How to Help Baby Sleep Through Fireworks

Ah, yes, the Fourth of July. Barbecues, stars and stripes, soaking in the sun, and fireworks.

While they may be entertaining for many adults, babies are typically not the biggest fans of pyrotechnics displays. The loud, abrasive sounds are hard to escape and when you have a little one who needs some sleep, it can make for an incredibly frustrating situation.

Not to worry, though, because we are going to show you how to help baby sleep through fireworks. 

Tip #1: Keep Your Routine

Fireworks and baby sleeping: that’s a combination that few parents experience without a bit of help on their side. That’s what these next few tips are for. Perhaps the most important of the bunch is sticking to your child’s routine as much as you can.

Of course, if you have to move a nap or bedtime a bit then it is what it is. Just make sure to adjust their sleep times the next day or two so they can catch up on any lost sleep. Using an app like Baby Connect can help you keep track so there’s no guesswork involved and you can plan accordingly (perfect for tracking any irregularities in schedules - not just sleep). 

Tip #2: Keep Regular Bedtime

Again, you may not be able to 100% be on time but if you’ll be staying at home, this applies. If their regular bedtime is at 7pm, try to have them already in bed by that time as their body will already be telling them it’s time to sleep. That means that at midnight, when most fireworks are set off, they’ll already be in deep sleep and undisturbed by the noises. 

If you aren’t going to be staying at home, try to incorporate as much of your child’s bedtime routine as you can. For example, you can put them in their pajamas, bring along their toothbrush and toothpaste, or even read a “bedtime” story in the car on your way up from the festivities. This will help get them in the mental space for preparing for sleep. 

Tip #3: Prep Your Child(ren) in Advance

If you have older children, it’s a good idea to mention that they may hear a bit of a ruckus from the fireworks later in the night. Let them know that if they do, everything is just fine, and they can feel safe to fall back asleep. This is smart because if they do happen to wake up, they’ll already expect it and not feel as startled. 

Tip #4: Use That White Noise

White noise machines are fantastic tools to have in your arsenal, no matter if it’s for a newborn, toddler, or even older children. Many adults use white noise machines to help fall or stay asleep, too!

They work by creating a soothing barrier or sound that remains consistent, ideally blocking out any irregular, loud noises that could disturb their quality of sleep. Chances are, you may already use one for your child. If so, try turning it up louder than you usually have it to help drown out the loud fireworks. 

Of course, don’t turn it any louder than 50 decibels, as this can damage their little ears, and that’s the last thing we want. A great way to measure this is through a decibel reader app on your phone or iPad and test the volume beforehand. 

If you don’t have a sound machine, there are also white noise apps and household items like air purifiers that can help keep them asleep. 

Tip #5: Be Patient

Being patient isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. If your baby wakes up, it may feel instinctive to run in there and comfort them. However, learning to self-soothe is a very important skill that babies need to learn. Not to mention, them seeing you in their room is going to likely wake them up even further due to that added stimulation. 

Should your little one wake up from the fireworks, give them a minute to see if they fall back to sleep. More specifically, try waiting up to 10 minutes or so. Studies have shown that babies take around 12 minutes to fall back asleep on their own. 

If you find that they aren’t resettling or becoming even more upset, it’s a good idea to go in at that point and comfort them. Just remember that it’s very important for you to remain calm and confident. If you come across as frustrated or upset in any way, they’ll be able to sense that, which will likely make it even more difficult for them to fall back asleep. 

Tip #6: A Little Bit of Love

If you find that going into their room and trying to calm them down isn’t working, it’s okay to take a break. Go ahead and pick them up out of their crib and take them to an area of your home that may be more quiet. Try to select an area with dim lighting - ideally with blackout curtains that block out the potential flashes of light produced by the fireworks. 

For 15 minutes or so, try giving them a bit of extra love. You can sit in a rocking chair and sing to them, read them a story or two, or even feed if you feel that’s needed. Then, take them back into their room and try soothing them until they fall asleep. Offering a calm and confident approach will not only help them build trust with you but will help calm them, as well. 

By following these tips, we’re sure that the Fourth of July will be a smooth holiday for everyone and one you’ll all soon be able to enjoy awake, together!