The Key is the 10 Minutes of Putting Them to Sleep! 7 Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Soundly

2025年07月19日 12:50

Introduction: Why "10 Minutes" is Crucial for Putting Your Baby to Sleep

The sleep of a baby hinges on the "10 minutes before falling asleep." This brief period is crucial because if the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, the baby can smoothly transition into a deep sleep. However, if these 10 minutes are not utilized effectively, the baby may remain in a state of wakefulness, prolonging the process of putting them to sleep and exhausting both the parent and child.

In other words, mastering the "first 10 minutes" is key to mastering bedtime.

Method 1: Create a Sense of Security with the Same "Bedtime Ritual" Every Night

Babies find comfort in predictability. Therefore, an effective approach is to establish a consistent routine every night, known as a "bedtime ritual."

Recommended Bedtime Ritual Examples:

Take a bath (at a fixed time)
Dim the room and switch to indirect lighting
Breastfeed or give milk
Read a favorite picture book
Say "Goodnight" and head to the bedroom

It's important to repeat this in the same order every night. Music and aroma can also serve as "signals for sleep."

Method 2: Don't Miss the Signs of Sleepiness and Put Your Baby to Sleep at the Right Time

Do you recognize the signs that your baby is getting sleepy? Missing these signs can lead to overtiredness, making it harder for the baby to fall asleep.

Main Signs of Sleepiness

Yawning
Rubbing eyes
Touching ears
Starting to zone out
Weaker crying

When these signs appear, it's ideal to start putting the baby to sleep within 5 to 10 minutes.

Method 3: Adjust the Way and Rhythm of Rocking

While some say that rocking a baby to sleep can become a habit, it is an important source of comfort for the baby.

The Key is "Rhythm" and "Stability"

Rocking at a pace of 60-70 times per minute (similar to a heartbeat)
Alternating between vertical and horizontal rocking
Using a sling or baby carrier to prevent adult fatigue
Performing the rocking on a stable floor or chair, not on a sofa

Additionally, bringing the baby's ear close to the chest so they can hear the mother's heartbeat can help them feel more secure and fall asleep more easily.

Method 4: Create an Optimal Sleep Environment (Light, Sound, Scent)

Adjusting elements that affect the baby's senses can improve their ability to fall asleep.

Light: Use indirect lighting or dimmable lights

Too much brightness suppresses melatonin (the sleep hormone)

Sound: White noise or classical music

The sound of an air conditioner or running water can be comforting

Scent: Lavender or chamomile

Instead of essential oils, use baby-safe aroma mist for safety

It's important to keep the environment as consistent as possible every night.

Method 5: Timing and Length of Naps are Important

The total amount of sleep a baby needs in a day varies by age. If the balance of naps is off, it can lead to difficulties sleeping at night.

Guidelines for Naps by Age

Age	Number of Naps	Duration per Nap
0-3 months	4-5 times	30-60 minutes
4-6 months	3-4 times	About 1 hour
7-12 months	2 times	1-1.5 hours
After 1 year	1 time	1.5-2 hours

Creating a state where the baby is awake for more than 3 hours before bedtime makes it easier for them to fall asleep.

Method 6: Coordinate Feeding and Sleep Timing

Putting the baby to sleep right after feeding can associate "falling asleep" with "breastfeeding." Completing the feeding during the bedtime ritual can help the baby practice falling asleep on their own.

Recommended Flow:

Bath
Feeding (sleepiness begins)
Picture book
Song, co-sleeping, bedtime

Even if the baby falls asleep, waiting a little while before moving them to the bed can help avoid triggering the startle reflex.

Method 7: A Parent's "Peace of Mind" is the Greatest Source of Comfort

In reality, babies are very sensitive to their parent's tension and anxiety. There will be days when putting the baby to sleep doesn't go smoothly, but there's no need to blame yourself.

Things to Keep in Mind

Have the courage to accept "Today is a day the baby won't sleep"
Protecting your mental health is the top priority in parenting
Take turns with your partner in handling bedtime
Avoid using smartphones during bedtime (affects light and concentration)

When parents are relaxed, babies naturally feel secure and find it easier to fall asleep.

Conclusion: Transforming Nighttime Rhythm in 10 Minutes

Just 10 minutes, but what a difference it makes. By turning this time into a "comfortable signal for sleep" for your baby, the way you spend your nights can change significantly. Try the seven methods introduced in this article starting today.

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