From the first signs of tiredness in your little one, it's important to start a sleep routine that will allow your child to fall asleep quickly . Sleep plays a crucial role in their development; it's no coincidence that they can sleep between 17 and 22 hours a day during the first few weeks after birth. However, just because your child needs a lot of sleep doesn't mean they'll fall asleep easily. Stéphanie, a pediatric nurse and creator of Ouatine & Cumulus, shares her little secrets to easily put your baby to sleep!
Preparing for bedtime
Babies need routines; the repetition of certain activities soothes them and gives them a sense of security that is essential for their proper development. From birth, parents can establish a routine to promote relaxation and sleep in their baby. This will soothe your child, but will also establish a rhythm that will be crucial for their future growth .
The bedtime ritual , whether it takes place during the day for a nap or in the evening for "big sleep," plays a significant role in the quality of falling asleep. This ritual can take many forms: a big hug after the bottle, a song repeated night after night 🎵, rocking in mom or dad's arms, a relaxing bath… There are countless ways to create a bedtime routine. This ritual will be adapted and specific to your child, based on their needs. You will therefore need to learn to decipher what suits them best and what works for them.
While bedtime rituals have a significant impact on your little ones' sleep, there are other points to consider.
An environment conducive to sleep.
While it's true that a child can fall asleep almost anywhere, for quality sleep, it's best to create a suitable environment for them . To do this, it's helpful to know a few tricks that will help you get your little one to sleep, but above all, to keep them asleep for as long as they need. 💤
“ When your child shows the first signs of tiredness, it becomes urgent to move away from all stimuli that could prevent them from falling asleep. A child needs calm to drift off to sleep. By isolating yourselves from sources of noise (whether it's conversation, the radio, television or the neighbor's lawnmower), you allow your baby to calm down and to more easily switch to sleep mode, during the time they spend in their deeper sleep phase .”
Stéphanie, founder of Ouatine & Cumulus, pediatric nurse and mom
For daytime naps, avoid plunging your baby into complete darkness . As your child matures, they will gradually develop their circadian rhythm (the rhythm that regulates our lives over 24 hours, with a period of activity during the day linked to daylight and a period of rest at night). Making a distinction between their daytime rest periods and nighttime sleep will help them in this regard. Instead, place them in a place where the light is dimmed , either by blinds or a light fabric that will soften the light around them.
Also, be sure to install it in a room where the temperature is neither too high nor too low. The recommended temperature for a baby's room is between 18 and 20 degrees. Remember to air out the room regularly between naps. 🛏️
Activities adapted to the time of day
Some types of stimulation are more suitable than others depending on the time of day. While games are beneficial for your baby's development, there are calmer activities that can be undertaken as nap time or bedtime approaches: reading, singing, relaxing activities (such as a bath or massage), or a final breastfeeding session—the choice is vast. 📚
We can't stress this enough, but avoid putting your child in front of a screen as much as possible . For very young children, screens should be completely banned from their daily lives. For slightly older children, around 3 years old, keep them away from screens for at least 1 hour before bedtime. While it becomes increasingly difficult to follow this rule as children grow older, know that it also applies to adults. Fewer screens often mean better sleep! 📵
Prefer calm activities , during which your baby can listen to soft music. If you are in a noisy environment and it is difficult for you to move away from it, you can consider using white noise.
What is white noise?
The term "white noise" refers to a series of sounds used to mask others . These are sounds emitted at the same frequency and amplitude, creating a monotonous rhythm that can be reminiscent of a fan. While this noise is useful for adults who want to fall asleep without being disturbed by outside noises (like traffic or the neighbor's rooster), it is also widely used by parents who have difficulty putting their baby to sleep. The sound of white noise reminds young children of their time in utero, where silence was never total . White noise is therefore a fantastic way to soothe your child and create the best conditions for them to fall asleep easily. You may have already noticed that your child falls asleep to the sound of the vacuum cleaner or even the hairdryer. 😉
The cocoon for a safe and calm baby.
To help your baby fall asleep easily, there are a thousand tricks and tips that will depend on your child and their environment . The most important tip to remember is that to fall asleep, your little one must feel safe and calm; therefore, you must offer them an environment that allows them to reassure themselves alone. 🍼
At Ouatine & Cumulus, we created the cocoon , an ideal sleeping aid to help your child fall asleep anywhere, anytime, but above all, in the most appropriate way possible. Its soft, fluffy texture helps your baby feel like they're on a little cloud, defining the space around them, which provides security and allows them to have quality sleep by seamlessly transitioning through different sleep phases. Easy to transport, the cocoon will quickly become your best ally for your baby's sleep . 😴
