11 Natural Tips How To Get Baby To Sleep Longer Stretches

11 Tips On How To Get Baby To Sleep Longer Stretches

It’s the age old question around how to get baby to sleep longer stretches ? I know those sleepless nights can feel like an eternity as new parents, and you can dread baby’s bedtime and that newborn baby’s sleep cycle as a new baby doesn’t go hand in hand with your best sleep.

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How can I get my baby to sleep in longer stretches?

At 45 years old with a 3-year-old, it’s been a shock going back into night feedings and a newborn’s sleep pattern, nighttime feedings from the first year through to toddler developmental milestones and a big girl bed, has meant not much sleep. And although we haven’t had it as rough as some of my friends, even a few days of broken sleep in the week can make you feel broken and on your knees. So on with how to get baby to sleep longer stretches.

You dream for them to sleep longer periods so you can catch up on your sleep to feel like you can function again. The newborn baby phase is brutal these first early weeks, but the important and good news is that you will get through these baby’s wake windows and get some better rem sleep. Especially if your working as having child sleep issues as working parents can be horrific.

My little boy was a good sleeper, and we had only a few weeks where growth spurts interfered with his sleep, so I know how lucky we were not even to have to google the term sleep training. Whereas Eliza is like a tornado from baby to toddler, we ended up into a routine of night wakings at 28 months of age for a few weeks, leaving me with little sleep, and broken sleep is just as bad as sleep deprivation.

After some advice from our resident experts on the best way to break this cycle, we got back on track, sticking with a solid nighttime routine to establish good sleep habits!

There is hope, and having had the ability to speak with many of our expert bloggers over baby’s sleep along with our own experiences, there are some top tips and simple things you can do to try to help you through and grab yourself some hours of sleep. At the same time, you go through these periods of night waking, along with the things that worked for us, especially during night feeds in those early days. 

Make sure you’re also looking after yourself and your sleep, and read the ultimate guide to mum’s sleep.

What age do babies start sleeping longer stretches?

Newborns don’t follow our regular sleep patterns. Inside the womb, they synced up with our sleep, considering our routine as their night. But once they’re born, they’ve got to establish their rhythm, which takes a little time, read one of our experts guides to top tips for your child’s sleep.

On average, they’ll clock in about 16-18 hours of sleep daily, but in short bursts ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours. And because they’re still figuring out the whole day-night thing, they’ll wake up around the clock. Thankfully, it usually takes about 12 weeks for them to start distinguishing between day and night. Read more on our article do babies sleep better in the dark.

Once those circadian rhythms set in, get ready for longer, more consistent stretches of sleep at night! 

1. Embrace the Magic of Routine

Oh, the power of a solid bedtime routine; this I stand by. It makes a big difference, especially as they age; consistent bedtimes are key! This isn’t just for grown-ups. Babies do thrive on predictability. I know this can be tough in the early days and years as your baby’s crib isn’t in a separate room, so your whole routine is disturbed. And that fight to get enough sleep, let alone an hour’s stretch of sleep that’s uninterrupted for you might sleep, feels miles away.

From a soothing warm bath time to a gentle lullaby and a bedtime story, establish a calming ritual that signals it’s time for sleep. The familiarity will work wonders. I didn’t put pressure on myself to stick to the most rigid routine this second time, as I would find myself stressed and almost dreading the process and rushing it, along with passing that stress on to my baby.

But doing the same things in a routine worked for Eliza in those early months of life and beyond, helping her sleep associations and relaxing her to settle into longer naps and bedtime. 

Top Tips: Find an excellent baby wash; lavender is great if your baby loves it, too, as it does have such a significant effect. I ensured her towel and baby grow were on the radiator, and her nappy and creams were already set out, so it was seamless.

Then, I kept minimum interaction with her to keep her in that relaxed state and found singing or humming a tune started to work; it’s like she knew when we started with the routine, her job was to fall asleep. Don’t get me wrong, this didn’t happen overnight, but after a few weeks, it did start to get a lot easier.

2. Master the Art of Self-Soothing

Teaching your little one to drift off independently is a game-changer to nighttime sleep. Start by putting them down drowsy but awake. It may take some practice, but trust me, it’s worth it. They’ll learn to soothe themselves back to sleep when they wake up in the middle of the night and keep this through their growing years aand a long term tip when looking how to get baby to sleep longer stretches!

3. Create a Cozy Sleep Haven

You’d be amazed at how the right sleep environment can work wonders, and not just for your baby! Keep the room cool but not cold; opt for soft, breathable bedding, and ensure their crib or bassinet is safe and comfortable. Remember to check the togs in the seasons change. A snug sleeping bag can also be a lifesaver. 

