Sleep Training
how to get baby to sleep guide
There comes a point in each day where we begin the process of winding down. As adults, we’ve become accustomed to this process--so much so that most of us cherish it. But for children, and babies especially, the concept is not only new, but sometimes scary. A baby’s most comfortable place is with their parents. It’s in their arms that they feel their greatest sense of security. But bedtime is the great unknown, a time where they are left to their own devices to self-soothe and find comfort within themselves. Some babies are more easily coaxed into this first-of-many-milestones. But the art of baby sleep training can be fraught with bumps. How to get baby to sleep is the “it” question of most--if not all--new parents. Because no matter if you’re a first-time parent or a tried-and-true veteran, every child is different, and so too are every child’s sleeping patterns.
Baby Sleep Training
Enter sleep training: the inevitable first step towards a full night of peace and quiet. Armed with a baby sleep training toolkit, you’ll be well on your way to a new kind of dream state. And no, sleep teaching may not happen overnight. But by empowering yourself with these baby sleep tips, you’re giving yourself the advantage. In this case, as in all cases, knowledge is power. And sleep training can certainly be daunting, but it’s far from impossible.
What Is Sleep Training
Sleep training is the act--nay, art--of teaching your baby how to fall asleep. It’s not an effortless affair, and you can expect to have a few ups and downs. But, unlocking the answer to “how can I help baby fall asleep?” might be easier than you think. Sleep training doesn’t have to be difficult, and learning how to usher your baby or infant into a peaceful night’s sleep is a matter of putting baby to bed, fully awake, so that they learn to drift into dreamland without the need of your rocking, cuddling, singing, and so forth.
How to Start Sleep Training
How to start sleep training is also a question of when to start sleep training. And if you weigh the experts on this one (and we did), you’ll get this response in return: begin your sleep training journey between the 4-6 month mark. Why? At this time, your baby is typically able to make it through the night without needing a feeding.
So, how to start? Find a method that works for you, and simply commit to it. Consistency is key to most processes, and is especially true of sleep training.
Sleep Training for Babies
Though sleep training at 3 months old isn’t often recommended (beginning sleep training at 4 months old is more typical), you are the best judge of what’s right for you and your family. Take into account the baby’s weight, and consult your pediatrician regarding the necessity of night feeding for your particular child. As we mentioned, every baby is different--especially when it comes to sleep training.
How Long Does Sleep Training Take
The rigorous Ferber Method may earn you a fully sleep-trained baby in as little as 3-4 nights. But some sleep training methods may take longer--and some methods, in truth, may not work at all. Finding the method that’s best for you and your family is always of the utmost importance. So find one that makes your baby feel safe, secure, and comfortable--and likewise for both parents. When we seek out ways to help a newborn fall asleep, it’s not always one-size-fits-all. So follow your parental instincts--you have them for a reason.
How to Get Baby to Sleep without Swaddle
To get baby to sleep without a swaddle may not be the easiest of transitions. You might run into this type of thing: baby won’t sleep without swaddle. So ease into it, perhaps taking one step, or arm, at a time. Getting baby to sleep without swaddle can be challenging in the beginning, but if you work your way up to it, you might find the transition to be just what baby needed. Consider swaddling one arm at a time, then no arms, and gradually work your way up to no swaddle. Learning how to put baby to sleep without swaddle will come in time, but remember this: if your baby is able to roll over on their own, then it’s time to stop swaddling immediately.
How to Get Baby to Sleep
If you’ve tried everything and you’re still not sure how to get your baby to sleep, read on and explore the ultimate baby sleep tips with this exclusive Q&A with pediatric sleep therapist, Kimberly Walker, founder of Parenting Unlimitedand one of New York City’s most sought-after paediatric sleep therapists renowned for teaching kids of all ages healthy sleeping habits.
Q: What exactly does sleep teaching or sleep training mean?
Q: I have read tons of books about sleep teaching/ training and there are many different approaches. How do I know which one is best?
Q: Can I teach my baby to sleep if they are still swaddled?
Q: My baby doesn’t like to be swaddled. Am I doing something wrong? Is there another way to get them to sleep?
Q: Can you help with me a bedtime routine that does not take forever?
- Bath (on bath nights)
- Diapers and pajamas
- Feed with lights on or low, not OFF. (Once you are going to teach them to sleep, do not let them fall asleep eating.)
- Burp
- Read ONE short book (I recommend the same book every night because it becomes a visual sleep cue. It’s great because you can also use it for naps and take it when you travel. It is only read before sleep.)
- Put on swaddle or sleep sack (if you are using one)
- Turn on white noise (if you are using it)
- Say goodnight to a few things in their room: goodnight to stuffed animals, goodnight to outside, close the blinds…
- Take them over to the lights and turn the lights off and say goodnight to the lights
- Snuggle them on way to crib and tell them you love them, time for sleep, etc
- Lay them in the crib
- Leave (if you are at this point in sleep teaching)