Read our eBook: Ssssssh…The Secret To Better Sleep For Your Baby and discover why your baby may not be sleeping at night, and how to tackle this with a good routine and the right sleep environment.
Why is my baby not sleeping?
As every new parent knows, there may be many reasons why your baby won’t sleep. It’s likely that baby will experience many sleep disruptions as they develop, but identifying common problems could help you establish the perfect baby bedtime routine and find ways to help baby sleep (which will give you a much-needed rest too!)
Here are a few common reasons why your baby may not be sleeping, and how to tackle the problem so that you and baby can rest up.
Is the baby hungry?
This is the most common reason why baby may be wide awake, and a simple problem to solve. You can expect to feed newborns every two hours, but this can differ. Understandably, night feeds can take their toll so try and increase feed sizes before bedtime. This will leave baby feeling fuller for longer, and less likely to wake again in a couple of hours.
Does the baby want to play?
If baby isn’t grizzly or unwell, they may just want a little attention! It may help to leave baby to play in their crib on their own – and perhaps leave them with a spinning mobile to entertain them before they drift back to sleep. Often, they’ll entertain themselves and tire themselves out before going back to sleep.
Is baby showing the first signs of teething?
Teething can often leave baby feeling grizzly and irritable. The first signs of teething might not seem obvious at first, so it’s important to keep an eye on it. Are they feeding less? Or does baby have sore red gums with a flushed face? This could be causing them some pain and stopping them from sleeping. Pick up a night time teething gel to cool and soothe their sore gums.
Is the baby too hot?
If baby is clammy and has a temperature of 37.5°C or higher, they may be too hot. Help lower baby’s temperature by removing any unnecessary layers and check the ambient temperature of the room. Turn down the central heating if necessary, and dress baby in naturally thermo-regulating materials such as cotton and thin merino wool.
For more information on the best clothes for babies to sleep in, read our guide on what your baby should wear to bed for a great night’s sleep.
Too cold?
Are baby’s hands and feet blotchy and blue? They may be too cold and unable to sleep. Make sure their hands and feet are covered in a full-length onesie with built-in mittens. And don’t forget to wrap them up in their very own wool baby sleeping bag too.
Is the baby feeling unwell?
Does baby have a temperature? If you think they may be unwell with a common cold or similar, you may help them get back to sleep by alleviating some of their symptoms. Some common illnesses can be treated with medication, while others may just have to run their course. If you’re concerned, contact your GP for further advice.
Could it be nightmares?
As baby turns into a toddler, it’s common to find that nightmares can disturb their sleep. If they wake up crying and distressed due to a nightmare, the best thing you can do is comfort them. All they’ll really need is their parents to soothe them back to sleep.
Safe bedding for babies
Studies have shown that providing safe bedding for babies can make a huge difference to the quality of sleep your baby gets. Using organic and natural wool bedding will help your baby to sleep more comfortably, giving you a happy, healthy baby who is more likely to sleep through the night. Our Baby Wool nursery bedding range is designed to harness the sleep-enhancing benefits of wool, which makes getting baby to sleep easier.
Checked everything off the list above, and still no sleep? If baby is not responding to any of the above, it’s nothing to worry about. Lack of sleep is common in newborns, so if feeding and cuddles just won’t help, be as patient as you can. Establishing a baby bedtime routine that suits you and your baby may help, so give it time to work.
For more advice on and tricks to get baby to sleep, read our eBook: Sssssh…The Secret To Better Sleep For Your Baby. With our tips and guidance on getting baby to sleep, you can rest assured that baby will be snoozing soundly in no time.
