Sleep Baby, sleep well!

Do you have a sleep refusing baby?

You have tried a lot of strategies but nothing's worked. Quiet, low-key activities during the day, bedtime routines like bathing, singing lullaby after lullaby, but despite your best efforts, your baby resists falling asleep. While you're getting more and more exhausted, you think of all the things you wanted to get done, like tidying up the house, taking a shower or simply relaxing on the sofa.

What can you do?

Carry your baby during the day as much as possible and enjoy your evenings without stress

Babywearing can be helpful for improving the situation for everybody involved. Carried in a wrap or carrier, your baby is protected from external stimuli. Studies have shown that babies who are carried regularly cry significantly less (Hunziker/Barr, 1986). They tend to be more settled both during the day and evening, and sleep better at night.

If nothing else helps: Babywearing helps babies to fall asleep

Babies who are carried find it easier to settle and fall asleep – there are many parents who have experienced this and carry their children through toddlerhood. With a DIDYMOS wrap they can carry them on their back while they can get some housework done or go outside and enjoy an evening walk.

DIDYTip: When you're relaxed, baby will feel more relaxed, too, and is likely to find it easier to fall asleep.

Breastfeed in the baby wrap or carrier

Also consider breastfeeding in the wrap or carrier: Loosen the knot or the shoulder or waist straps and lower your baby down to reach the desired nursing height. Many babies are very likely to fall asleep while nursing snuggled in your warm embrace. This is convenient also for you, as you can have at least one hand free for a slice of cake.

How can I transfer a sleeping baby from the wrap or carrier to the bed?

Wait until the baby is in a deep sleep cycle before transitioning them from the wrap or carrier to another safe sleeping surface. With practice you'll understand your baby's individual sleep rhythm and know when baby has reached the ideal moment.

DIDYTip: Gently lower your baby so that their side touches the surface first and then gently roll them onto their back. If your baby wakes up on the first try, put baby back into the carrier, walk around a bit, then try again.

Will I spoil my child?

No, don't worry!  You can't spoil your baby with your love and attention.

During easy phases, however, when you and baby feel relaxed, you can try alternative bedtime routines (cuddling, strokes, singing, etc.). In the long run, your baby is likely to learn that babywearing is not the only way to fall asleep.

And always keep in mind that sleep behaviours change and develop as your child grows and matures. The day will come when babies can fall asleep on their own – without being breastfed or carried around. We promise!

This Text was written by Tabea.