New parent? Doctor shares how to help your baby sleep better

• 20 Celcius is the optimal temperature to help children, including babies to sleep at night - not too hot or cold

• How many hours a baby needs to sleep at night, at each stage of their growth

• Are blackout blinds good for babies? With differences between blinds and curtains

• 10 Tips for parents to relax their babies so they sleep soundly

Having a baby comes with a whole host of challenges, and sleepless nights are just one of many. As a parent, it can be a daily challenge to get your child to fall asleep or even clock enough hours throughout the night. 

The best ways to help babies get a good night’s rest is a regularly debated topic, that's why 247 Blinds has worked with Dr. Hana Patel, NHS GP and specialist in children’s health to confirm the best ways to help your baby sleep better.

“Sleep plays a crucial role in the development of young minds. In addition to having a direct effect on happiness, research shows that sleep impacts alertness and attention, cognitive performance, mood, resiliency, vocabulary acquisition, and learning and memory. Sleep also has important effects on growth, especially in early infancy. In toddlers, napping appears to be necessary for memory consolidation, executive attention, and motor skill development” says Dr Patel.

How many hours does a baby need to sleep? 

Dr Patel says; “Just as with adults, babies and children's sleep patterns vary. From birth, some babies need more or less sleep than others. Most newborn babies are asleep more than they are awake. Their total daily sleep varies but can be from 8 hours up to 16 or 18 hours. During the colder months, it’s ideal to keep the room at around 20 celsius as this is an optimal temperature for babies and all children to sleep well.”

• Sleep requirements at 3 to 6 months: “As a baby grows, they will need fewer night feeds and will be able to sleep for longer. Some babies will sleep for 8 hours or longer at night, but not all. By 4 months, they may be spending around twice as long sleeping at night as they do during the day.”

• Sleep requirements at 6 to 12 months: “As night feeds may no longer be necessary at this age, some babies will sleep for up to 12 hours at night.  Although, teething discomfort or hunger may wake some babies during the night.”

• Sleep requirements from 12 months: “Usually your baby will need sleep for around 12 to 15 hours in total after their first birthday.”

Image: 247 Blinds, Children’s Blackout Blinds | Credit: 247 Blinds

Are blackout blinds good for babies? 

Dr Patel says; “Blackout blinds or curtains make a real difference. If your baby is struggling with early morning wake-ups, getting a good pair of blackout curtains is an easy and quick solution to encourage a later start.”

“Being exposed to light at night can actually block melatonin production, which is why blackout curtains are so important. When we are in darkness, melatonin sends signals to the brain that it’s time for sleep. If your baby is waking up too early in the morning, the first thing to check is how dark the room is, as babies and toddlers have no concept of time. Darkness helps to provide a calm environment so your baby can rest in their sleep space calmly. Even if they aren’t asleep the entire time, lying down in a dark space can be restful to them.”

What’s the difference between blackout blinds and blackout curtains? 

Helen O’Connor, Product Manager at 247 Blinds & Curtains says; “Both blackout blinds and curtains have similar purposes in regards to blocking out light. However,  there are a few things to consider before choosing blinds and curtains for your baby’s bedroom.” 

“Combining blackout-lined curtains and blackout blinds together, such as blackout roller blinds, gives you the best performance in terms of managing light levels.  Curtains have the added bonus of being generally more insulating, and can cover those trickier larger windows, whereas blackout blinds offer a cost-effective, and easily cleanable method — A must for most parents!

“Blackout roller blinds work best when installed in a window recess, and the light is 100% blocked from coming through the material, so doubling up is the best method to be sure of a great night’s sleep for your little one.

“It’s also important to consider if your window dressings are child safe. Children want to explore the world around them which means many household products including blinds could pose a risk to them. Ensure all safety devices are installed safely away from any climbable surfaces and at least 1.5 metres from the floor and move all furniture away from the window if you can, including any cots or beds. 

“As a member of the British Blinds and Shutters Association, 247 Blinds always complies with BBSA’s strict guidelines regarding child safety and are tested to meet the regulations (EN 13120) outlined in the British and European safety standard.” 

“Other great options are blinds that are child-safe by design, without cords to pose a risk but also great at reducing the light, such as Perfect Fit and Clic Fit blinds, made for uPVC windows. These blinds are tensioned, so do not require a chain or cord to operate.”

Top tips for parents 

Dr Patel also provides some quick tips on ways to help calm your kids so they have a restful sleep.

Cover Image: 247 Blinds, Children’s Blackout Blinds | Credit: 247 Blinds