Tips to help your baby sleep well
In order for you to get a good night's sleep, it is important that your baby's sleep is also facilitated. First of all, make sure that the temperature in his room does not exceed 20°C.
During the first few months, it is recommended that your baby lies on his back. Do not use blankets or pillows, but instead use an angel's nest or a sleeping bag, which are much safer and more comfortable for your baby.
Don't hesitate to set up bedtime rituals: lullaby, cuddle, etc. And avoid any excessive stimulation such as games or music.
Finally, you should know that it is normal for your baby to cry a little when you put him in his bed. This lasts for a very short time and should not worry you.
The night nurse: a caring helper
If you have shifted hours or if you want to make the most of your night so that you are fully rested in the morning, you can call on the parental support of a night nurse. This is a health professional who will assist you for a few hours, for example at bedtime, or for the whole night.
The night nurse helps you at home and answers all your questions, not just those about sleeping. She will give you valuable advice on your baby's development, feeding, hygiene, etc.
Thanks to her know-how, she can show you all the steps to put your baby to sleep easily. During the night, she gives him a bottle if he needs it, possibly using the milk you have pumped during the day. Then she helps your child fall back asleep, before continuing to look after him until the morning.
You can call on the night nurse as soon as you return from the maternity ward or a little later, for example when you have to go back to work.
Baby monitor, to watch over your baby from a distance
To monitor your newborn's sleep without having to call in a night nurse, you can opt for a baby monitor. The simplest models are like walkie-talkies that allow you to listen to your baby and, sometimes, to talk to him too, to comfort him if necessary. The broadcasting only starts when your baby cries, so you are not disturbed by any interference.
The more sophisticated models have a small camera in the baby's room and a screen for you to see the video as well as the sound. Some are connected and you can watch over your child from a mobile app on your smartphone. It is also great to be able to share this video with the parent at work, for example. Of course, these nomadic devices are watchdog assistants, so it is absolutely forbidden to leave your baby alone at home.
Thermometer, lullabies, nightlight, other functions are sometimes provided to help your child fall asleep, in addition to monitoring his sleep.
