5 Newborn Sleep Routine Hacks That Work, and 5 That Don't

The internet has so much information on infant sleep. So much so, that a modern mother might hire a sleep consultant to help them get their baby to sleep. Every baby is different, but if you are looking for a place to start, we have you covered.

5 Newborn Sleep Routine Hacks That Work:

Skin to Skin

This simple yet powerful technique is free. Just take off your shirt, remove the onesie from your baby, and put your child to your chest.

A soft blanket (or robe as seen in picture above) can help keep your baby warm. You may have done this immediately after birth but it can continue to be a useful tool for calming, and bonding with your newborn.

Infant Massage

Another free tool in your toolbox of newborn care! Buying a gentle, scent-free lotion for newborns and rubbing it on your baby's arms and feet can help soothe them. This can signal to your baby that it is time to sleep.

Not sure how to use infant massage? We have the perfect guide! 

Swaddling

The Swaddelini breaks all the rules of swaddling because it goes on and off like a sock; no wrapping, no zippers, no velcro. It allows freedom of movement which is good for brain development but also keeps baby contained.

The Swaddelini has Hug Technology® which helps to soothe the central nervous system, activate the vagus nerve and increase proprioception.

Our baby swaddles range in cost but the Air Light swaddelini is only $39.95 USD. Plus, every one is made with love in the USA.

Blackout Curtains

Newborns can sleep anywhere, but removing light from their room can help them sleep easier. They tend to sleep longer when the room is dark.

This tool helps you get through your baby's sleep progressions as they grow. You can find these on many platforms, including Amazon!

Dreamfeeding

This may be the most powerful tool. Feeding your baby to sleep can make it easier to transfer them from your arms to the crib, and you know you have fed your baby.

5 Newborn Sleep Routine Hacks That Don't Work:

Sound Machine

This is a controversial topic, but here's what we've found. Research has come out that shows it is unsafe for babies to be exposed to it all night long. One simple way to fix this is to set a timer for the machine for 30 minutes. This allows your baby to fall asleep, but doesn't leave the machine going all night.

Lavender Scented Lotions

These lotions may seem to work, but your baby just loves it when you massage them. You can instead opt for a more infant-friendly scentless lotion to achieve the same results.

Singing

Lullabies are amazing! And you shouldn't stop them. But, they are best used at the beginning of your sleep routine. Because your baby loves the sound of your voice, they will stay awake to hear your beautiful voice.

Bath

Newborns do not need frequent baths. Often, parents can wait until their baby is one month before giving them their first bath! Bathing your baby is often a stressful experience, so it should not be done around bedtime.

Heating Pad

Your baby's temperature is very delicate when they are young. A heating pad can cause them to overheat easily, which is unsafe. If you want to learn more, check out our blog about it here.