Sleep. It’s that elusive luxury new parents dream of but rarely achieve. Between the constant feedings, diaper changes, and the sheer excitement of having a new baby, getting a full night's sleep can feel like an impossible task. Yet, sleep is essential—not just for your baby, but for you as well, especially if you’re a working mom like me. Juggling work, a five-year-old, a newborn, and being a wife, I needed every ounce of rest I could get. If you’re balancing a similar load, you know exactly what I mean.
But fear not! I’ve gathered a few tips that worked wonders for both my sons, making sleep training less of a chore and surprisingly easy to start. Both my kids were sleeping through the night and on their own by six months. I understand there are mixed feelings about sleep training, and whether or not to do it at all. However, I firmly believe that parents need to teach their children essential life skills, and sleep is definitely one of them. Just as we teach our kids manners, how to dress themselves, and other crucial skills, we should also teach them how to sleep. It makes life easier for everyone involved.
With a bit of patience, consistency, and these handy sleep training tips, you and your little one will be on the path to peaceful nights in no time. Let's get into it!
1. Create a Bedtime Routine from the Moment You Leave the Hospital: Routine is key. From day one, start incorporating a soothing bedtime routine. This could include a warm bath, a gentle massage, a lullaby, reading a bedtime story, and some quiet time. Establishing a predictable sequence of events helps signal to your baby that bedtime is approaching and it's time to wind down.
2. Put Your Baby to Sleep at Approximately the Same Time Every Night: Consistency is your best friend. Babies thrive on routine, and having a set bedtime helps regulate their internal clock. Choose a time that works for your family's schedule and stick to it as closely as possible. This consistency will make it easier for your baby to know when it's time to sleep.
3. Ensure a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Your baby's comfort is crucial for a good night's sleep. Make sure their crib mattress is firm and well-supported, and dress them in appropriate sleepwear for the room temperature. Avoid too many blankets, which can pose a risk, and instead opt for a sleep sack or wearable blanket if extra warmth is needed.
4. Make Sure the Room Stays Dark: Darkness is important for sleep. Ensure the room where your baby sleeps is dark, using blackout curtains if necessary. Darkness triggers the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, which helps your baby fall asleep and stay asleep.
5. Have Some White Noise: White noise can be a lifesaver. It mimics the sounds your baby heard in the womb and can be incredibly soothing. A white noise machine or a simple fan can help drown out household noises and create a calm, consistent sleep environment.
6. Delay Going to the Room When Your Baby Cries: It's natural to want to rush to your baby the moment they start crying, but sometimes a brief delay can be beneficial. Give them a few minutes to see if they can self-soothe and fall back asleep on their own. Of course, if the crying persists, go in to check on them.
7. Try Not to Take Your Baby Out of Bed When You Are Trying to Comfort Them: When your baby wakes up and needs comforting, try to soothe them without taking them out of their crib. Patting, shushing, or gently rubbing their back can be very effective. This helps your baby learn that the crib is a safe and comfortable place to be, even when they're awake.
8. Have Dad Do the Night Time Soothing (Once the Baby No Longer Needs a Bottle During the Night): Sharing the soothing duties can make a big difference. Once your baby no longer needs nighttime feedings, let dad take over the nighttime comforting. This not only gives mom a much-needed break but also helps the baby learn that comfort and security come from both parents. In my experience, my husband was particularly consistent at soothing our little one without picking them up, while I found it hard to resist the urge to scoop them up when they cried. Dads often have a unique ability to stay calm and composed, which can be incredibly effective in helping the baby settle down.
9. Put Your Baby Down Drowsy: Try putting your baby down in their crib while they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own, rather than relying on being rocked or fed to sleep. It encourages self-soothing and can make it easier for them to fall back asleep if they wake up during the night.
10. Stay Consistent: Have I mentioned Consistency? I know it's the second time I am bringing it up because it’s that important. Stick to your routines and bedtime even when it's challenging. Babies feel secure when they know what to expect, and this security helps them relax and fall asleep more easily.
Sleep training can be a challenging journey, but remember, you're not alone. Every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Patience and persistence are key. By creating a calm, consistent bedtime routine and sticking to it, you’re setting the stage for better sleep for everyone.
You got this Hun! Here’s to sweet dreams and restful nights ahead!
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