Help, My Baby Won't Sleep. Now What?

How can it be that my baby is not sleeping?

Adults can already have trouble processing all the stimuli of the day. Think of the impressions of conversations, sounds and flashing images. Fortunately, we can filter most of that.

A baby does not yet have that filter and has absolutely no idea how to process all those stimuli. So it is not surprising that your baby has trouble falling asleep after all those impressions. In addition, your baby is used to being touched almost all day long. He will get used to your voice and your smell. This bonding creates a sense of security. The moment you put your baby in the crib, it can feel empty and cold.

Finally, a baby may also be uncomfortable. Cramps, not being able to lie comfortably, a growth spurt or just being restless may be the reason why your baby does not get to sleep well.

Recognize your baby's sleep signals

No matter how many books you read about babies, there is no perfect time to put your baby to bed. Sometimes your baby simply isn't tired. That's annoying when it would be convenient for you to put him away for a while, but you're not doing him or yourself any favors.

Fortunately, there are ways to encourage sleep in your baby. This starts with recognizing sleep signals. Better prevention than cure is an apt phrase here. If you don't notice in time that your baby is tired, it is possible that your baby is over sleep and therefore has trouble falling asleep. Therefore, pay attention to the following signals:

• yawning
• staring or a blurred expression
• grimace on the face
• looking away
• making groaning noises
• overstretching
• clenched fists
• rubbing the eyes
• cheeks red or pale
• burying the face in the chest

All but a few signals should not be unfamiliar to you. In fact, these signals can also be seen in adults when we get tired. We then have the luxury of sensing this ourselves and acting accordingly. You can probably imagine the frustration of being tired but still being in a space where all the stimuli are coming in.

If you start paying attention to these above "fatigue signals" from your baby and responding to them right away, you will find that your baby will get used to being put to bed as soon as he gets tired.

Make it a ritual

To encourage sleep in your baby, you can start by trying out habits and repeating them so that a ritual develops. For example, you can keep a set bedtime, sing a standard lullaby, cuddle together or dim the light gently.

In addition, it is not at all bad to leave a little noise in the room. That way your baby knows he is not alone. Another way to start the ritual is to give a baby massage. Those touches make your baby feel safe and relaxed enough to fall asleep.

Meditate with your baby

Although a baby is not yet able to meditate in a cross-legged position, this does not mean he is not capable of meditating. It is often said that babies are like emotional sponges. Therefore, you can't start meditating early enough.

You can introduce your baby to meditation by putting him in a position he likes. It doesn't matter where that is, as long as he is comfortable. Then dim the lights, put on soft meditation music and start meditating yourself. There is no right or wrong in this, as long as you yourself are comfortable in your meditation. Your baby will sense that this is relaxing ánd it contributes to your bond.