This is the secret to getting your baby to sleep: Mother-of-three has a genius solution that helps

As all parents know, getting a newborn baby to sleep can be extremely difficult, but there is one tool that can help make it easier.

An Australian sleep consultant and mother-of-three, Rebecca Abraham, 32, is always being asked for her tips on how to do it, which led her to create a product to assist worn-out mothers and fathers.

Her brand Bellies & Beyond sells wraps for parents so they can swaddle their babies, which is a wrapping technique designed to have them settle and sleep on their back.

‘I decided to include sleep products to my sleep consulting business because I was helping mums with older babies but I don’t do any kind of sleep training for newborns,’ she told FEMAIL.

‘I wanted to help them because they are exhausted and sometimes need the most help of all,’ she added.

Rebecca explained that she is a big believer in doing whatever you can to get your baby to sleep, be it feeding or cuddling them, but sometimes this doesn’t work.

‘The only advice I really had for mums was to buy some beautiful wraps that are gentle on the skin, and wrap really tightly so the baby is snug and feels comforted,’ she said.

‘I knew what was needed – they had to be huge so that you could really wrap the baby. They needed to be breathable and soft, so 100 per cent bamboo was the only answer, and they had to be gorgeous!’

Her brand Bellies & Beyond sells wraps for parents so they can swaddle their babies, which is a wrapping technique that is designed to help them settle and sleep on their back 

Her brand Bellies & Beyond sells wraps for parents so they can swaddle their babies, which is a wrapping technique that is designed to help them settle and sleep on their back

'I decided to include sleep products to my sleep consulting business because I was helping mums with older babies but I don’t do any kind of sleep training for newborns.,' she told FEMAIL

‘I decided to include sleep products to my sleep consulting business because I was helping mums with older babies but I don’t do any kind of sleep training for newborns.,’ she told FEMAIL

REBECCA’S SLEEPING TIPS FOR NEWBORNS

  1. Wrap tightly, work out what’s best for your bub with one arm out or up, or tied at the bottom, or even at the top! Play around – my wraps are so big so it gives you space to experiment.
  2. Fed is best. Bottle or breast – do what suits you and your family. Don’t underestimate the power of a good burp to get sleep.
  3. Use whatever sleep aids you can. That may be a swing or a hammock, a good white noise machine or a baby music app.

Although Rebecca doesn’t do formal sleep training on babies under six months, she had the right know-how to figure out what would work.

‘I wanted to create something that could be used for lots of different stages of their life,’ she said.

Even though the wraps are designed to help get babies to sleep, Rebecca said the uses don’t stop there.

‘I advise Mums to use them as wraps of course, tummy time mats, pram blankets, comforters or a breastfeeding cover, the list is endless.

‘I don’t even mind seeing them thrown over a dad’s shoulder when burping their bubs! I’m happy they are used time and time again.

‘Bellies & Beyond have been helping mothers with their babies sleep for years now, so it seemed like the natural progression to make baby products to facilitate even more sleep for tired mothers.’

Although Rebecca doesn't do formal sleep training on babies under six months, she knew what was needed to help get babies to sleep

Although Rebecca doesn’t do formal sleep training on babies under six months, she knew what was needed to help get babies to sleep

HOW TO WRAP KIDS CORRECTLY

  • Being wrapped and placed on the tummy is associated with a greatly increased risk of SUDI and should always be avoided.
  • When wrapping baby, allow for hip flexion and chest wall expansion.
  • Ensure baby is not over dressed under the wrap, has the head uncovered and does not have an infection or fever.
  • Babies must not be wrapped if sharing a sleep surface (including bed-sharing).
  • Discontinue wrapping baby as soon as baby shows signs of attempting to roll.

If you want to make the sleep of your baby more safe and comfortable while driving, you must use a special car seat. You can read more about how to choose the right baby trend toddler car seat for your toddler.

FEMAIL also spoke to Aprilla, the owner of Bubba Bedtime, which is a baby and infant sleep consultancy service based in Sydney, to hear her thoughts on the best way to get babies to sleep.

‘We believe that each baby is an individual and that a one size fits all approach to sleep learning doesn’t work,’ she said.

‘Parents are encouraged to combine factual information with their natural instincts to strengthen the existing bond they have with their child, and help everyone get back to a good nights sleep.’

She explained that a baby’s sleep can be affected by a number of factors, which parents should review and adjust if they need to.

‘Establishing a daily rhythm that is a simple schedule for sleeping, feeding and having a good wind down bedtime routine is important,’ Aprilla said.

'I also wanted to create something that could be used for lots of different stages,' Rebecca said

‘I also wanted to create something that could be used for lots of different stages,’ Rebecca said

‘Having a consistent bedtime routine and familiar bedtime cues are important. Quiet time, a warm bath, turning the lights down low, or reading a book are all fantastic ways to signal bedtime is coming,’ she added.

‘Babies feel safe and secure when they know what then when things are going to happen and they will be happier.’

Aprilla also said that it’s important that parents create a pleasant sleep environment for their little ones.

You want to make sure their room is pitch black because at the 12 week mark babies begin to produce their own melatonin.

Aprilla also said that it's important that parents create a pleasant sleep environment for their little ones

Aprilla also said that it’s important that parents create a pleasant sleep environment for their little ones

‘We need to ensure that their room is dark as melatonin, the sleepy hormone, can only be produced in darkness,’ she said.

Aprilla explained that parents want to avoid making their baby overtired.

‘A big misconception is if you tire out a baby they will sleep for longer, however this is untrue and if anything will lead to a baby resisting sleep and waking more overnight and struggling to settle,’ she said.

‘To prevent this over tiredness we can look at their awake windows, ensuring that your baby isn’t kept awake for too long between naps.

‘For a six month old this awake window is around two to three hours. Getting them to nap after this time will ensure that they aren’t going to bed overtired.’

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