How I got longer night stretches (without sleep training early)

It's well-known that the sleepless nights of motherhood are among the most stressful times we face. Being expected to perform at full capacity while feeling completely drained seems unmanageable. With my child, I've discovered that having a structure and routine greatly influences how well he sleeps at night.

Creating a schedule

The night we returned from the hospital, I started establishing a bedtime routine by initiating it at the same time each evening. About an hour before bedtime, I begin to calm the environment with dim lighting and minimal noise, while completing the last feeding and diaper change before placing him in the bassinet.

Once he was settled in the bassinet and asleep, I would observe his awakenings to determine if they were due to hunger or simply the end of a sleep cycle, allowing him to self-soothe if possible. Babies experience short sleep cycles that can cause light awakenings during the night, and not every awakening requires nursing back to sleep. I noticed that by waiting a minute or two, he would occasionally settle back to sleep, leading to longer sleep stretches over time.

During the first few months, sleep patterns are unpredictable, and you will still wake up throughout the night for feedings or as advised by your pediatrician. However, by the third month, my little one would fall asleep by 9 p.m. and not wake until around 5-6 a.m.

While this approach has been effective for me, please consult your pediatrician about sleep routines or any concerns you may have.

Items I kept by my bedside to help with convenient nighttime feedings and diaper changes:

1. Diaper Caddy

   The best item to keep by your bedside, thanks to its multiple pockets, has allowed me to store everything I needed, from diapers, wipes, and diaper cream to burp cloths and more.

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2. Night Light

   This night light is excellent because it is dimmable, allowing you to keep it on while you sleep and then increase the brightness when the baby wakes for feeding or a diaper change. My husband can confirm that it is the least disruptive light for sleeping.

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3. Portable Changing Mat

   When you need to change a diaper at 3am, the last thing you want is to leave your bed. Having this full-size mat in your diaper caddy makes quick and convenient changes much easier.

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By implementing a consistent sleep routine, you can help your baby develop healthy sleep patterns that will benefit them in the long run. Remember to be patient and adjust the routine as needed to suit your baby's unique needs.