What you do with your infant during the day can help your baby sleep better through the night. So, why not set yourself up for nighttime success by starting when the sun comes up?

Here’s how:

Get Outdoors During the Day

Get your babe outside for a daily dose of sunlight (especially before noon).

Use Sound and Motion

Rhythms throughout the day set a calming tone. Long walks, swings and slings are great during the day, and swaddling and white noise during naps.

Daytime Schedules Can Improve Nighttime Sleep

Create a flexible schedule to keep your infant from getting overtired during the day and to keep her on track for your bedtime target.

Avoid Stimulants

If you’re breastfeeding, avoid “uppers” like dark chocolate and coffee.

Encourage Daytime Pooping

Some nice belly massage and knee-to-tummy exercises will help your little one to poop during the day, so nighttime sleep isn’t disturbed by grunting. (Speak to your doctor if your infant is having firm or hard stools.)

You might be interested in:
There’s a ‘Golden Moment’ for Putting Your Baby to Sleep
Sleep Schedule for Your Baby’s First Year

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.