable)
