Sleep while the baby sleeps. Use special swaddles. Try white noise. There are a million pieces of advice – and accessories to buy – to help your baby sleep through the night. But what really works? Here are some parenting tips for how to handle night wakings:
1. Don’t rush the process:
Don’t expect babies to sleep through the night too soon. By about 3–4 months, babies learn the difference between day and night. By 6 months, most healthy babies no longer need nighttime feedings and can sleep through. Stick to your pediatrician’s advice and be patient.
2. Stick to a routine:
Establish a bedtime routine. Following the same daily process when preparing for sleep will be comforting, loving, and relaxing for your child. Consistency is key in helping them understand when it’s time to sleep.
3. Foster independence:
Put your baby to sleep while still awake. Avoid rocking or feeding your baby to sleep. Try putting your baby down when they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own.
4. Minimize attention during night wakings:
Don’t linger too long or make night wakings too much fun. Provide comfort but avoid excessive attention. Whisper a calming phrase and leave the room, allowing your baby to self-soothe back to sleep.
5. Debunk the myths:
Ignore the “babies-who-eat-cereal-sleep-longer” myth. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages feeding solid food to babies before 4 months of age. Focus on a balanced diet appropriate for your baby’s age and consult your pediatrician for guidance.
6. Limit screen time:
Turn off the TV. Research shows that screen time before bed disrupts sleep. Opt for lullabies or bedtime stories instead. Create a calm, technology-free environment before bedtime.
7. Seek support:
Let others help. Sleep deprivation is challenging. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Taking a night off with support from your partner or family can provide much-needed rest. Remember, you must care for yourself to care for your baby effectively.
Learning to sleep through the night takes time and practice. Being consistent, loving, and following these guidelines will help you teach your baby this important skill in a way that’s right for your family.
Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Prairie Hills located in Sioux Falls, SD? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.