It's 3 am, and your baby has just woken up for the fourth time tonight. It seems like your baby is up and crying every hour. You're exhausted and frustrated. What can you do to help them sleep through the night?
Continue reading to learn some tips and tricks to help your baby (and you!) get a better night's sleep.
Why Your Baby is Waking Up Every Hour
Before trying to fix the problem, it's essential to understand why your baby is waking up so often.
There are a few common reasons why babies wake up frequently at night:
- Hunger. A baby's stomach is small, and they need to eat often. If your baby wakes up every hour, it could be because they're hungry and need to eat.
- Teething. Teething can cause your baby to wake up more at night. The pain from teething can worsen at night, so your baby may wake up more often during these periods.
- Separation anxiety. Sometimes, your baby wants to be close to you. They may cry because they want you to hold them, or they may not want to sleep alone.
- Illness. If your baby is sick, they may wake up more at night. A stuffy nose can make sleeping hard, and fever can cause discomfort.
Related: How to Get a Baby to Sleep Through the Night
What You Should Do if Your Baby Wakes Up
It can be tempting to rush to your baby when they start fussing at night. However, it is crucial to allow them the chance to self-soothe and fall back to sleep on their own. If they are truly awake and need your assistance, you can go to them and help them get back to sleep.
You can help your infant sleep by rocking them or offering a pacifier. If your baby is still fussing after trying these things, you may need to change their diaper or feed them. However, by taking a few moments to wait and see if your baby will fall back asleep on its own, you can avoid unnecessary sleepless nights for both of you.
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How You Can Help Your Infant Sleep Through the Night
It might be challenging to get through the night if your baby is waking up every hour.
Follow these tips to help you get some rest:
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Any parent knows that a good night's sleep is essential for both baby and mom or dad. But unfortunately, getting a baby to sleep through the night can be easier said than done. One way to help encourage better sleep habits is to establish a bedtime routine. A routine might include a warm bath, some quiet playtime, and a book followed by cuddles and kisses.
Keeping a consistent bedtime will help to regulate your baby's internal clock, making it more likely that they'll drift off to dreamland at the end of the routine. With patience and perseverance, establishing a bedtime routine can be integral in helping your baby get the restful sleep they need.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Creating a sleep-friendly environment for your baby can help encourage longer stretches of sleep through the night.
Try these suggestions for creating a sleep-friendly environment:
- Set the right temperature. Most babies sleep best in a cool, comfortable room. The ideal sleep temperature for a baby is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Turn on white noise. If your baby is sensitive to noise, try using a white noise machine or fan to help muffle any outside sounds.
- Minimize light. Keeping the room dark will also help your baby sleep longer. You can use blackout shades or curtains to keep light from entering the room.
- Try a swaddle blanket. Swaddling can help your baby feel snug and secure, which may lead to more extended periods of sleep.
Related: How to Teach Babies to Sleep on Their Own
Avoid Overtiredness
Overtiredness is a common cause of your baby waking up every hour. Babies that become overtired have a more challenging time settling down and falling asleep. As a result, they may sleep less overall and wake up more often during the night.
To avoid overtiredness, ensure that your baby gets enough daytime sleep. Naps are crucial for resetting your baby's internal clock and helping them avoid getting overtired later. It's also important to understand your baby's sleep cues. If you notice that your baby is rubbing their eyes or fussing more than usual, it's probably time for them to take a nap.
Putting your baby to bed at the same time every day can also help prevent them from becoming overtired. Establishing a regular bedtime can help your baby learn when to wind down and get ready for sleep.
Be Patient
Parenthood can be a gratifying experience. But it can also be challenging, especially when trying to get your baby to sleep through the night. Remember that all babies have different sleeping habits; some may take longer to sleep through the night than others.
You will have nights when it feels like you've been up for hours, and you're just not getting anywhere. But be patient and remind yourself that this phase won't last forever. Eventually, your baby will get the hang of sleeping through the night, and you'll all be able to get some much-needed rest.
Related: Where Should My Newborn Baby Sleep?
Encourage Better Sleep Habits
It might be difficult and tiring for both of you if your baby is waking up every hour. However, you can take steps to encourage better sleep habits and get the restful sleep your baby needs. Follow these tips to help your baby learn to sleep through the night.
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