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The arrival of a newborn brings an overwhelming mix of joy and challenges, and perhaps one of the most daunting tasks for new parents is establishing a nighttime feeding routine. To make those middle of the night feedings smoother and more peaceful for both you and your baby, it's worthwhile creating a simple routine to carry out each time your little one needs feeding. In this blog post, we'll walk you through a detailed step-by-step guide for a newborn night feedings routine that encompasses everything from swaddling, lighting, to diaper changes and more.
Step 1: Un-swaddle Your Baby
Begin the routine by gently un-swaddling your baby. Un-swaddling allows your little one to feel more comfortable and free during feedings. It also signals to your baby that it's time to wake up for a feed. However, keep the process gentle and soothing to prevent startling your baby awake or overstimulating them.
Step 2: Feed and Burp
Next, settle into a cozy chair or a comfortable spot for feeding. Ensure the lighting is dim, preferably with a soft red light, as this color minimally disrupts the sleep hormone melatonin. Keep interactions during feeding minimal – avoid speaking loudly or playing to prevent stimulating your baby's awake state. After feeding, remember to burp your baby to relieve any discomfort caused by swallowed air.
Step 3: Diaper Change
After burping, gently move your baby to the changing area. Keep the lights dim to avoid overstimulation. During this step, change your baby's diaper to ensure they're clean and dry. Use a warm wipe and maintain a soothing atmosphere to help your baby stay relaxed.
Step 4: Transfer to Swaddle
Once the diaper change is complete, it's time to transition your baby back into a swaddle. Swaddling provides a sense of security and comfort, which can help your baby settle back to sleep more easily. Keep the lights dim as you gently swaddle your baby, ensuring they're snug but not too tight.
Finding the Right Rhythm
As you navigate the routine, you might wonder whether changing the diaper before or after feeding is more effective for helping your baby fall back asleep. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, many parents find that changing before feeding works well. This approach allows your baby to wake up a bit during the diaper change, making them more alert and active during the feeding session. After feeding, they might be more likely to doze off again without needing another round of interaction.
Don't Give up Hope!
Creating a newborn night feedings routine is a journey that requires patience and flexibility. By following the simple steps above, you can provide your baby with a comforting routine that supports their sleep and nourishment needs. Remember, every baby is unique, so don't hesitate to adjust the routine to suit your baby's preferences. And when your baby reaches that milestone of 4 months or 12 pounds, consider exploring our personalized 1:1 packages to ensure a smooth transition into the next phase of sleep and development. With dedication and a well-crafted routine, you'll create a nurturing environment that promotes restful nights for both you and your precious bundle of joy.
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