Babies that cry all night are a part of being a modern parent. The wailing is nature’s way of ensuring that the infant gets what they need and want.
But, of course, it can take its toll on you as the mother. Having to get up repeatedly through the night to soothe your baby isn’t fun and can leave you feeling exhausted by the end of the week.
So, is there anything you can do about it? Well, it turns out that there is. Here’s how to manage a situation like this:
Take Turns With Your Partner
The first thing you’ll want to do is take turns with your partner if you have one. Sharing the responsibility for getting up at night can help you better manage your sleep and reduce the number of interruptions.
Taking turns is something that the majority of couples do these days, especially during the first three months when babies are at their most challenging. If you can get a full night’s sleep every other day because your partner is tending to the child, that can take the sting out of the experience.
Establish A Night Time Calming Routine
Another approach is to establish a calming nighttime routine. Preparing the baby for bed is a great way to get them to calm down and signal to their bodies that it is time to sleep.
Nighttime routines could include things like feeding the baby and giving them a warm bath. It could also involve singing them a lullaby or providing a sleep signal that encourages them to reduce crying.
During the evenings, it is helpful to dim the lights and reduce the stimulation the baby receives. Cutting out external stressors often helps them sleep better and makes you feel calmer at the same time.
Rocking them for longer periods in the evening is also calming. Some studies show that this sort of interaction can soothe the baby and make it so they sleep for longer, for example, 4 hours at a time, instead of just one.
Look For Reasons For The Crying
Of course, it also helps if you look for the causes of crying. If you can find reasons for why the child can’t sleep, that’s also helpful.
For example, babies will often cry if they have a damp diaper (even if it doesn’t smell bad). Simply changing it quickly can resolve the problem.
Medical issues could also be playing a role in a minority of babies. For example, they might have reflux or colic that could be causing them to cry, independent of any environmental reason.
If you notice any of these problems, try giving your baby a pacifier and see if it helps them. Gentle music can also sometimes work and can increase their musical abilities at the same time.
Protect Your Mental Health
We also suggest protecting your mental health if you are going through a situation like this. Dealing with a baby that won’t stop crying isn’t easy, but it is achievable.
For example, if you find yourself stressed and anxious before bed because of your baby, try using mindfulness and deep breathing. These can come in handy in many situations.
If you can connect with a support group, you may also find this helps. Other people who have been through the same things as you can provide assistance.
Maintain Your Physical Health
Protecting yourself from a baby that cries all night also involves maintaining your physical health. The more you can focus on this, the less likely you will experience issues.
For example, you could eat more balanced meals that support your overall health and keep your energy levels high. The best foods can induce sleep and make it simpler for you to get the rest you need, even if you have to get up because of screaming.
Going on short walks to boost mood and reduce stress can also work. Going out early in the morning is something that can give you the motivation to see through the rest of the day.
Deal With Sleep Regression Issues
You also want to ensure that you’re adequately dealing with sleep regression issues. If you notice sleep regression happening at 3 to 4 months old, then seeking expert advice is a great idea.
During the first three months of your child’s life, their body clock is all over the place, and there’s not much you can do about it. However, as they get to around three or four months, they should start falling into a pattern. Sometimes, you’ll notice they sleep well for a couple of weeks, but then fall back into problems later on.
Solving these issues isn’t always easy, but it is possible if you take the right approach. Dealing with sleep regression takes time and practice, but is also achievable.
Seek Help When Needed
If you need to get help to prevent nighttime crying from ruining your life, then go and get it. It’s easy to find support if you know where to look.
Start with family and friends and see how that goes. Sometimes, they will help you with a crying baby a couple of times a week to give you a rest.
Another option is to get a nanny or a doula if you can afford one. These provide additional relief and can take care of babies for you if you need to get some shut-eye.
Healthcare providers may also be able to help you. If you and your partner are exhausted and at the end of what you can do, you may be able to find services in the areas to talk to you about depression and anxiety.
Add Technology
Finally, you could look into using technology to keep an eye on your baby for you while you’re away from them. Sleep monitors can come in handy when you want to soothe the baby remotely. Many of these monitors now have screens so you can see what your baby is doing and whether they require any help.
