If you’re reading this, chances are you have a baby who doesn’t sleep through the night. Getting your baby to sleep and stay asleep is a real challenge for most parents, and it can be exhausting.
If your little one tends to cry during the night, don’t worry, because it’s normal and usually nothing to worry about, however difficult it may seem. Many adults don’t sleep through the night, so it’s perfectly acceptable for teeny tiny humans to stagger their slumber too. As a tired parent, frantically searching for the perfect solution to transform your baby into one of those magical all-night sleepers, it can be hard to know the right thing to do.
Coping with a lack of sleep is challenging, and thinking straight is hard when you haven’t slept properly. It’s a good idea to plan before bedtime, so you know what to do when or if your baby wakes up during the night. And we’re here with you every step of the way, with top tips for managing a crying baby at night, and how to soothe them back to sleep. Fear not mums and dads! A good night’s sleep is just around the corner for you too.
Why do Babies Cry in Their Sleep?
There are so many reasons why babies cry in their sleep. Most of the time, these reasons are harmless, but no one knows your little one better than you do. If you’re worried about anything, always seek medical advice.
Crying is your baby’s way of communicating with you. They can’t yet tell you what they want but believe us when we tell you, it won’t be long before they can! Until then, it’s your job to listen to the different types of cries your baby does or to notice any triggers or patterns so you can better understand what they’re trying to tell you.
Some of the most common reasons include the following:
- Hunger
- A dirty or wet nappy
- Being tired or even overtired
- Needing some love and attention
- Wind
- Temperature
- Boredom
- Overstimulation
- Sleep regression
No matter what their routine is, the most important thing is that your baby is sleeping safely. Last year, we teamed up with snoozing experts to bring you the best sleeping tips for a safe slumber. Always start with safety first.
Finding the Right Environment
Start sleepy nights with the perfect combination – nursery and bedroom accessories and the right sleep equipment. With that, you’re halfway to a restful night.
Having the right sleep equipment is essential for your little one to sleep safely and soundly. It’s recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first 6 months. A sleep bundle is exactly what you need to make sure you’re fully equipped for your baby’s sleeping needs, with everything from Moses baskets to bedside cots and cot beds included.
Top Tips on How to Soothe a Baby at Night
We know how frustrating it can be to soothe your little one when you have tried everything, and you don’t know what they want. But don’t worry, because we’re here to hold your hand and guide you through some ideas that could help you.
Wear your baby
If your babe is craving lovely skin-to-skin time, or contact with you, save your aching arms by using a baby carrier. Bouncing and rocking your baby can calm and lull your precious little one back to sleep and wearing a baby carrier frees you up to move around too.
Go for a walk
During the summer months, when the days are long and the nights short, if your baby wakes and can’t settle, but it also happens to be a beautiful evening, take advantage of this and go for a stroll. Putting the baby in a stroller, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the evening sky views are enough to settle even the fussiest babies and stressed-out parents.
Alternatively, rocking your sweetheart back and forth in their stroller also feels similar to a walk. It could be an excellent option for settling them when it’s dark, cold, and windy outside.
Reduce stimulation
Everything that your baby is experiencing is new to them. Our world is weird and wonderful; little ones constantly take it all in. Being overstimulated can unsettle them and cause them stress. Being surrounded by too many people, noises, sights, and smells before bedtime can disrupt their routine. Try to develop a calming bedtime routine that doesn’t overwhelm your baby’s senses.
Bath time
Many babies love bath time. The warm water feels gentle on their skin and relaxes their mind. It can also be a lovely bonding experience between parent and baby.
Exploring different bath toys might also help your water baby to tire. Babies are stimulated by their senses and playing with bath toys that sing, float or swim in the water can engage a baby’s brain and encourage them to interact with the toy. Intense interaction makes babies sleepy and will help them to sleep better at night if they’re tired out.
If you need a helping hand creating the perfect baby bath time routine – we’ve got you!
Soothe with sound
White noise is a mixture of sounds that contain all frequencies across the spectrum in equal measure. It’s infamous for helping to soothe fussy little ones. Before babies are born, they can hear the sound of their mother’s heartbeat and muffled noises from outside the womb. These distorted murmurs can hush your crying little one back to peace and quiet. Many cot mobiles play white noise or sweet lullabies, which as a bonus, will also look lovely in your baby’s room.
Feed them
Fill those tiny tummies before bedtime, so they’ll sleep on a full stomach. It’s also okay to feed them during the night when they need it. Feed your baby whichever way you choose, whether it’s by breastfeeding or formula, it’s your decision. The most important thing is that your cherub gets the necessary nutrients and a nice full belly.
Burp/wind them
Newborn babies can’t wind themselves, and gas can cause irritability and pain in their tummy. Try holding your baby upright and patting or rubbing their back gently. It’s worth taking the time to do this after every feed, even night feeds, so your baby can feel comfortable and drift back off to sleep.
Cuddle them
Sometimes your baby might just need a good snuggle from their lovely mummy or daddy. Babies get comfort and security from their parents, and waking up in the middle of the night in a dark room is perhaps exactly when they need that. To provide them with something else to snuggle with, try a comfort toy – the next best thing to cuddle after you.
Change their nappy
Leading nappy brands tell us there’s no need to change your baby’s nappy every time they have a wee. Don’t worry, it’s okay to leave your little one sleeping soundly at night, as it could cause unnecessary disruption to their snoozing if they’re woken up for a nappy change.
However, suppose your baby wakes up crying. In that case, it might be a good idea to check their nappy first and to change them into a fresh one. Then, go ahead and re-dress them in a soft, warm baby grow, or pyjamas, so they feel safe, secure, and comfortable.
If you’re looking for more information on bedtime clothing, we’ve put together a guide on how to dress your baby for bed.
Temperature control
The perfect bedroom temperature for babies is 16° to 20° degrees, with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitted baby sleeping bag. A quick way to check if your baby is too hot or too cold is to feel their chest or back.
Some night lights not only project a mesmerising light show across the walls but also have a temperature check on them so you can monitor your baby’s environment. Genius!
Boredom
Babies are curious little creatures that learn through play. They don’t yet understand that daytime is playtime, so 2am could well be the perfect chance for them to want to check out their new toys. It could just be that your baby isn’t tired, and they’ve had enough of lying down in a darkened room doing nothing.
Getting your little one into a calm routine before bedtime with lots of love and warmth will help them to drift off into a dreamy slumber. But, if you’re finding it difficult to get into a routine, don’t be too hard on yourself; you are your baby’s world, and they love you unconditionally.
Sleep deprivation is a serious business, so make sure you look after yourself and your baby and remember to get some well-deserved shuteye when they sleep. This isn’t one size fits all. Your little bundle of joy who smiles and loves you has their own personality. They have their likes and dislikes; what works for one baby may not work for the other, so take what you need from these tips and leave what you don’t.
Happy snoozing.