Raising your newborn can mean many joy-filled days — and lots of sleepless night. Baby experts reveal their top tips to help your little one sleep tight

Whoever coined the phrase “sleeping like a baby” probably never had the frustrating task of trying to get an infant to fall — and stay — asleep. Most parents know good rest is as vital as good nutrition for the health of their newborns — even if they can only dream about getting a good night’s sleep themselves.

Women’s health nurse practitioner and award-winning author, Barbara Dehn, offers a few tips to help mothers get through the restless newborn nights and ease into a better bedtime routine.

“On average, an infant can sleep a total of 16 to 18 hours over the course of a 24-hour period,” Dehn says. “During this time, a baby’s body is growing and developing at a rapid speed, while adjusting to a natural sleep cycle.”

Dehn suggests parents support their baby’s natural sleep patterns with these simple tips:

l “One of the first things I always tell new mums to do is lose the guilt,” she says. It’s inevitable for new parents to feel nervous, unsure and often guilty when caring for their infant — especially when it comes to sleep. Mums and dads should go with their gut feeling on all fronts and follow their infant’s lead. If your newborn tends to fall asleep in his swing or rocker — go with it. Not allowing yourself to feel guilty during the first few months will only help your baby get used to a schedule. Typically, confidence and a bit of relaxation will follow.

l Mums can maintain their baby’s natural sleep patterns and overall health with a proper feeding schedule. By establishing both day and night feeding routines that follow your infant’s natural hunger cues, you are helping your baby receive the nourishment that will support growth and development. “When my patients ask about feeding with a formula, I recommend Similac, which offers a wide range of specialised formulas and products all designed to support a baby’s natural growth and development process by providing excellent nutrition no matter what time of day or night,” Dehn says.

l “I often tell new mums to turn off the TV,” Dehn says. Feeding time is often a good opportunity for mum to kick up her feet and unwind. Instead, use this time to connect with your baby and avoid your regular relaxation routine like switching on the TV. The light and noise can distract your newborn and interrupt his eating.

l Bath time does not always need to take place before bedtime. Some infants are extremely agitated while in a bath, regardless of the calming scents, soft sounds and soothing touch you use. If you notice your baby is relaxed and calm without a bath before bedtime, go with it. Changing the bath-time routine can make the overall experience more enjoyable for both mum and baby. This can also help your newborn develop routines for the day and night.

l Keep safety in mind. Keeping your newborn safe and healthy is extremely important. Experts recommend that caregivers place babies on their backs to sleep — for naps and at nights. Placing an infant on his back to sleep is the most important step to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome in a natural and effective way.

(To learn more about infant care, visit www.strongmoms.com)

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