7 Ways To Keep Your Baby Comfortable and Well Rested

The arrival of a new baby is a joyous time, but a baby in the house can also bring about new stress and uncertainty. There is no how-to manual for parents. Many new moms and dads may feel like they've been thrown into the deep end of the pool, particularly when it comes to ensuring their baby's comfort and keeping them calm and relaxed. Babies are notoriously fussy during their first few weeks and months of life, particularly at night, so keeping a new baby comfortable and well rested can sometimes feel like a losing battle. But there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your baby's comfort and overall well-being for an easier parenting experience.

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1. Provide Skin to Skin Contact

Babies benefit from direct skin contact with their parents. Resting your baby stomach-down on your chest for two to three hours a day can help calm the baby, prevent infections, and improve the baby's breathing. This practice, sometimes referred to as kangaroo care, is also a great bonding opportunity for you and your baby. Kangaroo care was originally designed to help care for premature babies, but has since been shown to have many benefits for any baby. The more time you can spend with your baby making close contact, the better, so you can also follow this method anytime you're holding or soothing your baby.

2. Swaddling Your Baby

Wrapping your baby up snugly in a blanket, also called swaddling, not only helps keep your baby warm and comfortable, but it also limits the startling reflex so your baby will be less likely to be startled awake. You can use virtually any blanket to swaddle your baby. It's important to swaddle your baby safely, so make sure to study up before you attempt it. This easy guide will give you step-by-step instructions on how to safely swaddle your baby. Many hospital maternity wards also offer lessons.

3. Don't React to Crying Too Quickly

Many new parents will instinctually run into their baby's room at the first sound of crying. But many babies rustle or even cry briefly while sleeping without actually waking up. If you wake the baby while still asleep, you'll disrupt their sleep cycle, which can lead to some long, sleepless nights. If you hear your baby rustle or cry in the middle of the night, the best strategy is to wait a moment or two and make sure your baby is actually awake before you offer comfort.

4. Look Out For Teething

Most babies will start teething by age six months. Teething can cause soreness and tenderness in the gums, which can make your baby cranky and irritable. If your baby is drooling, chewing on objects, and has a low fever, teething may be to blame. You can relieve your baby's discomfort by offering a cold washcloth or chilled teething ring, rubbing the baby's gums, and feeding more solid foods that can be gnawed on. Pressure on the gums can help alleviate the pain of teething.

5. Give Your Baby A Massage

Studies show that a gentle massage can help new parents bond with their baby. It's also beneficial to the baby and has been shown to have a calming effect and boosting immune function. A gentle massage while your baby is calm and quiet but not quite ready to fall asleep is a great way to help him/her gently fall to sleep. This is a particularly great strategy for new dads, who often feel cut out of the bonding loop since the mother does the breastfeeding.

6. Use White Noise

Just like adults, babies often respond to the relaxing effects of white noise. A fan placed on a low setting can help soothe your baby to sleep. You can also try a white noise machine or a baby monitor designed to produce white noise. Finally, you can act as your own white noise machine: a gentle "shhhh" sound as you gently rock your baby can have a relaxing effect. There are also many apps that you can download for free to turn your smartphone into a white noise machine. Of course, not all babies will respond to white noise. If white noise seems to be disrupting, rather than helping, your baby, consider other alternatives.

7. Keep the Room Comfortable

A comfortable room makes for a comfortable baby. A good rule of thumb is to keep your baby's room around sixty-eight to seventy-two degrees. Remember, if the room is too warm or too cold for you, it's too warm or cold for your baby. An optimum temperature will make it easier for your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs of overheating like damp hair, flushed cheeks, or rapid breathing. Placing your baby's crib in your room for the first six months of life can help as well. You should also be sure to minimize the number of blankets and layers you put in the crib, particularly in summer months.

A new baby can and should be an exciting time. When it comes to keeping your baby comfortable, there are no sure-fire strategies that will work every time. But supplementing the tips above with cosy cots can help keep your baby comfortable, relaxed, and well-rested. It's no secret that a happy baby means happy parents, and with a little time and effort, both can be achieved.