<p>During the first year, your baby will go through seven developmental leaps. After each leap, your baby will have learned something new. But with each leap often comes periods of fussiness, greater demands, and disrupted sleep.</p><hr><h4><strong>Happens at the same age for all babies</strong></h4><p>In the first few months, these leaps occur more frequently and last from a few days to a week, sometimes barely noticeable. Later in the year, the leaps become longer and more intense.</p><p><i><strong>🌟 SLEEP TIP:</strong> In the </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>BabyNaps app</i></a><i>, you can track your baby’s development and see how sleep is affected month by month—a super-easy way to stay on top of when the next leap or sleep regression is coming.&nbsp;</i></p><hr><h2><strong>5 weeks:</strong> Leap 1 – The World of Sensations</h2><p>At 5 weeks old, your baby goes through the first developmental leap, known as "The World of Sensations."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>Your baby’s vision improves. Senses become sharper, and your baby starts to notice more sights and sounds. These new impressions can be overwhelming.</li><li>Your baby can stay awake for longer periods (around 60 minutes is ideal).</li><li>Your baby’s organs and metabolism are developing.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Hold your baby close if they’re fussy; just being in your arms often helps.</li><li>Explore contrasts with your baby, like shapes, stripes, and angles.</li><li>Talk to your baby to help them practice facial expressions and interaction.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within about a week</p><hr><h2><strong>8 weeks: </strong>Leap 2 – The World of Patterns</h2><p>Around the 8-week mark, it’s time for the second leap, "The World of Patterns."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>Your baby starts perceiving the world differently, from a whole to patterns.</li><li>Their vision sharpens even more, and they begin small body movements, like discovering their hands.</li><li>Communication develops, and your baby might respond to you with new sounds.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Your face and expressions are the best entertainment for your baby!</li><li>Try a baby gym with dangling toys.</li><li>Encourage your baby to grip toys or your finger.</li><li>Pay attention to how your baby reacts after activities—new impressions may tire them.</li><li>Stay close; physical proximity is the best comfort if your baby is fussy.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within 1–2 weeks</p><hr><h2><strong>12 weeks:</strong> Leap 3 – The World of Smooth Transitions</h2><p>At around 12 weeks, your baby enters the third leap, "The World of Smooth Transitions."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>Your baby can now notice smoother changes in sight, sound, taste, and touch, like moving objects or fading sounds.</li><li>Their range of sounds expands—they might blow raspberries or scream in new ways.</li><li>Movements become smoother, and your baby enjoys more activity around them.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Go for walks! A stroll is a sensory explosion of lights, shadows, and colors for your baby.</li><li>Establish more structured routines and consider starting a sleep schedule.</li><li>Respond to your baby’s new sounds to encourage communication.</li><li>Provide plenty of closeness if your baby is upset or fussy.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within about a week</p><hr><h2><strong>19 weeks:</strong> Leap 4 – The World of Events</h2><p>At a little over 4 months, your baby’s development kicks into high gear with the fourth leap, "The World of Events."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>Your baby starts connecting a series of events using their senses.</li><li>They discover their body, possibly rolling over after some frustration.</li><li>Voice development continues, with squeals or high-pitched screams.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Play peek-a-boo to reassure your baby you’re still there, even when out of sight.</li><li>Use songs, rhymes, and toys that let your baby explore themselves in a mirror.</li><li>Begin introducing new flavors and textures if your baby starts solids.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within 1–6 weeks</p><hr><h2><strong>26 weeks: </strong>Leap 5 – The World of Relationships</h2><p>At nearly 6 months, it’s time for the fifth leap, "The World of Relationships."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>Your baby starts understanding relationships between objects and distances.</li><li>They begin noticing cause and effect, like pressing a button to turn on a light.</li><li>Your baby starts connecting words and simple gestures to daily life.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Ensure you get some rest, as this period can be intense for parents.</li><li>Practice peek-a-boo to ease separation anxiety.</li><li>Stick to consistent sleep routines to help with disrupted sleep.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within 1–5 weeks</p><hr><h2><strong>8.5 months: </strong>Leap 6 – The World of Categories</h2><p>At around 8.5 months, your baby enters "The World of Categories."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>They start comparing objects, like matching a picture to a real item.</li><li>They explore how things work and love experimenting with textures.</li><li>Your baby understands more than they can express—talk about what you see together.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Encourage exploration, but expect clinginess during this phase.</li><li>Use signs to show when it’s time to eat or drink.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within 3–6 weeks</p><hr><h2><strong>10.5 months:</strong> Leap 7 – The World of Sequences</h2><p>As your baby approaches 10.5 months, they go through the final leap of the year, "The World of Sequences."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>They begin to understand sequences, like how to dress or stack blocks.</li><li>They learn that one action can lead to another.</li><li>Your baby realizes they can ask for help.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Keep your baby engaged with activities like stacking toys.</li><li>Let them "help" with simple chores, like pressing a button.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within 3–7 weeks</p><hr><p><i>That was your baby's developmental leaps during the first year. But hold on tight—there’s more to come! Around 15 months and 17.5 months, it’s time again. You can also learn more about developmental leaps in the book or app called Wonder Weeks.</i></p>

