Helping baby fall asleep is one of the first things we do during a newborn session. Many of these strategies can be used at home to help create the ultimate sleep space for your baby. In this blog post I’m going to cover five of the strategies we use in the studio and how to use them at home.
Warmth
In the Studio:
A cozy environment is key to baby’s comfort. By maintaining a gentle warmth in the studio, babies feel snug and secure, making it easier for them to drift off into dreamland. In the studio we keep the space much warmer at about 26 degrees Celsius.
At Home:
The temperature of baby’s bedroom should not be as warm as we keep the studio. Studies suggest that the ideal temperature for Baby’s bedroom is between 20-22 degrees Celsius. (source)
Control the Light
In the Studio:
Soft, dim lighting creates a soothing ambiance that mimics the gentle glow of twilight. With the soft glow of dim lights, babies feel calm and relaxed, helping them settle into a peaceful slumber.
At Home:
Many families prefer black out curtains in baby’s bedroom to help baby fall asleep before sunset or to prevent baby from waking up with the sun.
Lullabies
In the Studio:
Music has a magical effect on babies, calming their senses and lulling them into a state of tranquility. Playing gentle lullabies in the background helps babies unwind and drift off to sleep effortlessly.
At Home:
White noise is another great solution that many families use. When my own children were little we recorded 10 seconds of the sound of the tap running, and then looped it to create a 2 hr audio loop of homemade white noise. Now though there are many easier ways to get white noise for the nursery.
Swaddling
In the Studio:
Swaddling recreates the comforting embrace of the womb, providing babies with a sense of security and containment. Wrapped snugly in a swaddle, babies feel safe and cozy, promoting longer and more restful sleep. Wraps in the studio are chosen for style and many of these are not appropriate for wrapping baby to sleep in their crib.
At Home:
There are many swaddle options available. With practice you can swaddle with a receiving blanket. The nurses at the hospital are experts at this! If you struggle with this, I highly recommend getting a wrap specifically designed to swaddle baby. This style was my favourite for ease of use. Swaddle Wraps
Full belly
A well-fed baby is a contented baby. Ensuring that baby has a full belly before the session helps promote relaxation and prevents hunger-related disruptions, allowing for a more peaceful and uninterrupted sleep.