Sleep training is an important part of helping a baby adjust to the regular rhythms of day and night. By teaching your baby healthy sleeping habits, you can make bedtime easier for both of you. Here are some tips for successful sleep training.
Start a regular schedule. The most effective sleep training starts with setting up a consistent schedule for wake-up, nap and bedtime. When creating a schedule, make sure to take into account the baby’s needs such as eating, napping and overall mood. Consider having wake up time, mealtime and naptime the same every day to help set a routine.
Make a calming pre-bedtime routine. It’s important to create a bedtime routine that is relaxing and comforting to your baby. Activities can include bathtime, reading a book, or even some soft music.
Provide a dark and quiet sleep environment. When it’s time for your baby to sleep, it’s important to create a dark and quiet environment. Use room darkening shades or blackout curtains, and if possible, put the baby’s bed away from windows, toys and loud sounds.
Learn to identify and respond to your baby’s sleepy signals. By paying attention to the cues that signal when your baby is tired, you can create the best conditions for them to get the rest they need. Examples of sleepy signals can include yawning, rubbing eyes, fussy behavior and changes in body posture.
Be consistent with the sleep training process. With a regular schedule and bedtime routine in place, the most important factor in successful sleep training is consistency. Consistency helps your baby understand that the sleep environment and routine are signals for rest and will ultimately help your baby establish a better sleeping routine.
Ultimately, sleep training takes time and patience, and while it may take some adjustment to get it right, it’s an important step in ensuring your baby gets the sleep they need.
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