Your baby’s first year is a rollercoaster ride. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, a new phase begins—often accompanied by a fussy baby who doesn’t sleep well. Here’s an overview of your baby’s developmental leaps in the first year!

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Here’s an overview of your baby’s developmental leaps in the first year!

Fussy baby not sleeping well? Developmental leaps in the first year you need to know about!

<h2>1. Is your baby getting the right amount of sleep during the day and night?</h2><p>Daytime naps are the secret ingredient to better sleep at night. It might seem counterintuitive, but <strong>babies who don’t nap enough during the day often have an even harder time falling and staying asleep at night</strong>. Poor nighttime sleep can also lead to oversleeping during the day—and the cycle continues. A consistent sleep schedule tailored to your baby’s needs can help break this pattern.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Try an app like </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>BabyNaps</i></a><i> to know exactly when and how often your baby should sleep.&nbsp;</i></p><hr><h2>2. Do you have a consistent bedtime routine?</h2><p>A predictable and calming bedtime routine is key to making bedtime easier and quicker. Start early to help your baby wind down by dimming the lights and slowing the pace.<strong> Follow the same steps every evening</strong>: maybe a bath, saying goodnight to stuffed animals, reading a book, singing a lullaby, putting on pajamas, giving a gentle massage, or offering a warm bottle. The routine signals to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Over time, this repetition will help your baby relax automatically.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Play the same bedtime music every night </i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=1ef670a7cd79409c"><i>(we love this Spotify playlist!</i></a><i>), and your baby will associate the songs with sleep.</i></p><hr><h2>3. Is your baby showing sleepy cues?</h2><p>Creating a calm environment can make it easier to spot when your baby is ready for sleep (though we know keeping playtime calm isn’t always simple!). Watch for sleepy cues, and <strong>start the bedtime process as soon as you see them</strong>.</p><p>Common sleepy cues can be:</p><ul><li>Rubbing their eyes</li><li>Slight redness around the eyes or eyebrows</li><li>Yawning</li><li>Becoming quieter</li><li>Lying down on the floor</li><li>Wanting extra cuddles</li></ul><p>Make sure most of the bedtime routine is already done by this point.&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Starting too late or extending the routine can lead to overtiredness, making it harder for your baby to settle down. Begin winding down at the right time, wait for those sleepy cues, and then head to bed!</i></p><hr><h2>4. Are you putting your baby to bed at the right time?</h2><p>Finding the sweet spot for bedtime isn’t always easy. Research shows that babies tend to sleep longer—and better!—when they’re put to bed earlier in the evening. Many parents mistakenly keep their children awake longer, thinking it will tire them out, but this often backfires and leads to an overtired, fussy baby. Most young children naturally fall asleep <strong>between 6:30 and 7:30 PM</strong>.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Not sure what time works best for your baby? Try the </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>BabyNaps app</i></a><i> for a personalized sleep schedule.</i></p><hr><h2>5. Is your baby’s diaper dry all night?</h2><p>A wet or uncomfortable diaper can disrupt sleep. Experiment with different brands to find one that keeps your baby dry and comfy all night. If you need to change a diaper during the night, <strong>use a soft nightlight to avoid fully waking your baby</strong>. As your child grows, a familiar light can also provide comfort in a dark room.</p><hr><h2>6. Is the bedroom cool and quiet?