Top Sleep Secrets from The Baby Whisperer
Yeah, I’m calling myself the baby whisperer. 😂 That’s because I’ve mastered some serious skills in getting newborns to sleep!
I mean, getting Tavia-ed is now what some clients say when I get their babies to sleep. So how do I do it? You can be a baby whisperer too!
White Noise
This is a biggie! Invest in a white noise machine ASAP.
I usually use an app on my phone during photo shoots, but you can get a Homemedics white noise machine for less than $20.
There are a few different settings so you might want to play with what works for your kiddo, but the standard white noise setting is always a good place to start.
Full belly
I always suggest moms feed their babies right before we start the shoot, and we stop at any point if baby needs a little top up.
This is something you can totally do on your own, too!
Making sure your newborn has a full belly is one of the best things you can do to ensure a solid chunk of sleep.
Swaddle all day long
You’ll probably notice that many of my photos of itty bitty babies involve swaddles.
That’s because babies love swaddling! (Most of them, anyway. There are some babies who HATE it, but they are in the minority.)
If your little wiggle worm is struggling to stay asleep, try a new swaddle technique.
You can’t go wrong with traditional swaddle blankets, but adding a new version with Velcro might be the trick you need.
Nice and toasty
Babies like it nice and warm.
After all, they’ve spent the past 9 months in a super warm environment!
I keep my studio warm to ensure the newborns I work with are comfortable, and if you find your little one is struggling to stay asleep, you might want to adjust the thermostat.
(Don’t get it too warm, though! Your little one will stay pretty warm in their swaddle.)
Now, these are some secrets that come from just being a mom!
Turn down the lights
While many newborns can sleep whenever, wherever, adjusting the lights to help them begin to understand day and night can be super helpful.
Start a routine
Honestly, in these early days the routine is as much for you as it is for your little one! But as they get older, knowing that a bath and book come right before bed can be super important to getting their little brains to slow down and prepare for sleep.
Relax
Here’s the thing, mama. Those newborns can be tricky.
Just when you think you have it all figured out, they go through a growth spurt.
Or something changes, and they don’t like the swaddle after all.
These early days go by so quickly, though I know it can feel like forever when you’re in the thick of it.
Just remember that you’re both learning as you go.
Even if this is your second (or third or fourth) baby, every kid is different.
Just do the best you can – and sleep when the baby sleeps as much as you can!
And if you’re struggling to get that newborn to sleep? Just know that we’ve all been there, and I’m behind you 100%. And when all else fails, head to the recliner!
