Question

An eight-month-old baby has had poor sleep for the past two nights, frequently waking up in the middle of the night, affecting our sleep. What methods can be used to improve the baby’s sleep?

Answer

To ensure a baby has a peaceful sleep, it’s important to create a comfortable and pleasant sleeping environment, which helps the child fall asleep quickly and improve the quality of sleep. Here are some suggestions to improve a baby’s sleep:

  1. Avoid heavy or overeating meals for dinner. Refrain from consuming indigestible foods within 1 to 2 hours before bedtime, and avoid drinking too much water before sleeping.
  2. Establish a fixed bedtime routine every day to cultivate regular sleeping habits.
  3. Give the baby a bath every night. If the room temperature is low, you can choose to clean the face, feet, and external genitalia to help the baby fall asleep.
  4. Keep the room dimly lit by pulling curtains and avoid turning on the TV, radio, or engaging in loud conversations.
  5. Do not engage in vigorous activities before bedtime, and avoid reading new stories or books to prevent overexcitement that may make it difficult to fall asleep.
  6. Maintain fresh and moist air in the room; a baby can fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly in a fresh atmosphere. Adults should also avoid smoking indoors.
  7. Keep bedding and pillows clean and comfortable; bedding should be aired out once every 1 to 2 weeks, and bed sheets should be washed once every 1 to 2 weeks.