</h2><p>Babies often sleep better in a cool room. Overheating can disturb their sleep, so <strong>aim to keep the temperature around 18°C (65°F)</strong>. Dress your baby in cozy pajamas with feet and use a light blanket or sleeping bag to keep them comfortable. If your baby tends to kick off the covers, <strong>a wearable sleep sack is a great solution</strong>. White noise can also help mask disruptive sounds and create a calm sleep environment.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Check out </i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=58042f14829d4cc6"><i>our favorite white noise playlist on Spotify</i></a><i>!</i></p><hr><h2>7. Is it dark? Like, really dark?</h2><p>Even the smallest sliver of light can signal to your baby that it’s morning. Invest in <strong>blackout curtains to make the room completely dark</strong>. If light still seeps in, add a blanket over the curtains. Total darkness is your goal—embrace it!</p><hr><h2>8. Is the sleeping space cozy?</h2><p>Newborns love environments that <strong>mimic the womb</strong>: snug, secure, and surrounded by soft edges. A <strong>baby nest or snug sleeping are</strong>a can provide the comfort they need. For older babies, making the sleep space inviting is key—think favorite stuffed animals, a gentle nightlight, or even starting the night in your bed if that’s what works.</p><hr><h2>9. Is your baby full?</h2><p>For newborns, hunger is a big factor in wakefulness. A full tummy can help your baby sleep longer stretches. <strong>Try offering a dream feed</strong> (a quick feed while they’re half-asleep) before you head to bed yourself.&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> For babies eating solid food, a small bowl of porridge before bedtime can work wonders.</i></p><hr><h2>10. Does your baby fall asleep without too much help from you?</h2><p>Newborns often need rocking or cuddling to fall asleep, but as they grow, it’s helpful to gradually reduce this assistance. If your baby learns to self-soothe, they’re <strong>more likely to fall back asleep on their own during the night</strong> (which is a game-changer for everyone!).</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Check out </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>the step-by-step guide to teaching your baby to fall asleep independently in BabyNaps app</i></a><i>—without tears.</i></p><hr><h2>11. Does your baby fall asleep in the same place they’ll sleep all night?</h2><p>Research shows that <strong>babies sleep better when they fall asleep in the same spot where they’ll spend the night</strong>. During light sleep cycles, they often “check” their surroundings. If something feels different, like being moved from your arms to the crib, they’re more likely to wake up fully.</p><hr><h2>12. Is your baby getting enough closeness?</h2><p>Every baby is different—some thrive with lots of closeness, while others prefer more space. <strong>Finding a balance that works for both you and your baby is important</strong>. If your baby feels secure knowing you’re nearby, it may reduce nighttime wake-ups.</p><p><strong>Suggestions to try:</strong></p><ul><li>Keep the crib close to your bed so you can soothe your baby without getting up.</li><li>Use a mattress on the floor next to the crib for easier nighttime comforting.</li><li>Try a rocking bassinet or crib attachments that gently sway.</li></ul><p>And remember: Babies under 3 months should have their own sleeping space to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).</p><hr><h2>Bonus: Do you have realistic expectations?</h2><p>If you’re hoping to sleep like you did pre-baby, you might feel disappointed. <strong>Night wakings are normal, especially in the first year. </strong>Most children continue to wake occasionally until age 3 (!!), and many sleep in their parents’ bed well into their school years. Accepting these realities can help you feel more at peace with the ups and downs of baby sleep ❤️</p>

Sleep is a top priority for every tired parent. Here are 12 common reasons why your baby struggles to sleep through the night or keeps waking up—and practical solutions to help your whole family get the rest you need.

