Tried and tested tricks for getting your baby to sleep in public

Posted in Sleeping.
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Time stands still when you have a baby. Well, that may be the case – but life doesn’t. You still have things to do, errands to run, people to meet and places to go. And baby has to come too.

How can you help baby sleep when out and about so it doesn’t ruin his sleep routine for the rest of the day and result in an over-tired and impossible-to-settle baby at night?

Here are our tried and tested ways to do it.

1. Stick to routine as much as possible.

sl baby sleep aden and anais

Routine is everything when you have a new baby. And while staying home with bub is an incredible experience, so is getting out and about with him. If your baby is due for a sleep when you’re on the go, the best way to ensure he does actually fall asleep in a new and stimulating environment is to bring the routine he is used to with you.

Make sure you always bring the key players on your dream team – dummy, comforter, security blanket, bottle or anything else you use to put him to sleep at home.

2. Ensure your baby has a secure and comfortable environment.

mum with newborn sl

You can’t exactly pack up his cot to head to the shops but a pram or capsule can be cosy too. Rocking the pram back and forth may help soothe your baby to sleep, and of course babies often fall asleep on their own while being pushed in a pram.

Many babies are used to being wrapped up when it’s time for a nap. Swaddles not only promote healthy and safe sleep habits but also act as a trigger for babies to realise that it’s time to wind down and sleep. The good thing about swaddles is that they are easy to bring with you.

3. Eliminate stimulation (as much as possible).

Swaddle over stoller

Some babies can fall asleep anywhere and with any noise in the background, but others (and especially as they get older) find it more difficult. They need a peaceful, calming environment. The older your baby gets, the more difficult it is for him to switch off, and things that you don’t find interesting at all (like the lights in the shopping centre) may have him mesmerised! It’s ok to park your pram facing a wall to eliminate distractions.

If you are in a cooler climate or air conditioning, you can help eliminate the outside sounds and create a darker sleep environment by placing a light weight wrap over the pram.  Just avoid doing this when outside and in the heat.

4. Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself.

sl aden and anais baby

Babies love to bounce. And they love to be rocked.  And they love the sound of your voice. So cast aside any sense of dignity, head to a quiet corner in a cafe and start bouncing around, rocking bub back and forth and singing softly.

Mums will completely understand what you’re up to. Others will probably just assume you’re a little bit crazy. But, hey, if it helps get your baby some much needed shut eye, then it’s a small price to pay.

 


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