The new parent’s guide to better baby sleep

Every day, we pour our hearts into caring for our precious little ones, making sure they're safe and secure both at home and out in the world (we even think about babyproofing their future). But it's just as important to protect our well-being. After all, protection impacts every aspect of our lives, from establishing routines with our babies to safeguarding our own health and happiness.

As newbie moms, we spend so much time and energy on our baby’s Mehmeh Time that we often neglect our own Me Time. Things can easily get overwhelming, especially when you're operating on little to no sleep!

The reality is, sleep deprivation is a common experience for new parents, particularly if you're balancing other responsibilities like household chores, office work or managing a business. It's important to recognize that prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues down the road. That's why we're here to lend a helping hand to fellow Mamas with some practical advice to improve your baby's sleep. Because us moms deserve to sleep soundly like a baby too!

Here are some tips for better sleep:

1. Set the stage for sweet dreams 

Creating a sleep-friendly environment for your baby is essential for successful sleep training. Play some ‘Sa Ugoy ng Duyan’ in the background, utilize that magical haplos ng nanay and keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. A white noise machine can also work wonders to drown out disruptive sounds from outside, creating a soothing environment that promotes better sleep for your little one

2. Build a consistent bedtime routine

It’s been a long day and hindi pa rin inaantok si baby? A consistent bedtime routine signals to your baby that it's time to slowly wind down and prepare for sleep. Find activities to help them relax before bedtime, such as giving them a warm bath, reading a soothing bedtime story, or singing a gentle lullaby. Whatever routine you choose, the key is to stick to it religiously, as consistency is essential for helping your baby establish healthy sleep habits.

3. Decode your baby’s sleepy cues

Babies have different sleep needs and patterns, so it's important to pay attention to your baby's cues and signals when it’s almost bedtime. Look out for signs that indicate your baby is getting sleepy, such as rubbing their eyes, hikab nang hikab, or becoming fussy. When you notice these, it's time to start winding down for sleep. One effective strategy is to put your baby down in their crib when they're drowsy but not fully asleep yet. This allows them to learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently, which is an important skill for developing healthy sleep habits.

4. Develop calming rituals and soothing routines

Teaching your baby to fall asleep independently is a sleep training game-changer. While it may be tempting to rush to your baby's side at the first sign of fussiness, resist the urge to intervene immediately. Instead, give your little one the opportunity to self-soothe and settle back to sleep on their own. Also keep in mind that each baby is different and has their own unique needs. Trust your mommy instincts on this one and do what feels best for you.

4. Partner up for a more peaceful night

While moms may often be the MVPs of baby care, dads or partners can be the ultimate tag team when it comes to getting that good night sleep. Whether it's taking turns with nighttime feedings, offering a listening ear on a tough day, or just being there to share the load, teamwork truly makes the dream work when it comes to sleep training.

5. Maximize daytime Z's for nighttime ease

Make sure your baby gets enough sleep during the day. While it may seem counterintuitive, skipping siesta can lead to overtiredness and difficulty falling asleep at night. When possible, stick to a consistent nap schedule and create a relaxing environment for daytime sleep.

Savor motherhood without worries

When it comes to helping your baby sleep, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. With various options and methods available, it's essential to find what works best for both you and your little one. While it may involve some trial and error, don't lose hope. The effort will pay off, and before you know it, you'll be enjoying restful nights again!

One thing that shouldn’t keep you up at night is your child’s future. Protect it with FWD Babyproof, FWD‘s first-ever insurance bundle for babies. Tailored to give essential protection coverage for your baby, from life protection and investment to hospital and ICU coverage, Babyproof provides the peace of mind you need to savor motherhood without worries. 

Discover more about Babyproof and other customized products created just for you. FWD Babyproof is available with either FWD Set for Life or FWD Manifest. To know more, schedule a free virtual consultation with an FWD financial advisor today.