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Here are 12 common reasons why your baby struggles to sleep through the night or keeps waking up.

12 reasons why your baby isn't sleeping through the night (and how to fix it!)

<p>As a parent of a newborn, you quickly realize that life is all about "going with the flow." There’s a new little boss in the house who decides when it’s time to eat and sleep—day and night! There’s no rush to establish routines, but if you’re ready to bring a little order to the chaos, here are some helpful tips:</p><h2>1. Set realistic expectations</h2><p>Yes, this comes first for a reason. Your newborn doesn’t yet have a circadian rhythm like adults, where we sleep at night and are awake during the day. <strong>Newborns sleep a lot—often 70% of the day—but their sleep is broken into short periods</strong>, with eating and awake time in between. They may also only want to sleep in your arms or a rocking cradle. In short, your own sleep will likely be disrupted, and that’s perfectly normal!&nbsp;</p><p>Around 12–16 weeks, babies begin to develop a circadian rhythm similar to ours. Can you help guide this development? Absolutely! Keep reading to learn how.</p><h2>2. A full tummy helps with sleep</h2><p>What drives a newborn’s natural rhythm? Hunger! A newborn’s stomach is tiny, so they need to eat frequently<strong>. To support better sleep, always feed your baby—whether nursing or bottle-feeding—before putting them down.</strong> If they tend to doze off while eating, try gently tickling their feet to keep them awake long enough to finish.</p><h2>3. Encourage a circadian rhythm</h2><p>Our circadian rhythms are influenced by light and dark. Helping your baby distinguish between day and night can go a long way in establishing their rhythm. Here are some tips:</p><ul><li>Dim lights and avoid screens in the evening.</li><li>Keep the room dark and quiet at night.</li><li>Maintain a cool bedroom temperature, around 17–19°C (63–66°F).</li><li>Open the curtains in the morning and aim to wake up at the same time each day.</li><li>Take your baby outside for daylight exposure in a stroller or carrier.</li><li>Let your baby “join in” with your activities during the day when they’re awake.</li></ul><h2>4. A simple routine to start with</h2><p>Even with a newborn, it can be comforting to have a basic routine to follow. Try this pattern:</p><ol><li>Eat</li><li>Awake time</li><li>Eat again</li><li>Sleep</li></ol><p>In practice, this means feeding your baby when they wake up, then changing their diaper and letting them join you in whatever you’re doing. After an appropriate amount of awake time, offer another feeding before it’s time for a nap.</p><h2>5. Focus on the essentials</h2><p>Your newborn’s needs will dictate your daily rhythm during this period. It can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re used to structured days. Embrace the unpredictability—some moments will be magical, others chaotic! <strong>Keep your to-do list short and prioritize only the most essential tasks.</strong></p><h2>6. Don’t let your baby stay awake too long</h2><p>It’s tempting to think your baby will sleep longer if they stay awake longer, but it doesn’t work that way! In fact, <strong>keeping a baby awake too long can make them overtired, which makes it harder for them to settle</strong>. For the first 8 weeks, babies are typically ready for another nap after <strong>30–60 minutes of awake time</strong>. Keep an eye on the clock!</p><p><i><strong>TIP! </strong></i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>BabyNaps</i></a><i> is the app for tired parents looking for better sleep. The app helps you keep track of the right amount of awake time for your baby (and a sleep schedule is created at three months). Once you’re in a routine, your baby will sleep better during the day—and longer at night.</i></p><h2>7. Watch for signs of tiredness</h2><p>Spotting your baby’s cues for tiredness will make it easier to settle them before they become overtired. For newborns, these signs might include <strong>yawning, opening and closing their hands, sucking on fingers, waving their arms, or stiffening their body.</strong></p><h2>8. Fixed bedtime start at 3–4 months</h2><p>It’s only around 3–4 months that it makes sense to introduce a sleep schedule. Until then, there’s no rush! Once you notice consistent patterns in your baby’s sleep and feeding habits, you can <a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd">explore a sleep schedule</a> (and find lots of helpful articles on newborn sleep in the <a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd">BabyNaps app</a>).&nbsp;</p>

