Pediatric research has shown that a nightly bedtime routine helps babies fall asleep more easily, stay asleep longer, and reduce disruptive night wakings.
The bedtime routine used for this research was a 5-minute bath, a 3-minute massage, and some relaxing activities like cuddling and lullabies.
Nevertheless, you can create a routine that suits your lifestyle and preferences - the key is to keep it consistent, positive, pleasant, and calming for both you and your baby.
For example, you may include "targeted movement and holding" with your baby - researchers call this the "transfer response," which has an immediate calming effect on babies and helps slow down their heart rate.
To do this, carry your baby and walk slowly and purposefully for 5 minutes, then hold stationary for 8 more minutes. Once your baby is drowsy but still awake, transfer them to the cot.
When babies first drowse off, they enter a light sleep stage where they can easily wake up. It’s important to hold them for at least 8 minutes to allow them to enter a deeper sleep stage before transferring.
Once sleeping in the cot, sucking on fingers or thumbs provides a consistent comfort source that’s always available, unlike pacifiers which can fall off after around 30 minutes, causing night wakings.
Support your newborn’s self-soothing behaviors early by allowing them to access their hands while swaddling.
This is exactly what the Fetal Flex Swaddle is designed for. It’s the only swaddle that positions your baby's arms in the naturally preferred womb-like fetal position. Designed in Australia, the patented Fetal Flex design helps your baby settle faster, sleep longer, self-soothe, and transition smoothly.
Find out more at: sleepycompany.com/fxswaddle
