6 tips to help baby fall asleep when it's hot
Watching a baby is a bit like being in a perpetual episode of "Fort Boyard." The challenges come one after another at breakneck speed, and you constantly find yourself whispering mystical incantations (like lullabies) in a cartoonish voice, hoping to overcome the final challenge of the day: putting the wonderful child to bed. Because let's be honest: we love them most when they're finally asleep!
First of all, if you're one of those people who thought putting a baby to sleep would be as easy as putting a koala in a eucalyptus tree, we regret to inform you that you were sorely mistaken. Getting a baby to sleep is more like trying to set an alarm clock in Japanese... with instructions in Braille. An exercise that can prove slightly complicated…
Every night, we find ourselves in the midst of a complex ritual. First, we have to put the baby in their crib, with as much delicacy as if you were trying to defuse a bomb. Then, we start whispering lullabies that, we hope, will cast a spell to lull them to sleep. "Sleep, baby, sleep, baby will sleep quickly..." Really? Because, between you and me, we have the distinct impression that the child is resisting our musical magic rather well.
Then, just when you think you've succeeded, when you tiptoe away with the stealth of a ninja, outwitting your worst enemies—creaky doors and floorboards— the alarm goes off! And by alarm, we mean, of course, that little bundle of light who wakes up screaming like a football player you've barely brushed past. At that point, the challenge feels more like an audition on "The Voice," where you have to convince the judges (aka the baby) with your best rendition of "Au clair de la lune" to get their approval to return to the arms of Morpheus.
The double challenge of the summer
And once the bedtime ritual is mastered… summer arrives! Don't get too excited just yet… It's hot, your baby is as red as a ripe tomato, and you're convinced it would be easier to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark than to get him to sleep, since you yourself don't see how you're going to get any sleep in this heat.
Here's your survival guide for desperate parents: how to get a baby to sleep during a heatwave?
1. Cool the room: Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. Easier said than done, you might say, if you're lucky enough to have air conditioning. Otherwise, a fan could be a good alternative. But be careful! Position it so it's not blowing directly on the baby, or you risk not sleeping the following nights either, but this time due to illness.
2. Close the blinds and curtains: If you're having trouble getting your baby to sleep because their room feels more like a sauna than anything else, consider closing the curtains or blinds during the day to prevent the temperature from rising. It's a bit like building a fortress, except the monster you're trying to keep at bay is the sun.
3. Dress him appropriately: no need to dress him like an Eskimo, a simple cotton bodysuit is enough. Remember that if you're hot in a t-shirt and shorts, he is too!
4. Keep your little one hydrated: because giving your baby beer is neither recommended nor legal, you can breastfeed them. Besides the soothing effect of breastfeeding, filling them with breast milk can make them feel sleepy. That's the magic of breast milk, which adapts to the baby's needs and is full of water, especially in hot weather. Important: provided that mom stays well hydrated too! A hydrated baby is a happy baby. And if you're not going to sleep... you might as well cuddle your little one and keep smiling, right?
5. Give a lukewarm bath: No, this isn't a joke. A lukewarm bath can actually help cool your baby down. And if it doesn't work, at least you'll have a clean baby. You have to appreciate every little thing when you're a new parent—trust us!
6. Use ice packs: It may sound crazy, but if the heat is intense - and these packs are used correctly - They can definitely save the day. Of course, don't turn the baby's room into a giant refrigerator! The blocks should be placed around the room, around the crib, or under the mattress, but never in direct contact with your child's body. Another option is a damp washcloth placed on their forehead or body, but you'll need to keep a close eye on the little one to prevent them from launching into a series of capoeira moves and ending up putting it over their nose and mouth, nearly choking.
And if all else fails, remember that there's nothing wrong with asking for help. Because, of course, the great irony of it all is that once you've managed to get the baby to sleep, you're too awake and stressed to fall asleep yourself.
So, take heart, dear parents! The day will come when your little treasure sleeps through the night. And on that day, you'll be there, standing in the dark, checking their breathing every five minutes, because the silence will seem too suspicious. Ah, the joys of parenthood!
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Photo: Unsplash - Zelle Duda
