We never knew that sleeping more than a 3-hour stretch can be a luxury until there is a newborn in the house. But don’t you worry, mamas! With a bit of discipline and a lot of patience, we assure you that there is a light at the end of this sleepless tunnel! Start with a routine.

Such a great big world we are living in. All the colors and sounds, the smell and touch, and all the things we can do! There is so much to take in for a wee little baby. It can be a wonderful experience, but also bewildering. Babies and children crave some structure that allows them to anticipate what is going to happen next. Establish a bedtime routine for your baby to let him know that it is time to stop playing, wind down and prepare to rest.

It may take a while to figure out what kind of routine works well with your child. Observe him and tweak your schedule when necessary but once you find your rhythm, stick with it. Soon enough, there will be less struggle and more shut-eye. Here’s a simple routine that works for most families.

BATH

Get ready to wind down with a dip in the bath tub. Make sure the change of clothes, diaper, towel, and lotion are ready before bath time starts so you don’t need to rummage through while your little one wails feeling cold after his bath. Also, don’t forget to always check the temperature of the water. Babies skin is much more sensitive than ours!

1. Animal Bath Sponge // 2. Color Me: Who’s in The Pond? Bath Book // 3. Origami Boat

Some babies are stimulated and become fully-energized by bath time. If this is the case for your baby, you may consider doing bath time in the morning and a quick wipe with wash cloth in the evening.

STORYTIME

Play a quiet game that’s not too stimulating or read a book or two. As your child gets older, he might request for more and more stories. Do oblige as much as you can – after all, stories and reading together is good for your child’s development and for bonding – but a limit also needs to be set. Otherwise, bedtime will drag on for too long and your child will not get the sleep he requires.

1. Mix&Match Animal Homes Board Book // 2. Pippin the Penguin Book // 3. Goodnight Cloth Book

SWADDLE

Most young babies sleep better at night when they are swaddled. It gives them comfort and keeps them from being startled awake by their own ‘Moro’ reflex. Swaddle them for as long as possible, most babies outgrow swaddling at 4-6 months.

More swaddle designs here

LIGHTS OUT

Drink your milk and it is time to say good night! A dark room is best to prepare your baby to sleep as it encourages the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep cycle. However, if you or your child prefers a little bit of light, you could opt for a small night light.

1. White Mini Popsicle Light // 2. Rabbit Night Light // 3.Toadstool Night Light