If your baby is having problems sleeping then there’s one thing that’s going to be certain - you’re having trouble sleeping too. If this continues night after night it can get really hard for both parents and baby as each new day is meant with cranky babies and even crankier parents.

If this is a situation you recognise all too well then I’m hoping the following advice is going to help both you and baby get your heads down and get some proper sleep.

1. Establish A Proper Sleep Routine

This definitely is something that’s easier to say that do but once it’s achieved you will see a real difference.

You can start to develop a sleep routine from 6-8 weeks of age and it’s really nothing more than creating a loving environment for them that also teaches your baby that night time equal sleep.

One of the best ways I’ve found to start this routine is by giving them a bath. This will indicate a change in routine from the normal play of the day and is also great for relaxing them.

After the bath is complete put them straight into their pyjamas and begin quiet time. This doesn’t need to be complete silence (in fact it’s better not to..) instead use the time to read a book softly.

When it’s time to sleep then put your baby into their cot. This will lead them to associate bed with sleep and should make life easier in the long run.

2. Implement The Controlled Crying Method

So you’ve got baby to go to sleep but now you’ve got to deal with them waking up in the night and crying.

One very popular method at the moment of getting baby back to sleep is the Ferber Method / Controlled Crying Method.

This method advocates that you allow your baby to cry for a fixed amount of time before going to comfort them. This definitely doesn’t mean leaving them until they’re distraught, it just means leaving them for a short time to see if they’ll go back to sleep by themselves.

I will admit that many parents find this technique hard. If you do then don’t do it. It’s your baby and it’s completely up to you how you deal with them!

3. Make Sure They Have A Proper Naptime In The Day

It may sound odd telling you to get your baby to sleep in the day when they’re not sleeping at night but it really is worth doing as it helps establish a routine. On top of that it will prevent your baby getting overtired and not being able to sleep at night.

4. Make Sure Your Baby’s Nursery Is Warm Enough

Babies are really sensitive to temperature changes and if their room gets hotter or colder in the night then this can cause them to wake. Using a baby room thermometer such as the Grobag Egg will allow you to keep an eye on the temperature without waking them and acting to make them more comfortable before they even notice!

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