Mama 2 Mama Tips

Every parent dreams of a night full of sleep. The reality is that most children are just not “good” sleepers during their early years. There are dozens of so-called experts who claim that they can train a baby to sleep through the night, however the risks that come from this type of training is too often greater than the rewards of an extra hour or two at night. Instead of turning to dangerous, and sometimes cruel, sleep training techniques, here are ten simple tips to help parents and babies sleep better at night.

1. Change your perspective. To adults, sleeping through the night means 7 – 8 hours of sleep. However, to an infant this can mean simply 5 hours or less of straight sleep. Infants need to sleep in shorter sleep cycles for several reasons. They are growing at tremendous rates and need both food and stimulation frequently. Instead of trying to force a longer sleep cycle, create healthy attitudes about sleep by making it a peaceful and loving transition in the day.
2. Put yourself in your baby’s position. Imagine you are in a strange world where everyone speaks a language you can only barely understand. The one person that you trust above all else has left you alone, in the dark, and you are unable to understand why. You are crying out to be held and comforted, how would you feel to be left to cry? When a child feel safe and secure in their place they are more confident to take the next step, including sleep. Imagine yourself in your child’s place and act how you would want others to act.
3. Choose sleeping arrangements that fits your family, not others. How a family sleeps is unique to that family. Some need space at night, others need to be snuggled up close. Do not worry about what the so-called experts say, or how other families sleep at night. Listen to you and your child’s needs to create a sleeping space that works for you.
4. Be flexible each night. Children can change from one night to the other, and young children can be having problems that you are not aware of. A child that normally sleeps well may suddenly change their sleeping habits. This can be a signs of a growth spurt, of an upcoming developmental milestone, or an illness that has not fully surfaced yet. Be flexible and willing to change as your child needs it. This not only creates an atmosphere of safety and comfort, it also allows you to be more open to trying new things that may work far better.
5. Create a bed time ritual. A reoccurring routine at bedtime helps to transition a child into sleep. Young children and infants are comforted by common patterns. If bedtime is a sudden, jarring occurrence that catches them off guard it is natural for there to be resistance. Instead, create a relaxing ritual that helps guide a child into the bedtime transition.
6. Make days about play and activity. Children and infants have an abundance of energy that needs to be released. Giving children opportunities to let out their energy during the day will help them to unwind at night, and sleep more peacefully. On the same token, when evening comes make a point to begin calming and relaxing. Turn off the television and other electronics and can interfere with normal sleep patterns at least one hour before bedtime begins. Create a clear division between the energetic days and peaceful nights.

Each infant is different and will sleep on their own unique schedule. Some parents are fortunate enough to have children that fall asleep and stay asleep easily from a young age. More common, however, is a child that learns to sleep slowly and surely. Just as it can take time for a child to talk, walk, and use the toilet; sleep habits can naturally take time to develop.

What tips would you offer to parents who are having trouble with night time problems? What things worked, and did not work, for you and your family?

photo credit: Hammer51012

Related Reading:

The Sleepeasy Solution: The Exhausted Parent's Guide to Getting Your Child to Sleep from Birth to Age 5

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child

The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Gentle Ways to Stop Bedtime Battles and Improve Your Child's Sleep