Everything You Need to Know About Sleep Training
A lot of new parents feel overwhelmed when it comes to sleep training. There are so many different sleep training methods, and it can be hard to know which one is right for your baby. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about sleep training.
We will go over the basics, such as what sleep training is and when you should start. We will also talk about the different sleep training methods, and whether or not you need a sleep consultant.
What is Sleep Training?
Sleep training is a method of teaching your baby how to sleep through the night. There are different sleep training methods, but they all have the same goal: to help your baby learn to sleep independently and self-soothe.
There are a few different things you need to know about sleep training before you start. The first is that it can be difficult. You will need to be patient. Sleep training takes time and there will be some nights when your baby doesn't seem to be making any progress. That’s okay!
The second thing you need to know is that there are different methods of sleep training, and not all of them will work for every baby. There are four main methods: cry it out, gentle and gradual extinction, pick up/put down, and bedtime fading.
- Cry it out: This is the most common method of sleep training. It involves letting your baby cry until they fall asleep on their own. This can be difficult for both you and your baby. It can help them learn to self-soothe.
- Gentle/gradual extinction: This method is similar to cry it out, but you will go in to check on your baby periodically. This can help ease some of the anxiety that comes with sleep training.
- Pick up/put down: This method involves picking up your baby when they cry and then putting them back down when they are calm. This can be difficult to do if your baby is really upset but it can be a good way to gradually train them to sleep through the night.
- Bedtime fading: This method involves slowly moving your baby's bedtime earlier until they are sleeping through the night. This can be a difficult method to stick to because of the strict schedule, but it can be very effective.
Should You Be Sleep Training Your Baby?
There are a lot of different opinions on sleep training. Some people believe that all babies should be sleep trained, while others think it's not necessary. So, should you be sleep training your baby? The answer depends on your individual situation.
Here are some things to consider:
- Your Baby's Age: Most sleep training methods recommend starting when your baby is around six months old. This is because most babies are developmentally ready to learn how to sleep through the night at this age.
- Your Baby's Sleep Habits: If your baby is already a good sleeper, sleep training may not be necessary. On the other hand, if your baby is having trouble sleeping through the night, sleep training may be a good option.
- Your Parenting Style: Some parents prefer to sleep train their babies, while others let their babies adjust to their own schedule. It's up to you to decide what's best for your family.
When Should You Start?
As mentioned earlier, most sleep training methods recommend starting when your baby is around six months old. This is because babies this age are better able to self-soothe and more developmentally ready to sleep through the night.
However, you know your baby best, so trust your gut and do what you think is best for your family. The most important thing is that you start sleep training when you're both ready and comfortable with the process.
If you're not sure whether or not sleep training is right for you, talk to your pediatrician. They can help you decide what's best for your baby.
How Should You Start?
There are a few things you need to do to prepare for sleep training. The first is to make sure your baby is sleeping alone in a crib. This will help them feel more comfortable and independent when they are trying to sleep on their own.
The second thing you need to do is create a bedtime routine. This should be something that is calm and relaxing, such as reading a book or taking a bath. This will help your baby know that it is time for sleep.
The third thing you need to do is set a schedule. You should decide when you want to start sleep training and then stick to that schedule as much as possible. This will help your baby know when it is time for sleep, and it will make the process easier for both of you.
Do You Need a Sleep Consultant?
A sleep consultant is a person who helps parents teach their babies how to sleep through the night. If you're considering sleep training, you may want to consider hiring a sleep consultant. They can help you choose the right sleep training method and provide support throughout the process. Your pediatrician may have some recommendations for local sleep consultants.
Learn More
Sleep training can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that every baby is different. There are many different sleep training methods, so find one that fits your parenting style and schedule. And don't forget to ask for help if you need it! Talk to your pediatrician or hire a sleep consultant if you need guidance.
If you have any questions about sleep training or are looking for more tips and tricks, be sure to check out Baby Merlin! We offer a variety of sleepsuits and sleep sacks to help your baby get through the night peacefully.
So don't hesitate to reach out - we can help you get your little one sleeping through the night in no time!
Also in Our Blog
What’s the Difference Between a Swaddle and a Sleepsack
Five Questions about Early Morning Wakeups for Baby
The team at NAPS helps you tackle the issue of early wakeups. *BONUS* NAPS is hosting a webinar on February 24th. Register here and use the extra-special code MAGICMERLIN and you can join the webinar FREE of charge!
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The sound of cheery calls of “MAAAAMAAAAA” from the next room may be lovely at 7am. At 4am, or 5 am, not so much. Your baby may be up and ready to start the day, but you probably aren’t.
Answering the questions below may help you get there.
- Is your nap schedule mucking up your baby’s overnight sleep?
This might seem like an obvious question, but your baby’s sleep needs will change fast in the first few years of their lives. A quick look at the average nap number and duration might give you an idea:
- For babies from 3-6 months old, it’s normal to take 3-4 hour-long naps per day.
- For babies 6-15 months old, expect 2 naps with 3-3.5 hours of total sleep.
- For one and two-year-olds, you should expect a single 2-hour nap.
Part of the reason you might be seeing earlier wakeups is that your baby has graduated from one nap cycle to the next.
- Does your baby have enough time between their last nap and their bedtime?
We call this an “awake window,” and it can make a big difference. It might seem strange that your baby went to bed fine the night before, and you’re seeing a response to nap scheduling in the pre-dawn hours, but if your kiddo’s sleep is disrupted at night, it will impact the morning.
- 3-6 months, at least 1.5-2 hours between final nap wakeup and bedtime.
- 6-12 months, at least 2.5-3.5 hours between final nap wakeup and bed.
- 12-18+ months, 3.5-4.5 hours between final nap wakeup and bed.
- Is the room staying dark after the sun comes up?
Black 0ut curtains can make a big difference here. Remember that our brains signal wakeup when the light changes. So if dawn is at 430am, and even a little bit of light comes into your baby’s room, their little brains will PING with wake up juice.
- Is your baby going to sleep too early or too late?
It might seem counter-intuitive, but a late bedtime can actually backfire on you. Overtired kids don’t sleep as well. If you made their bedtime later and it didn’t fix the problem, try an earlier bedtime and see if that helps. You might be surprised.
- How do you make it better?
Try to make one change at a time; just one. Stick with that change for 3-5 days to see if it impacts things. (One night is usually not enough to see substantial change.) Be as consistent as you can with the change you made. For instance, if you decide to increase the space between bedtime and final nap wakeup, make sure to stick to the wakeup time you planned.
If your baby is waking up and chirping happily to themselves, feel free to leave them there for a little while. Let them get used to being alone in the crib. If you can, try to delay the start of the day by 5-10 minutes each day. This can make a big impact.
Everything else aside, remember that this is a short time in your kid’s life; as they get older, their sleep will become more regular, and so will yours. Don’t let yourself get too discouraged. Things are hard now, and you’re doing a great job.
