How to Start SLEEP TRAINING | Infant Sleep Tips for Beginners

Summary

In this video, Bridget, a birth doula and mom of a toddler, discusses the importance of sleep training for both parents and babies. She provides guidance on when to start sleep training, typically around 4 months, and emphasizes the significance of consistency in creating sleep schedules. Bridget explains how to help babies fall asleep independently without relying on rocking or nursing, and shares tips on managing common challenges like short naps and bedtime struggles. She also recommends using a white noise machine to aid sleep training and create a better sleep environment for babies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sleep is crucial for parents' well-being and plays a significant role in preventing postpartum depression and parental burnout.
• 😀 Sleep training helps babies learn to sleep independently, benefiting both parents and children in the long term.
• 😀 Formal sleep training should begin around 4 months of age, but it’s never too late to start as long as the baby is healthy and ready.
• 😀 Consistency and confidence are key when sleep training. Parents should only start when they are 100% ready and confident.
• 😀 To help babies sleep independently, it's important to establish a bedtime routine that doesn't rely on rocking or nursing to sleep.
• 😀 Newborns need extra attention, but as they grow, they can start learning to fall asleep on their own without being comforted all the time.
• 😀 Crying during sleep training is normal and can be managed using gradual methods like the timed check-ins approach.
• 😀 Sleep training can be done without letting babies cry it out, but it requires patience and consistent efforts over time.
• 😀 Building a consistent sleep schedule based on the baby’s age and wake windows will help them sleep better for naps and overnight.
• 😀 Using a sound machine, like the Hatch Baby sound machine, can help babies sleep better by masking noise and creating a soothing environment.

Q & A

What is the best time to start sleep training for my baby?

The best time to start sleep training is typically around the four-month mark. By this time, babies have gained sufficient weight, can sleep for longer stretches, and are more capable of self-soothing. However, you should begin sleep training when you feel confident and ready, and when your baby is healthy and in a good weight range.

How can I get my baby to sleep on their own?

To help your baby sleep independently, focus on putting them to bed while they are drowsy but still awake. This allows them to learn to fall asleep without needing you to rock or nurse them to sleep. Gradually, you can help them transition to falling asleep completely on their own.

Is crying involved in sleep training?

While some babies may cry during sleep training, it is normal and often part of the process. You can help minimize the distress by gradually increasing the time before you go in to comfort them. Most pediatricians agree that brief crying (like 30 minutes or an hour) is not harmful, but it can still be difficult for parents to listen to.

Can I start sleep training later than four months?

Yes, sleep training can be started after four months, but it may become more challenging as babies get older. If you don’t start by four months, it’s not too late; you can sleep train your baby at any age, though older babies may require more time to adjust.

What should I do if my baby wakes up soon after I put them down?

If your baby wakes up soon after being put down, it could be because they are either over-tired or under-tired. Understanding and adjusting your baby’s wake windows according to their age can help ensure they are not too exhausted or not tired enough to stay asleep.

What is the role of consistency in sleep training?

Consistency is key when sleep training. Babies thrive on predictable routines, and a consistent approach will help them understand when it's time to sleep. Ensure that your baby is following a stable schedule for naps and bedtime, and keep the sleep training methods consistent to help them adjust.

Is sleep training necessary for better sleep?

Sleep training is not absolutely necessary to improve sleep, but it can be a helpful tool if you want to establish a routine where your baby learns to sleep independently. Some parents may choose to wait until their child is ready to sleep through the night naturally, without formal sleep training.

What are the benefits of using a sound machine for sleep training?

A sound machine, like the Hatch Baby Sound Machine, can help create a calming environment for your baby by providing white noise or lullabies. It also blocks out disruptive noises that might wake your baby. These machines can be controlled from your phone and help signal that it's sleep time, enhancing your baby’s sleep environment.

How do I know if my baby is ready for sleep training?

Your baby is likely ready for sleep training when they are around four months old, healthy, and able to sleep for longer stretches. However, you should only begin sleep training when you feel confident in your decision and when your baby isn’t sick or teething, as these factors can make it harder for them to adjust.

What is an age-appropriate sleep schedule for my baby?

An age-appropriate sleep schedule varies based on your baby’s age. For example, a five-month-old might be awake for two hours before needing another nap, while a nine-month-old can handle a wake window of three to four hours. Following the recommended wake windows for each age group helps your baby sleep better by preventing them from being either over- or under-tired.