Seven free baby sleep aids
It's no secret that the saying " sleeping like a baby " has nothing to do with real baby sleep. Most babies have periods when they may have difficulty falling asleep and sleeping through the night. The good news is that fortunately there are many good aids that can make it easier to help your baby into dreamland. In this blog post we will list and describe seven free aids that are likely to have a positive impact on your baby's sleep. And they are also a good and cozy way to spend time with your baby and strengthen the bond between your baby and you.
However, it is important to note that the effect of the various aids is individual, and it is always a good idea to contact your healthcare provider for professional guidance.
There are other effective aids that require a smaller financial investment, such as a weighted blanket , bed rail and bed guard .
1. Learn to give baby massage
Baby massage can be a great way to calm your baby and help them fall asleep. There is a lot of great inspiration online for home massage if you need tips to get started. For example, we can recommend the Instagram profile @easeyourbaby.dk, which is packed with great videos that are just right to go to. Massage can help release tension in the muscles, calm the nervous system and create a relaxing atmosphere for your baby. It is also an effective and pleasant way to connect with your baby.
2. Reflexology can be a good complement to baby massage
Reflexology is a form of treatment that involves applying pressure and massage to specific points on the body to promote relaxation and unwinding. It can be a great complement to baby massage and can help relieve tension and discomfort that your baby may be experiencing. You can gently massage and press specific points on the feet and hands to promote relaxation and sleep.
3. Skin-to-skin contact can have a positive impact on baby's sleep
Skin-to-skin contact is a simple but effective way to create a sense of security and safety for your baby. It involves placing your baby directly on your bare skin so that he or she can feel your breathing, heartbeat, warmth, and scent.
Skin-to-skin contact can lower stress hormones in both parents and baby, which can have a positive impact on baby's sleep, and is especially beneficial for newborn babies. For most parents, the need to hold baby close comes naturally.
4. Practice different games and exercises to stimulate muscle-joint sensation
Playing with your baby can not only be fun, but it can also help stimulate their muscle-joint sense. You can try different games that stimulate the senses and body awareness. This can help strengthen your baby's muscles, improve their motor skills and prepare them for a good night's sleep. Remember to choose games and exercises that are appropriate for your baby's developmental level and safety. Find inspiration in our blog post here .
5. Hum or sing your baby to sleep
Singing or humming can have a calming effect on babies and help them fall asleep. You can try singing calm lullabies or humming a soothing tune to your baby while gently rocking them. The sound of your voice and the rhythm can create a safe atmosphere and help your baby relax and fall asleep. It is a simple, effective and free way to soothe your baby.
6. Rock your baby to sleep
Rocking your baby gently can be an effective way to soothe your baby and help them fall asleep. For example, you can rock them in your arms, a swaddle, a sling, a stroller, or on a yoga ball to create a gentle movement that is reminiscent of the movement your baby experienced in the womb. Rocking movements can help soothe your baby and create a sense of security.
7. Avoid exposing your baby to screens before bed
Screens like TVs, tablets, and smartphones emit blue light that can affect your baby's sleep. Blue light can disrupt your body's natural sleep rhythm and make it harder for your baby to fall asleep. That's why it's a good idea to avoid exposing your baby to screens for at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, opt for quiet activities like reading or playing to help your baby relax and get ready to visit dreamland.
