Hi there, tired parent. We won’t bounce around the topic at hand–here’s a virtual cup of coffee and some tips on achieving the safest, most peaceful sleep schedule for your new baby. 

Sleeping Safely

Although it may not always feel like it, babies sleep a lot during their first 12 months–anywhere from 11 to 17 hours a day, when you add all of their nap times together! Before we dive into some ways to help regulate that ample sleeping time, we’d like to share some must-know safety rules for new parents.

First, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your little one sleeps in the same room as you during their first year of life–this can greatly decrease the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death). Your baby should sleep nearby, but never in your bed with you–as much as you both love to cuddle, babies need to sleep on their backs on a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet, and with no other people in their sleep space. Soft surfaces like couches, chairs, or your bed can cause curving of an infant’s neck and spine, which can possibly restrict their airflow and lead to breathing difficulty. On that same note, always remove excess blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys from their sleeping environment, as your baby is not yet strong enough to move items away from their face.

The safest place for your little one to snooze is an empty crib, bassinet, or a playard (also known as a pack and play). We created the Remi playard with a lightweight and portable design that makes it easy to bring with you, whether you’re traveling from room to room or across the country! Rachel Mitchell, Certified Pediatric and Maternity Sleep Consultant and Founder of My Sweet Sleeper, also recommends the Remi for its GREENGUARD Gold Certification–an honor it achieved by passing rigorous testing, proving that it supports healthier air quality and low chemical emissions. With the Remi, you can have peace of mind about breathability for your baby from day one to their toddler years; the included bassinet option can be used from birth to 20 pounds and then zipped off when outgrown. You can also easily add the Remi Changing Station and Changing Station Organizer to keep everything you need for quick changes within arm’s reach, so you don’t need to significantly disturb your little one’s sleep. 

Once they’re on a sleep schedule and become more active during the day, the Remi also doubles as a place for your baby to play. Its open, unobstructed design keeps them draft-proof and helps you keep an eye on them from any angle, and its zip-open design lets you quickly and easily reach in to say hello.

Sleeping Soundly

Now that we have the safety basics down, we’ll focus on improving the quality of your baby’s sleep. One key is to create an optimal sleeping environment for your little one–with the added bonus of creating that same environment for yourself, since you’ll be sharing a bedroom. 

Firstly, turn down the temperature–babies are most comfortable when their environment is between 68 and 72 degrees. If you’re worried that they’re too cold, put your hand on their chest; if it’s warm, they’re likely warm enough. If not, get them snuggled up in a baby sleep sack rather than a blanket, to reduce the risk of them becoming tangled. 

Next, make sure the space is quiet and dark. Blackout shades or curtains can help block out light throughout the room, or you can add a Canopy accessory to your Remi to darken only your baby’s space. If you’re able to hear more than muffled noises from outside, a white noise machine can be helpful to create a womb-like environment that comforts your baby and helps them settle into a restful sleep. 

Bringing your little ones into their peaceful sleeping environment is a helpful tool for creating a sleeping schedule–or at least a semblance of one (we know how it can be, especially in the beginning). The human body actually doesn’t begin producing significant amounts of melatonin (the natural hormone that helps us sleep) until we’re 2.5 to 3 months old, so very young babies are especially reliant on the cues we provide to help regulate their schedules. Once your little one is old enough to signal when they’re feeling drowsy, it’s best to put them to bed as soon as possible while they’re primed to snooze. Overtiredness in infants actually makes it more difficult for them to fall and stay asleep, as it leads to lower melatonin levels and releases adrenaline and cortisol! 

Sleeping Soon

If you’re reading this post, you’re probably in need of some shuteye yourself. These tips will help you get your little one into a peaceful, safe, and better regulated slumber–and soon, you’ll be getting more sleep, too. With the Remi Playard you’re investing in safe sleep, more fun-filled playtime, and the freedom to travel without sacrificing comfort or an unfamiliar resting place.