Top Tip: I was constantly wondering if the room was too hot or cold and found one of the glow-up room thermometers a brilliant way to help guide me and to stop be disturbing her when not needed and ultimatley help when looking how to get baby to sleep longer stretches!

4/. Night Time Feeds

Nighttime feedings work well when they are easy, and you have everything you need. When we had Kimi, we didn’t realise you could steam a bottle and add the lid on to ensure it was sterilised and good to go; we would get up and wait for the steamer to sterilise, then make the milk, all while Kimi would be awake and crying!

Eliza was also bottle-fed, so I found that having the sterilised bottle ready on the bedside table as I went to bed and the premade milk bottle miniatures was a lifesaver in the first few weeks. I would wake up, open the bottle of pre-packed milk, and pour and go all without leaving my bed, a must for bottle-fed babies! This is for me the ultimate difference in getting Eliza and Kimi back to sleep when looking how to get baby to sleep longer stretches!

This made a massive difference in that first week; that is brutal on lack of sleep due to your baby’s age and need to feed regularly. For those who have breastfed babies, my friends swear by having a chair made up that’s super comfy so you can settle in and quickly move the bed to the cot to chair to the cot to bed. Wireless earbuds were also a big hit while breastfeeding; no wires to fall on the baby or get pulled with legs and arms while feeding.

Top Tip: Make sure you have a low light night light on, dim so your rooms are still dark, but it offers some light to let you see what you need to see, so you do not have to use your phone to find what you need and waking young babies with bright lights.

Top Tip: Room temperature is vital in helping a baby’s sleep patterns in those early months. I found those glow lights to be perfect as I often got concerned if she was too hot or cold and would then start checking her sleep sack, causing her to wake up. 

5/. White Noise Machines

Create a soothing atmosphere with white noise another grear tip often overlooked when looking how to get baby to sleep longer stretches!. Newborns are accustomed to the gentle sounds of a mother’s heartbeat, blood flow, and rhythmic breathing in the womb. That’s why white noise machines are a godsend in those initial weeks post-birth. They mimic that comforting womb-like ambience, making it easier for infants to relax, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer.

If you prefer not to use a white noise machine, switch on your extractor fan in a nearby bathroom or a simple fan in your bedroom. It’s a practical alternative to achieve that calming background noise and on how to get baby to sleep longer stretches . 

6/. Swaddling

Swaddling is a game-changer in those early months. Newborns have a natural startle reflex that can wake them up in response to sudden movements or loud noises. Don’t fret because they typically outgrow it by around 4-5 months another top tip when looking how to get baby to sleep longer stretches!

In the meantime, swaddling with a snug blanket can work wonders. It gives them a sense of security, akin to being in the womb, which translates to longer, more restful sleep. So wrap them up snugly and let them drift off into dreamland! 

7/. Get Outside

Get some fresh air, often overlooked but a great help when looking how to get baby to sleep longer stretches! Taking your baby outside for a walk can do wonders for resetting their circadian rhythm. Natural sunlight provides a powerful daytime cue, helping them distinguish between day and night more quickly. So, enjoy a stroll in the sun together a simple but effective way on how to get baby to sleep longer stretches!

8. Be Mindful of Feeding

A well-timed feeding can make a world of difference when looking how to get baby to sleep longer stretches. But make sure your baby is the appropriate age as we often dream of the drop in feeds, but it must be at the right time as babies require frequent feedings. Feed your little ones earlier in the evening so they have time to digest before bedtime. This can help prevent midnight snack cravings.

However, babies can only take so much milk in. You know what works for you and your baby, and this is one for when they are certainly getting older and your GP or health visitor mentions their change in feeds to you. Once their feed increases as they get a few more months old, you will often see their sleep also goes for long stretches.

9. Trust Your Instincts, Mama

You know your baby better than anyone else. If they show discomfort or hunger at night, tend to their needs. A quick diaper change or a gentle feed can often return them to dreamland. That feeling of finally getting back to sleep and hearing that cry can be soul-destroying, but the nappy check, feed check, or wind check are usually the main offenders and can be quickly dealt with and a great checklist when looking how to get baby to sleep longer stretches. .

10/. Ditch the Myth of Perfect Sleep

Let’s face it: sleep regression is actual. There will be nights when it feels like all your hard work has gone out the window. That’s okay. Take a deep breath, remind yourself you’re doing a fantastic job, and know it’s a phase you will get through. We found during these times, I would do through the working week, and then James would pick on Friday night to Sunday so I could sleep. You can not underestimate the effect that can have on you.

