Almost every parent is familiar with the signs that their little one isn’t sleeping as soundly as they could be. There’s the fits and starts, off-kilter eating schedule, and the all-too-common ear screech which announces discomfort in the plainest (and shrillest) of tones.
If a good night’s sleep for your baby (and for the whole family) sounds like a slice of paradise, read on – there are plenty of small actions you can take to create a calming, sleep conducive environment for your baby.
The Right Light
As adults, we consciously choose the type of lighting we prefer, and many of us will have an aesthetic preference for either ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ lighting. On a subconscious level, the quality of light goes further than its inherent warmth into tonal nuances. Subtle changes in the colour of light can impact our ability to fall asleep and remain asleep, and can even impact our dreams. That’s where a baby night light comes into play.
Small children and babies are even more sensitive to the shift in light and it’s important to understand how their bedroom exposure to different types of light can affect their sleep and relaxation. Electronic devices are a major source of ‘blue’ light. Blue light has been shown to affect sleep quality and has other worrying health-related effects. Many traditional night lights also utilise blue light. A better option is to opt for ‘red’ light, which is associated with better health outcomes and sleep hygiene. A red baby night light is a simple and affordable way to help your child get a more restful, relaxing sleep.
Sounds Lovely
Noises in the night can scare even the hardiest of adult imaginations. For babies and small children, unfamiliar sounds can bring feelings of intense discomfort and interrupt their natural sleep rhythms.
To help regulate the way your child negotiates these night time noises and to create a more peaceful sleeping environment, you can integrate slow wave sounds known as ‘pink noise’. Pink noise differs from white noise in that it provides a regulated, steady source of sound which helps to create a sense of inward calm while regulating octave frequencies in a way which encourages steady brainwaves. Pink noise has been demonstrated to provide deeper sleep, and it can also enhance the brain’s natural memory functions.
As an additional benefit, it can also help to mask the irregular creaking sounds which occur frequently in older houses.
Start Making Scents
One of the more exciting (and stressful) preparations usually undertaken when a new baby is born is the design and furnishing of a nursery. In the rush to create a cute, camera-friendly space, it can be easy to overlook the impact of scent on your baby. New products, paints and fabrics frequently give off (mostly inert) gases which can smell unpleasant to your baby.
An easy way to help overcome this common blunder is to install a humidifier or vaporiser. By using natural oils to create a constant, mildly scented environment for your baby, you can also provide them with greater breathing comfort, meaning that they can sleep more soundly all evening. This is particularly useful if you live in a house with dust mites or other allergens.
Creating a calm environment for your baby or small child means considering each of their senses. From scent, to sound to sight, the developing nose, ears and eyes of your little one will appreciate your consideration, and you will be rewarded with a more rested, contented child. Introducing your baby to smarter products and techniques early on (from 8 weeks +) can help to establish healthy, lifelong habits which enhance their happiness and memory.