How can you gently ease into a sleep and feeding routine with your newborn? How can you help your baby develop a circadian rhythm? And how can routines improve sleep for your little one? Let’s explore how to create a simple routine for your baby.

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Learn how to gently establish a schedule, help your baby develop a circadian rhythm, and improve sleep during those early weeks.

How to create a newborn routine: Tips for better sleep and feedings

How to ease into a routine with your newborn: sleep and feeding tips

<h2>Why is baby poop such a <strong>big deal</strong>?</h2><p>Almost all parents have questions about baby poop and digestive health. It's no wonder, considering poop can vary in consistency and color—from hard to soft, black to yellow—and it’s <strong>not always clear what’s normal.</strong><br>"It’s also common for babies to experience periods of grumbling stomachs, but these typically resolve on their own", explains Johan Holmgren, a specialist nurse for children and adolescents at Knodd, who helps us navigate the world of baby poop.</p><hr><h2>How <strong>often</strong> should your baby poop?</h2><h4><strong>Newborns</strong></h4><p>Newborns often<strong> poop after every feeding</strong>—and sometimes during the night too.</p><h4><strong>Babies 6–8 weeks old and older</strong></h4><p>As babies grow, they usually<strong> settle into their own pooping routine</strong>. The frequency of poopy diapers often decreases, but it varies greatly from one baby to another.<br>"Some babies poop 10 or more times a day, while others may only go once every 1–2 weeks. <strong>As long as your baby seems comfortable, follows their growth curve, and poops without difficulty, the frequency isn’t a concern.</strong> Breastfed babies generally poop more frequently and have looser stools than those fed formula", explains Holmgren.</p><h2>Seek care if:</h2><ul><li>Your baby poops less frequently than once every 14 days.</li><li>Your baby appears uncomfortable with dry or hard stools.</li><li>Your baby eats poorly or seems tense and bloated.</li></ul><hr><h2>What should baby poop <strong>look like</strong>?</h2><h4><strong>First poop (meconium)</strong></h4><p>The first poop, usually passed within the first two days after birth, is called meconium.<br>"Meconium is <strong>black, sticky, and tar-like</strong>", says Holmgren.</p><h4><strong>Poop in full-term babies</strong></h4><p>In full-term breastfed babies, the poop is typically <strong>mustard yellow or green</strong>, watery, and may appear slightly grainy or frothy. It doesn’t smell particularly bad.</p><h4><strong>Poop in formula-fed babies</strong></h4><p>The poop is often <strong>firmer</strong> and more textured compared to breastfed babies.</p><h4><strong>Blood in the poop?</strong></h4><p>Occasional small streaks of blood are <strong>usually not a concern</strong>.