My husband would pick her up, do her early feed, and go downstairs, and Kimi would wake up and go down for a morning just with his dad and sister. They loved it, and I became human again, getting a solid sleep uninterrupted. This is the lifesaver and made getting through the working week a lot easier, knowing that at the weekend, I could recharge. So this tip may not be on how to get baby to sleep longer stretches, but your sleep and mind set is equally as important to me in this article.

11/. Seek Support and Rest When You Can

Remember, you’re not in this alone. Lean on your support system, whether it’s a partner, family member, or friend. If someone offers to help, be bold and accept, its good for you to prioritise your sleep as well. And please, please, prioritise your rest, too. I know they say sleep when the baby sleeps, but for me, that didn’t work; find what you need and ask; there is no medal in taking it all on yourself. You need support and time to recharge. It’s amazing how different things feel after a solid 9 hours of sleep and read our top tips for getting to sleep for new mums.

Let’s Catch Those Z’s Together

You’re doing an incredible job. You may be wearing yesterday’s clothes and drinking coffee like water, but it will pass. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient, stay consistent, and trust your instincts. Soon enough, you’ll be enjoying those precious stretches of uninterrupted sleep.

If you are struggling, why not contact a recommended sleep consultant to see if their expert advice can help you and your family work towards better sleep?

What Can We Do For Our Sleep Deprivation

Supporting moms during the early stages of motherhood is crucial for their well-being and the well-being of their babies. Here are some pieces of advice to help moms navigate this period:

Self-Care is Not Selfish:

• Remind mums that caring for themselves is not selfish but essential for their well-being and their ability to care for their babies. Encourage them to find moments for self-care, even if it’s just a few minutes of relaxation or doing something they enjoy.

Accept and Ask for Help:

• Emphasise the importance of accepting help from family and friends. Please encourage them to communicate their needs and not hesitate to ask for assistance when necessary. Whether it’s with household chores, cooking, or watching the baby for a while, a helping hand can make a big difference.

Prioritise Sleep and Rest:

• Stress the significance of rest and sleep. Suggest taking short naps when the baby sleeps during the day and encourage them to go to bed early to maximise their sleep.

Connect with Other Mums:

• Encourage moms to seek out support groups, both in-person and online. Connecting with other mums going through similar experiences can provide a valuable sense of community and a platform for sharing advice and experiences.

Trust Your Instincts:

• Remind mums that they know their baby best. Please encourage them to trust their instincts and not be overly influenced by external advice. Instincts often play a significant role in parenting decisions.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

• Recommend mindfulness exercises, deep breathing techniques, or short meditation sessions to help moms relax and reduce stress. These practices can be immensely beneficial for mental and emotional well-being.

Celebrate Small Achievements:

• Encourage moms to acknowledge and celebrate even the most minor accomplishments. Whether it’s successfully soothing a fussy baby or getting some rest, every achievement counts.

Take One Day at a Time:

• Remind mums that it’s okay to have only some of the answers or sometimes feel overwhelmed. Please encourage them to focus on each day and not put too much pressure on themselves to have

Directory Of Experts

We have listed below UK experts and health authorities who help guide safe sleep practices and strategies to help babies sleep through the night; please check with your GP if you have any concerns or feel that you need support:

1. The Lullaby Trust: Formerly known as the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID), The Lullaby Trust is a leading UK charity that provides information and support to parents regarding safe sleep practices for babies. They emphasise placing babies on their backs to sleep and creating a safe sleep environment. They also offer guidance on the use of sleep products and sleeping arrangements (Source: The Lullaby Trust, “Safer Sleep for Babies”).
   
2. National Health Service (NHS): The NHS provides valuable information on baby sleep, emphasising the significance of establishing a regular bedtime routine. They recommend activities like bathing, feeding, and reading to help signal to the baby that it’s time to wind down. The NHS also advises creating a safe sleep environment (Source: NHS, “Getting Your Baby to Sleep”).
   
3. UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative: UNICEF UK’s Baby Friendly Initiative offers resources and guidance on breastfeeding, which can be a significant factor in a baby’s sleep routine. They support mothers who wish to breastfeed, which can positively affect infant sleep (Source: UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative).
   
4. Health Visitors: Health visitors in the UK, who are qualified nurses or midwives with additional training in child health, often offer personalised advice on infant sleep. They can guide feeding, routines, and creating a safe sleep environment. Parents are encouraged to seek advice from their local health visitor if they have concerns about their baby’s sleep (Source: NHS, “Health Visitors”).

Remember, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals or certified sleep consultants if you have specific concerns about your baby’s sleep habits. They can provide personalised guidance based on your baby’s needs and circumstances and can give specific advise for your situation on how to get baby to sleep longer stretches.

Now on with toddlers sleep? Have you ever wondered why a toddler sleeps with their bums in the air?

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