What you need to think about to get the right sleep environment for your baby
Everyone knows that sleep can be in short supply when you have a young baby. Making sure they’ve got enough in their tummies, that they’ve had a good play, and that they’re tired – but not over-tired – can at least help them drift off.
However, there’s so much more to your baby’s sleep time than that. Preparing the right environment is vital in helping your baby feel calm, safe and comfortable. Luckily this isn’t hard to achieve, and the sooner you have everything in place, the sooner your baby will happily drift off – and hopefully, the sooner you’ll get a good rest too!
Here are some important factors to consider as you approach your baby’s sleep time.
Keep it calm
Create a peaceful environment for your baby to help prepare them for sleep. Calm your baby with a lovely soothing bath and perhaps a gentle massage to follow. Dim the lights, have a cuddle, and perhaps read a story or sing a lullaby, using a gentle and quiet voice.
Not only does this help baby relax and get ready for the night or afternoon ahead, but also allows you both to enjoy precious moments of bonding, which are so important.
Safety first
Your baby’s safety is crucial, and it’s important that you prepare a sleeping environment that keeps your baby out of harm’s way. Always lie baby down on their back in their cot or bassinet. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and well fitted, with no gaps at the sides, and make sure the bed is clear of any coverings, blankets, toys and pillows.
Sleepbags are perfect for safe sleeping, as they don’t allow the baby to slip under sheets or blankets and become covered. You can pop your young baby (0-3 months) in the Tommee Tippee Grobag Easy Swaddle, which will keep them safe and cosy – and it’s recognised by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a ‘healthy hip product’ to keep your little one’s hips in the correct position. Older babies will enjoy the comfort of the Tommee Tippee Grobag Sleepbag.
Read parents’ honest reviews of Tommee Tippee The Original Easy Swaddle and Sleepbags.
Just the right temperature
Making sure your baby is at the right temperature can make a huge difference to their sleep – it’s so important to ensure they’re not too hot or overheated, nor are they freezing cold. Some parents recommend a room thermometer like the GroEgg2, keeping an eye on it during those late night/early morning wakes.
Using a sleepbag can help get regulate temperature all night long: look for one with a TOG rating you can match to the environment, like those in the Tommee Tippee The Original Grobag range. Use the accompanying guide to dress them appropriately under the bag.
Always be prepared
Have everything you need for a quick nappy change or night feed at the ready, so as not to disturb your baby too much. Have a glass of water ready if you’re breastfeeding and place a clean nappy and wipes in a handy spot.
This is where a sleeping bag with an easy two-way zip opening is absolutely perfect for night-time nappy changes. You can keep baby snug and warm at the top, but then undo the bag from the bottom for a smooth and speedy change that keeps disturbance to an absolute minimum.
Natural is best
When choosing sleepwear and bedding for your newborn, opt for fabrics with natural fibres that promote comfort and won’t irritate their delicate skin. The sleepbags in the Tommee Tippee Grobag range are made from bamboo-rich fabric, so cosy and comfortable that your baby will love to snuggle down and close their eyes. These sleep bags also feature a unique cotton blend lining, infused with naturally soothing aloe vera, that’s super soft and gentle on baby’s skin. Plus, the range’s 2.5 TOG and 3.5 TOG sleep bags contain 100% recycled wadding, guaranteed to be free from harmful chemicals, toxins and irritants.
