Sleepless nights are a familiar struggle for new parents, and the quest for uninterrupted slumber often seems elusive. But have you ever considered that the key to your baby’s sleep woes might be in your hands? Let’s dive into the surprising habits that may be impacting your little one’s sleep and explore how to foster better resting patterns.
The Mistake of Too Much Comfort
Dr. Judith Owens, director of the Centre for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Boston Children’s Hospital, sheds light on a common yet eye-opening error parents make: excessive rocking and holding. According to Dr. Owens, many infants learn to require this comfort to fall asleep, preventing them from developing the crucial skill of self-soothing. By putting babies to bed “drowsy but awake” by the age of three months, as suggested, parents can empower their infants to drift off to sleep independently.
The Downside of Napping On-the-Go
Professor Jodi Mindell, associate director of the Sleep Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, advises parents to ensure that their babies nap in their cribs rather than on-the-go in strollers or car seats. This practice helps babies associate sleep with their crib, not with motion, fostering a stable sleep environment.
Bedtime Feeding Myths
Feeding your baby right before bedtime can be another pitfall. By separating feeding time from sleep time, ideally by completing the final feeding in a different room, you prevent your little one from associating nursing with bedtime, leading to smoother transitions into sleep.
Navigating Toddler Sleep Transitions
As babies transform into toddlers, their sleep schedules undergo changes. Dr. Mindell warns parents against permitting late afternoon naps, suggesting that naps should start no later than 2 p.m. to ensure that toddlers are adequately tired come bedtime.
Takeaway for Restful Nights
Gently reevaluating and adjusting nighttime routines can set your infant or toddler on the path to healthier sleep habits. Embracing these expert-recommended strategies may bring the gift of peaceful nights to both you and your little one.
As stated in Rollercoaster.ie, implementing these sleep strategies could be your key to more restful nights.