<br>"If you’re worried, contact your health care provider or pediatrician. However, large amounts of fresh blood should be evaluated immediately", Holmgren advises.</p><h2>Seek care if:</h2><ul><li>The poop is white or clay-colored, which could indicate bile issues.</li><li>When introducing solid foods like bread, temporary white stools can occur, but this is harmless if the baby is otherwise well.</li></ul><hr><h2>How do you know if your baby has <strong>diarrhea</strong>?</h2><p>Diarrhea in young babies is rare, as their stools are naturally loose.<br>– In older babies, diarrhea is defined as more than three watery stools per day, indicating more fluid is being lost than taken in. Other signs include a change in color, smell, or stool volume, says Holmgren.</p><p>Seek medical attention if:</p><ul><li>Your baby shows signs of dehydration (lethargy, no wet diapers).</li><li>Your baby has had diarrhea after traveling abroad.</li><li>Your baby also has a fever or is unusually lethargic.</li></ul><hr><h2>How do you know if your baby is <strong>constipated</strong>?</h2><h4><strong>Breastfed babies</strong></h4><p>Constipation is <strong>rare</strong> in fully breastfed babies.<br>"If your baby is otherwise happy and healthy, it’s not unusual for 10–14 days to pass between bowel movements", says Holmgren.</p><h4><strong>Formula-fed babies</strong></h4><p>Improperly mixed formula is a common cause of constipation.<br>"Make sure you follow the mixing instructions precisely. Switching formula types can also affect bowel movements, so monitor how your baby responds to changes", advises Holmgren.</p><h2>Seek care if:</h2><ul><li>Your baby has hard, infrequent stools.</li><li>Your baby struggles to poop or seems to be in pain.</li><li>Your baby passes a lot of stool in one sitting but has difficulty beforehand.</li></ul><hr><h2>Does a breastfeeding mother’s <strong>diet</strong> affect baby poop?</h2><p>It’s a common misconception that a breastfeeding mother’s diet impacts a baby’s stool.<br>"Generally, <strong>foods like dairy or spices don’t cause significant changes in the baby’s digestion</strong>. If you’re concerned, speak with your healthcare provider to rule out other factors#, Holmgren reassures.</p><hr><h2>5 Tips for a Happy Baby Belly</h2><ol><li><strong>Gentle tummy massage: </strong>Use circular motions on your baby’s belly to relieve gas and stimulate digestion.</li><li><strong>Skin-to-skin contact:</strong> Holding your baby chest-to-chest applies light pressure to their tummy, helping to ease discomfort and release trapped gas.</li><li><strong>Anti-colic bottles: </strong>These can reduce the amount of air swallowed during feedings, which minimizes tummy aches.</li><li><strong>Burping valve: </strong>A vented pacifier or similar tool can help release gas effectively.</li><li><strong>Thorough burping after feeds: </strong>Ensuring your baby burps well after meals can make a big difference in their comfort.</li></ol>

