You Don't have a bad sleeper....

“ I got lucky, I have a good sleeper” … the phrase that triggers exhausted parents. The thoughts of “ What am I doing wrong?” wondering “ Why does my child struggle so much?” the feelings of guilt, shame & frustration flood you, leaving you feeling defeated and confused. You’re happy for them, but silently you’re thinking, “ I didn’t need to hear that or "Good for you.” Let me tell you what you NEED to hear…  you do NOT have a bad sleeper. You may have a sleeper with an underdeveloped skill.

16 weeks from estimated due date, a baby is developmentally ready to be sleep trained. Around 12 - 12.5 weeks from estimated due date, you can start putting baby down drowsy but awake.  Until that point, you want to love, nurture and provide for your baby as needed. When they call, you respond!  

Every person has sleep needs that are specific to them and that is the same for babies & toddlers! Additionally, everyone wakes up throughout the night, even though we do not know we do it, it happens. That is because connecting sleep cycles is a skill that we have learned how to do seamlessly. Sleep is something we biologically do; however, sleep habits are taught and connecting sleep cycles is a skill.  How your baby falls asleep is what they are generally going to seek every single time they wake up. If you’re nursing baby to sleep or rocking baby to sleep and they wake up after 2 hours, they will expect that same assistance to fall back asleep! If that doesn't bother you, keep doing what you're doing! However, if multiple night wakings are disrupting your household, causing exhaustion for everyone or wellbeing is being compromised, that is where change may be necessary.

How do I create the opportunity for my baby to connect their sleep cycles?

Here are some general tips!

·         Ensure baby is going down awake after 16 weeks from estimated due date.

·         Conducive & safe sleep space, including blackout curtains & white noise machine.

·         Room temperature between 68-72 degrees.

·         Flat & firm mattress with fitted sheets.

·         Dimly lit room when doing your wind down time.

·         Intentional sleep routine for both naps & bedtime.

·         Consistency in their sleep schedule. This helps form their internal clock.

·         Pause before responding. Give at least 5 minutes before intervening. Baby may not even be awake, but in a more active sleep.

Every child has their own specific baseline sleep needs and if you don’t know your child’s sleep needs, I can help you! As a team, we can figure out your child's specific timing to get your little one connecting sleep cycles seamlessly & independently! 

Remember you do not have a bad sleeper, you just don’t know what you don’t know and that is the same for your child too.  Sleep training is not "cookie cutter” or a “ one size fits all” approach. My plans are holistic & customized. I can take pieces of what you’re already doing & make it work for your family!  

Book your Free Kick Off Call Today!