5 tips for calmer nights with your baby

In the first months, nights are short: that is normal, babies need to feed often. There is no magic formula, but a few simple habits help the whole family recover better.

1. Create a bedtime routine

Bath, pyjamas, feed, a lullaby, then bed: repeated every evening in the same order, these steps become cues. Little by little, your baby understands that night is coming. The routine doesn’t need to be long; above all, it needs to be regular.

2. Tell day from night

During the day, open the curtains and let everyday sounds in. At night, keep the light dim and speak softly during feeds. A night light with a soft glow lets you care for your baby without waking them fully.

3. Take care of the room

A room at around 18 to 20 °C, aired every day, and a clear sleep space: your baby on their back, in a sleeping bag, with no duvet or pillow. White noise at a low volume, placed away from the crib, can mask household sounds.

4. Keep your baby close

A bedside crib attached to your bed saves you getting up at every waking: you comfort, feed and settle your baby in a few moves. Wakings are shorter, for them and for you.

5. Look after yourself

Take turns when you can, accept help from loved ones and nap when your baby sleeps. A rested parent is a more patient parent: it is not a luxury, it is a priority.

If you are worried about your child’s sleep, don’t hesitate to talk to your paediatrician.