With a newborn baby, poop suddenly becomes a hot topic of conversation. Loose, hard, green, or even black—what’s normal? Here's everything you need to know about baby poop, straight from an expert!

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With a newborn baby, poop suddenly becomes a hot topic of conversation. Loose, hard, green, or even black—what’s normal?

Baby Poop 101 – The Ultimate Guide for New Parents!

Baby poop 101 – The ultimate guide for new parents!

<h2>1. Is Your Baby Really Awake?</h2><p>Let’s dive into the fascinating world of newborn sleep cycles. Unlike adults, who spend about 20% of their sleep in REM (dream sleep), newborns spend nearly 50% of their sleep in this stage. <strong>During REM, your baby might wiggle, whimper, suck on their fingers, or even briefly open their eyes, making it seem like they’re awake.</strong></p><p>Here’s the trick:<strong> wait a few minutes before intervening.</strong> If they settle back into sleep on their own, congratulations—you’ve just helped them begin learning to connect sleep cycles!</p><hr><h2>2. Feed, Feed, Feed!</h2><p>A well-fed baby sleeps better—simple as that. <strong>Make sure your baby gets a full feed before sleep, whether you’re breastfeeding or using formula.</strong> Keep them awake during feeding (try gently tickling their feet!) so they take in enough. A full tummy increases the chances of longer, more restful sleep.</p><hr><h2>3. White Noise Is Your Best Friend</h2><p>Newborns are used to constant sounds from their time in the womb. <strong>Rhythmic noises like a humming fan, a washing machine, or white noise apps can be incredibly soothing.</strong> If you don’t have access to appliances, try streaming white noise tracks on platforms like Spotify (<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=5f53ccb00437425a">here's our favorite playlist!</a>).</p><hr><h2>4. Babies Love a Snug Sleep Space</h2><p>Newborns feel safe and secure when they’re snug, just like in the womb.<strong> A baby nest or a tightly rolled towel placed around the crib or stroller can help replicate that cozy feeling. </strong>If your baby loves falling asleep in your arms, you’re not alone! Once they’re asleep, learn how to gently transition them to their crib.</p><hr><h2>5. Nighttime Is for Sleeping</h2><p>Invest in blackout curtains—they’re a lifesaver! Keep your baby’s room dark and quiet at night, while making the daytime brighter and livelier. This helps establish their circadian rhythm. <strong>Darkness signals your baby’s brain that it’s time to sleep</strong>. If you’re parenting during summer, blocking out the long daylight hours is especially important.</p><h2>6. Keep the Room Cool</h2><p>Both adults and<strong> babies sleep better in a room set to around 16-18°C (60-65°F)</strong>. Avoid heavy blankets—opt for a lightweight blanket or a sleep sack paired with comfortable pajamas. For little ones who tend to kick off their covers, a sleep sack is a game changer (plus, it makes nighttime diaper changes easier!).b</p><h2>7. Establish a Simple Routine</h2><p>Newborns thrive on repetition. Even simple routines—like a warm bath, a diaper change, a gentle massage, or playing the same lullaby—help your baby recognize bedtime cues. Over time, these<strong> rituals signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.</strong> Start small and build as they grow.</p><h2>8. Try a Gentle Face Massage</h2><p>A soothing face massage can work wonders. Using your thumbs, gently stroke your baby’s face:</p><ul><li>From the eyebrows to the temples</li><li>Over the cheeks from the nose outward</li><li>Along the chin toward the ears</li></ul><p>Repeat each motion three times to help your baby relax and drift off to sleep.</p><h2>9. Watch Those Wake Windows</h2><p>Newborns sleep a <i>lot</i>. They usually stay awake for only 30 minutes to 1 hour before needing another nap. It’s tempting to keep them awake longer in hopes they’ll sleep better—but this often backfires, leaving them overtired and fussy. Pay attention to their "awake window" to avoid meltdowns.&nbsp;</p><p>Need help keeping track of those tricky wake windows? The <a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd">BabyNaps app </a>provides personalized sleep schedules tailored to your baby’s age, helping you nail the perfect timing for naps and avoid overtiredness.</p><h2>10. Carry, Rock, Bounce!</h2><p>After months of rocking around in the womb, newborns are soothed by motion. <strong>A baby carrier or sling is a lifesaver for calming them down—and it keeps your hands free! </strong>Sit on a yoga ball and bounce, or gently rock them to sleep without wearing yourself out pacing the room.</p><h2>11. Keep Nighttime Changes Minimal</h2><p>While frequent diaper changes are a must for some newborns, you don’t need to change every wet diaper during the night. If you do need to change them, <strong>keep the lighting dim and avoid stimulating your baby. </strong>Opt for pajamas with easy zippers to make diaper changes quick and disruption-free.</p><hr><h3><strong>BONUS: </strong>Share the Nights!</h3><p>Newborns don’t follow a typical sleep schedule, and you’ll have to adapt for the first few months. If you have a partner, <strong>taking turns at night is a lifesaver</strong>. If you’re parenting solo, lean on family or friends for support. This stage is tough, but you’ll get through it—one night at a time. ♥</p>

Are you a new parent searching for ways to help your newborn sleep better? You're not alone—and we’ve got you covered! Here are 11 must-know tips to help your little one (and you!) get a bit more rest.

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Are you a new parent searching for ways to help your newborn sleep better? Here are 11 must-know tips to help your little one (and you!) get a bit more rest.

