Creating a Peaceful Sleep Environment for Your Baby: A Doula's Perspective

As a mom and doula, I highly recommend establishing a peaceful sleep environment and routine for your baby. Here are some of my personal experiences and professional tips to help your baby sleep better.

Andrew and I start our day by waking up, packing lunch for Veronika, taking her to school, and then often spending some quiet time together. On weekends or rainy days, Andrew loves sitting by the window and listening to the birds singing. It's a calming activity that he thoroughly enjoys, and it usually leads to a good nap. Creating a peaceful environment helps him sleep better, and I cherish these quiet moments with him.

To ensure Andrew sleeps well during the day, I've hung dark blue curtains around his crib. This setup blocks out screen light when I work at my desk next to him, creating a darker, sleep-friendly environment.

With my first baby, I used a night light because I was anxious and worried about her. This time, I decided to get used to no light at night right from the start. It was a bit scary when I brought him home from the hospital, but we managed. Now, Andrew sleeps well at night with minimal light.

Recommendations for Other Moms

As a doula and sleep consultant, here are my recommendations for helping your baby develop healthy sleep habits:

1. Morning Sunlight: Exposing your baby to natural sunlight in the morning helps regulate their sleep-wake cycle and boosts their Vitamin D levels, which are crucial for healthy bone development and a strong immune system.

2. Calm Indoor Activities: On days when you can't go outside, find calm activities like sitting by the window and listening to nature sounds. This can be soothing and lead to better naps.

3. Dark Sleep Environment:

- Crib Setup: Use dark curtains around the crib to block out light and create a cozy sleeping space.

- Minimize Light Exposure: Try to minimize light exposure, especially blue light, around your baby's sleeping area. This helps signal that it's time to sleep.

4. Nighttime Routine:

- No Night Light: Consider getting used to no light at night from the start. While it might be challenging initially, it helps in the long run. If you do need a light, use a dim, warm-colored one.

- Establish a Routine: Develop a consistent bedtime routine to help your baby know it's time to sleep.

5. General Light Management:

- Natural Light Exposure: Expose your baby to natural light during the day, especially in the morning, to help regulate their circadian rhythm and support healthy sleep patterns.

- Evening Light: Limit exposure to artificial light, especially blue light, in the evening to prepare your baby for bedtime.

If you need help establishing a healthy sleep routine, you can contact Nova Newborn for professional guidance and support.

These practices have helped create a serene and restful environment for Andrew, and I hope they can do the same for you and your baby. Here's to many more serene moments and the joy they bring to our lives!