Nanna: does the newborn need absolute silence?

Is absolute silence essential for bedtime?

A quiet and quiet environment is certainly ideal for sleeping, but when it comes to the sleep of babies really need the absolute silence? The answer is not so obvious. In fact, although it may seem essential to relax a very small child (particularly susceptible to external stimuli), in certain situations the total absence of noise could accustom the baby to fall asleep only under certain conditions, greatly complicating children's sleep ... of their parents.

Read also: Nanna newborn: is it right to let him cry to get him used to falling asleep alone?

Differences between day and night

Newborns sleep most of the day, both day and night. However there are differences between times and methods between night rest, which will also continue in the later stages of life, and the daytime rest, which over time will gradually disappear.

During the day, in fact, it is good for the baby to sleep in an environment suitable for sleep, but the pediatricians themselves advise against getting used to absolute silence, given that the little one has to start early to distinguish the noises and conditions of the day, when there is light and the surrounding world pulsates with life, compared to those of the night, so as to gradually get used (it will be a long process) to the fact that let only the latter be the moment dedicated to a continuous and prolonged sleep. Failure to do so may cause the baby to become too lightly sleepy and will struggle to fall asleep over time.

During the day, therefore, it is not necessary to speak in a very low voice or turn off any noisy appliance (TV, radio, etc.): just make sure that the only room where the baby will sleep is sufficiently quiet.

Read also: Babies: how to put them to bed for real!

You sleep better at night

When it gets dark, however, the music changes. Literally. Here, in fact, it is necessary to dampen the sources of noise therefore, at least half an hour / an hour before bedtime it would be good to avoid loud music, audio from TV or too loud device and so on. At night, silence is truly golden, because it helps the child to relax, which will therefore tend to sleep peacefully (and maybe longer).

However, despite these generic advice, every child it reacts differently to sound and environmental stimuli, therefore it is up to parents to understand the needs of their children and act accordingly to facilitate their rest.

Read also: Baby sleep: a short guide to bedtime

Tricks to help sleep

Having established the need to adapt to the needs of the baby, there are still ways to prepare the baby in the best possible way for a good night's sleep.

• Ninna nanna: singing a song or talking sweetly to the baby is a great way to relax (and therefore fall asleep).
• Snuggles: physical contact is essential in the first months of life. A cuddle, a hug, a massage or a simple caress will make the baby feel cradled and protected and will rest better.
• Baby bath: even when he is older, body cleansing will always be a very useful approach to bedtime. Clean and fragrant, the little one will be more relaxed and will fall asleep more easily.
• Not just noises: reducing noise is not enough to make a room comfortable for sleep. It is also better to avoid too intense light sources, exaggeratedly penetrating perfumes and temperatures that are too cold or too hot.

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• sleep