New parents face many challenges, but the biggest one is putting their baby to sleep. Some newborns face difficulty sleeping, which is why it may take hours for you to put them to bed.
You may not like this because your baby’s sleep schedule can upend your routine. This is why you may want tips to put your newborn to sleep within a few seconds. If so, here is all you must know.
Key Notes
- A tissue can help your baby relax
- Dimming lights can create a peaceful sleeping environment for your baby
- The sound of rain is calming for babies
- Reading a story to a baby yourself is more effective for making them sleep than playing an audiobook
How To Put A Baby To Sleep In 40 Seconds?
Here are the top ways to put a baby to sleep within 40 seconds:
1. Place Your Baby In A Comfy Position
We all need a comfortable position to enjoy a deep sleep. Babies feel restless if they are lying in an uncomfortable position.
You may have also put them in a very small cot that can make them feel congested.
The best way to find a good position is by trying different options. Here are some things you must ensure:
- Place your baby on their back
- Ensure the surface for sleeping is flat
- Use a fitted sheet to cover the mattress
You must also ensure the cot is large enough to allow the baby to be mobile during their sleep.
If your infant keeps on hitting their legs on the cot due to low space, they may not be able to sleep or wake up earlier than expected.
3. Use A Tissue For Stroking
Babies love it when parents lightly stroke their heads. It can help them feel calm and fall asleep faster. This does not work for all parents, which is why the tissue trick is a good alternative.
You should take a tissue and use it to lightly stroke your infant’s forehead. The gentle pressure allows the baby to feel less stressed and more relaxed. It is also suitable to stroke the face with the tissue.
This trick is especially handy for babies under six months because gentle massaging helps the baby cry less and sleep better. You must also ensure the tissue must dry.
So wet baby wipes are not a good idea if you want to stroke your baby with them.
3. Read A Story To Your Baby
Many people play audiobooks for their babies to help them sleep. However, this may not work for you. This is because infants respond less to automatic voices.
Your baby will listen to your voice more actively, which is why you should read the story to them directly.
A lullaby in your voice will also work like a charm when putting a baby to sleep in 40 seconds. The best thing is that various studies also support this method.
Some stories that you can read to your kid are:
- Chicken Little
- Fairytales
- Wheels On The Bus
- The Snowy Day
It will also help you form more attachment with your kid. So reading a story to an infant is also an excellent method for bonding and spending time with your newborn.
4. Turn Off The Lights
You may keep the lights of your baby’s nursery turned on to monitor them easily through the baby camera. This is not the best environment for your baby to sleep in.
It is good to dim the lights or turn them off to boost the production of sleep hormone that is produced in the dark only.
Make sure the room is also quiet so that your baby is not disturbed by noises.
Remember, infants are more sensitive to sounds, so even the slightest noise can cause your baby to wake up.
The worst part is that once a newborn arises from sleep, it will be hard to put them down.
5. Use A White Noise Machine
Living in a noisy neighborhood can be bad for your baby’s sleep. This is why you must find ways to suppress outside noise in your home. One of the top ways to do this is by getting a white noise machine.
The noise resembles the environment in a mother’s womb and can be relaxing for the kid. It also masks the sounds in a baby’s room to ensure the space seems quieter to the baby.
Remember, you will have to use the machine to find a sound calming for your infant.
If you cannot afford such a machine, there is no need to worry. Many household appliances can help you create this sound.
Here are some examples:
- Washing machine
- Hairdryer
- Whirring fan
- Static radio
You may place your baby’s crib near these items and turn them on for a few minutes to help the infant sleep soundly.
6. The Sound Of Water
Many parents notice that their baby sleeps better during the rainy season. This is mainly because of the sound of water running.
Babies find the noise calming and gentle, allowing them to sleep more comfortably.
The good news is you can recreate the same environment easily. You may run a tap in the bathroom of your baby’s room to help them sleep peacefully.
If a tap is not nearby, you may play a sound of rain on YouTube or Spotify.
The latter is a better option because you will not be wasting actual water. It will also be helpful if you’re trying to put your baby to sleep outside your home.
7. Swing Your Baby
Swinging your baby is another effective way to help them feel comfortable. You may take your infant in your arms to rock back and forth to produce a swinging movement.
Wrapping your baby in a blanket while doing this will help the baby sleep faster.
Another thing you can use is an actual swing. Keeping your baby in a hammock while monitoring them carefully is a good option.
The only thing you must ensure is to transfer the baby to a cot once they are fast asleep.
Closing Thoughts
These are the top seven ways to put your baby to sleep in 40 seconds. You may rock your baby, sing them a lullaby, or stroke their head to help them relax.
Changing the baby’s clothes to a clean and comfortable set will also help them sleep faster. You should also ensure the sleeping space, such as a cot, is clean.
If the environment is not clean, your baby may have difficulty falling asleep. So be sure to try different methods to find the best option.