Oh to have a baby that sleeps like a rock from day one! Often for new parents, getting their baby to sleep (or stay asleep) can be a challenge at the end of each day. If your baby isn’t sleeping well, not only does that mean crankiness throughout the day, but you may find yourself even more cranky than your baby! Here are some parenting tips that will hopefully help your baby sleep like an angel each night.

Purchase high quality bedding

If your baby is sleeping on rough sheets, it can be very easy for them to get uncomfortable. Check out soft, organic types of bedding for a better night’s sleep.

Help them wind down before they go to sleep

If your baby is overly excited before they go to bed, they will likely be up for much longer. Take away any stimulating toys and find your nightly relaxation routine with your baby. Repetition can be very helpful and soothing and it will signal to your baby that it’s bedtime. Whether it’s playing the same soft song or reading the same book, a routine can be enormously calming and helpful.

Get them a stuffed animal if over 6 months

For babies under six months of age, it is best to avoid leaving any toys - soft or otherwise- in your baby’s crib. This will help to prevent the chance of suffocation or accidents. According to a recent survey of over 2,000 Americans, about 37.5% slept with a stuffed animal as a child. These fuzzy friends can be just what your child needs to snuggle up with at night (again, only if over six months of age) Of course, buying a stuffed animal made with organic materials is best and make sure the stuffed animals you buy conform to safety standards.

Read to them until they fall asleep

The routine mentioned above is great when it includes a book. Reading to your baby actually does work. Be careful not to go overboard with silly voices, because your baby will likely respond to them with laughter which will put him or her in a more awake state. Save the silliness for the daytime and read to them in a gentle voice at night.

Bath time right before sleep time

Giving your baby a nice, warm bath with a washcloth can put him or her into a completely relaxed state. Don’t bring any water toys if the bath is right before bed and keep your voice down so you can provide a soothing and peaceful experience.

Put them in organic baby clothes

Putting your baby in organic jammies can help them sleep much better at night because they won’t feel as irritated and there are longer term health benefits as well in helping to protect your baby against exposure to residual pesticides and heavy metal dyes.

It’s important that you do all you can to help your baby get a better night’s sleep so they and you feel refreshed and happy each morning. For more information about quality baby bedding and all natural organic baby products, visit The Ultimate Green Store.