Baby sleep tips: Let them settle, be flexible

Top 10 tips for baby sleep | How to get your baby to sleep | Baby sleep tips

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Your baby's sleep habits are more a reflection of your baby's temperament rather than your style of nighttime parenting.

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8. Let them settle

It's tempting to rush in and pick up your newborn as soon as they start crying, but they need to learn to get themselves to sleep.

You may find that they drop off when they're being carried and rocked, but they're then likely to scream the place down when they wake up and you aren't there any more.

If at all possible, try to put your baby down to sleep as they're getting drowsy, so that they fall asleep while they're in the cot.

9. Dressed for bed

Many young babies find it easier to go to sleep if they're swaddled at night. Often, if a baby wears loose clothing during the day and is then swaddled in a blanket at night, it conditions them to go to sleep.

As your baby gets older, swaddling may not work as well, as you might find that they kick off their blankets. Sleeping bags have become increasingly common, as they keep babies warm at night without the need to cover them in sheets and blankets.

10. Be flexible

Remember that not everything you try will work first time or at all. If one style doesn't work, then try something new. Every family and every baby is different.

Think creatively about how to get your baby to sleep and don't listen to other people who tell you doing one specific thing will cause problems later.

You'll also notice that as your baby gets older, their sleep patterns will change and you might need to try something else. Follow your heart rather than a book or a stranger's advice - you'll work out what's best eventually.