Newborn Baby? 11 Sleep Tips Every Tired Parent MUST Know!

Newborn baby? 11 sleep hacks every tired parent MUST know!

<h2>What is the Secret Language of Babies?</h2><p>Priscilla Dunstan was born with an extraordinary gift: the ability to perceive and remember sounds with photographic precision. This talent allowed her to notice patterns in the sounds around her, and when she became a mother, she applied this skill to her baby's cries. She discovered that <strong>her son’s cries followed consistent patterns that corresponded to his needs</strong>. Even more remarkable, she realized <strong>these same sounds were made by babies all over the world!</strong></p><p>Her groundbreaking discovery revealed that all babies aged 0–3 months have identical reflexes, leading to universal sounds that indicate their basic needs. These sounds are your baby’s way of communicating before crying escalates into full-blown wails.</p><hr><h3>The Key to Understanding Your Baby's Sounds</h3><p>According to Dunstan, the secret to decoding your baby’s cries is<strong> listening closely to the sounds </strong><i><strong>before</strong></i><strong> they start crying intensely.</strong> Once the crying becomes more pronounced, the unique sounds can be harder to hear. By paying attention to these subtle cues early, you can respond to your baby’s needs more effectively.</p><hr><h2>The Five Universal Sounds</h2><p>Here are the five sounds that make up the secret language of babies, as identified by Dunstan:</p><p><strong>Neh – "I’m hungry!"</strong><br>This sound is produced by the sucking reflex as the tongue moves to the roof of the mouth. When you hear "Neh," it’s time to feed your baby.</p><p><strong>Owh – "I’m tired!"</strong><br>This sound is made as part of a yawning reflex. It’s your baby’s way of telling you they’re ready for a nap or bedtime.</p><p><strong>Heh – "Something feels uncomfortable!"</strong><br>When your baby feels discomfort—like a wet diaper, being too hot or cold, or itchy clothes—they’ll make the sound "Heh." Check for anything that might be bothering them.</p><p><strong>Eairh – "I have a stomach ache!"</strong><br>This sound is linked to lower abdominal discomfort, often caused by gas or digestion issues. The sound may be strained and guttural.</p><p><strong>Eh – "I need to burp!"</strong><br>When your baby needs help releasing trapped air, you’ll hear the "Eh" sound. This reflex sound comes as the baby tries to push air out of their chest.</p><hr><h3>How to Use the Secret Language</h3><p>Learning to recognize these sounds can feel like unlocking a hidden superpower. Once you understand what your baby is trying to say, <strong>you can respond more quickly, helping to soothe them and avoid unnecessary frustration for both of you.</strong></p><hr><h3>Ready to Get Started?</h3><p>Watch a short video about Priscilla Dunstan’s discovery and start learning how to decode your baby’s secret language. With a little practice, you’ll become fluent in understanding your newborn, making the early days of parenting smoother and more rewarding.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/_P4Kjh-GX3c?si=Y9leFXtkDkT9d48M"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_P4Kjh-GX3c" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>TIP! </strong>Want to establish better routines for your newborn? </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>With the <strong>BabyNaps</strong> app, you’ll get guidance on when the next nap should be </i></a><i>(so your baby avoids becoming overtired = cranky and harder to settle!). You’ll also keep track of the last time you fed or changed your baby. When your baby turns three months old, the app creates a personalized sleep schedule to make your days smoother and more enjoyable.</i></p>

Do you often feel helpless when your newborn baby cries? Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could decode those cries and know exactly what they mean? Australian mother Priscilla Dunstan discovered the "secret language" of babies, and it's a game-changer for new parents everywhere.

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Do you often feel helpless when your newborn baby cries? Imagine if you could decode those cries and understand exactly what your baby is trying to communicate. 

How to Understand What Your Newborn Baby is REALLY Saying (Yes, There's a Secret Language!)

How to understand what your newborn baby is REALLY saying (yes, there's a secret language!)

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