Mistakes At Bedtime, Which All New Parents Make

In this article, we look at some common bedtime mistakes that new parents often make. It’s time to put your baby to bed and you have no idea if what you’re doing is right. Parents do not always do it right the first time, which leads to bedtime mistakes .

A proper sleep routine is important. But bedtime should always be a special moment.

These tips, which are based on 6 frequent bedtime mistakes that many parents make, help make it as easy and painless as possible.

If you are a first-time mom and you are trying to figure out how to make bedtime easier, just read on.

It is always good to be aware of common mistakes at bedtime that parents make so you know what not to do.

Good sleep hygiene is something you can learn

Going to bed is just another daily routine. As with everything else, practice makes perfect.

It is not easy to teach a child to sleep, but it is very important. Sleep hygiene is important for your child’s well-being: 

• It creates routine and provides a kind of stability. When your child knows what to do based on certain events, they feel safe and stable. Once your child gets to know their bedtime routines, their emotional state adapts to the task. If your baby is in a quiet environment at this time of day, he or she will relax and get used to the new sleeping routine.
• Sleep hygiene gives your child autonomy. A good routine gives your child the confidence to sleep alone. First in their cradle and later in a bed. You can teach your child to sleep without the need for constant contact or reassurance from you. This promotes independence.

• You want more time for yourself. You get more time for yourself once your child has gotten used to a bedtime routine. When the baby is asleep, you can relax for a few hours.

6 common mistakes at bedtime

If you think you’re making some of these mistakes, don’t worry. It’s never too late to make changes and start handling things better.

Be patient and trust yourself above all else. You know your baby better than anyone else.

• You postpone bedtime. Routine is extremely important for babies. Try to avoid constant changes in your family’s schedule. It is best if your baby is put to bed around the same time each day. There may be exceptions in between, but the baby should have a regular bedtime.
• You get your baby used to being rocked to sleep. Cradling your baby is a great way to calm him or her down. But try to get your baby to fall asleep alone when things are going well. You do not want your baby to have to depend on being rocked to be able to sleep. 

• Too much stimulation. The baby’s crib is a place for sleep, not play. Too many stimuli around your baby can deter them from sleeping. It’s okay to put a baby to bed with a teddy bear, or play relaxing sounds. But do not turn the cradle into a playroom.

Babies need routine

• You are not creating a calming routine. Spend time doing activities that help your baby relax before bed. A bath, massage, silence… all this can help your child fall asleep.
• You pick up your baby as soon as he or she cries. Of course, this does not mean that you should leave your baby inconsolable. But you do not have to pick up your baby right away. Go to their cradle and let your calm presence soothe them. If you remove your baby from a quiet environment you have created, it will be more difficult to learn the bedtime routine. Learn to distinguish between the usual whining and the type of crying that means something might be wrong. 

• You switch between where your baby sleeps. Your baby will appreciate if you always let him sleep in the same place. If you put your baby to bed in their crib, then in your bed and then on the couch, then it becomes difficult for him to establish a routine. Make sure your baby has an environment that makes him or her comfortable and calm.

If you recognize any of these errors at bedtime, you can try these tips in the article. They will definitely help everyone get a better night’s sleep!