I’m a sleep expert and my simple routine helps new parents around the world get better sleep – & it couldn’t be easier
THERE'S no denying that finding a sleep routine for your baby can be both tricky and exhausting.
But according to sleep expert Fi Star Stone, it doesn't have to be that way...
Fi's best-selling guide "The Wide Awake Baby Club: Simple Solutions for Knackered Parents," has been helping families around the world get better sleep - and it's all thanks to her "four for happiness" routine.
She explains that the simple guide is based on hours that can be easily adapted to suit your life and adds that if all works well, it will ideally mean only one wake up.
However, she points out that while her book suggests four main feeding times - 6am, 10am, 2pm and 6pm - these can be swapped to any that work better for you as close to the four hours as possible.
So if you want to say goodbye to the wide-awake baby club for good, then give Fi's "four for happiness" routine below a whirl...
READ MORE ON SLEEP TIPS
6am breast/bottle feed
Following the 6am feed, Fi advises winding baby - adding that two-three burps is ideal.
Then, she says to settle baby and allow them to go back to a milk-happy sleep.
Fiona notes that it's then down to the parent to choose their own routine preference.
"You can either get up before the 10am feed to get showered and dressed before your baby wakes, or stay in bed," she writes.
Most read in Fabulous
However, she recommends that new parents stay in bed so that it gives them a chance to adjust to the new night-time wake ups.
10am breast/bottle feed
Fi says that depending on how long you and baby have slept for, they may already be dressed.
If not, she suggests after feeding and winding baby, change their nappy and wash their face.
Fiona notes that it's then time to get up and ready for the day.
FABULOUS BINGO: Get a £20 bonus &; 30 free spins when you spend £10 today
For those who chose to sleep, she advises jumping in the shower to ensure you wake up properly and notes to move the crib to the bathroom with you so you can keep all ears and eyes on your little one.
Fi points out that newborns are likely to go to sleep again, so suggests it's the perfect time to do something social, such as walking or meeting friends.
2pm - breast/bottle feed
Fi writes: "After this feed, wind and change baby, then settle them for naps."
"Newborns of course nap on and off all day, but it's great after a couple of weeks, to get your baby settled into their crib for an afternoon nap if you can."
ESTABLISHING A HAPPY BEDTIME ROUTINE
Fi notes that when baby reaches three months, it could be worth introducing a bedtime routine.
Don't know where to start? Well, luckily the sleep expert has revealed what the ideal routine consists of.
She notes that while it may differ on occasions, it should take around an hour, so suggests it's best to start it around 5.30pm.
- Evening bath or wash and fresh nappy
- Changing into nightwear
- Dimming the lights to create a calm atmosphere
- Snuggling up for a feed
- Singing a lullaby or having a story
- Ensure baby feels secure and comfortable
- Put baby to bed with white noise or the gentle noise of the TV downstairs
And according to Fi, there's a very good reason for this.
She says that it's beneficial for babies to nap in their cots from the start because they'll start having a positive association between cot and sleep, which will help to create a good bedtime routine when they're older.
And the goods news? Fi says this time should be used to relax yourself or to take a short power nap.
The sleep expert also points out that both will be useful in making you feel better when it comes to the night feed.
4pm - nappy change
Fi notes that the ideal bath time for baby is around 5.30pm so that they'll be ready for the 6pm bedtime feed.
It's easier and safer to have baby downstairs with you in the early weeks but as time progresses - getting them sleeping in their crib or cot is ideal for creating that "bedtime feel"
Fi Star Stone
And while it may seem early to some, she explains that bath time is a calming way to relax baby and get them in a sleepy state ready for some shut-eye.
The sleep expert also points out that babies don't need daily baths but says it's recommended they have two-three baths a week, with top and tail washes inbetween.
6pm - breast/bottle feed
It's super important for your baby to have a good feed and wind before going to bed, Fi warns.
She goes on to say that winding is essential before bedtimes because trapped wind could result in a very unsettled bedtime baby.
Fi adds that it's also important to get baby into "bedtime mode" following this feed.
She writes: "It's easier and safer to have them downstairs with you in the early weeks but as time progresses - getting them sleeping in their crib or cot is ideal for creating that 'bedtime feel.'
It's a great way of them getting used to 'cot means sleep time.'"
10pm - breast/bottle feed
Fi calls this the "dream feed," which is when you feed your baby while they're sleeping or half-awake.
She warns that it's best to feed them in the room where they sleep, avoid putting bright lights on and to refrain from any interaction.
The sleep expert points out that the last thing you want is for your baby to be alert in the middle of the night.
2am - breast/bottle feed
Fi notes that the 2am breast or bottle feed is another "dream feed," and so advises following all of the steps above.
She notes that this can sometimes feel like the loneliness feed, and highlights the #Nightfeed hashtag she set up so that those in the awake club can all chat to one another.
Fi goes on to say that following the feed, baby should be winded and soothed before being placed back in the cost for the rest of the night to sleep.
Read More on The Sun
And that's it - Fi's "four for happiness" routine!
READ MORE SUN STORIES
However, she does offer one final note and warns that it can be much more relaxed in the very early days because babies feed roughly every three hours.
She adds to only start it when your baby is ready.