How to choose the right sleep training method for your family

It’s the middle of the day, and you’re already yawning. Your eyes burn from the lack of sleep because your little one decided last night’s sleep was not on the cards (and the night before and the night before that).

Maybe it’s time to start thinking about sleep training, but you have so many questions, right????

Here are some of the most common that parents may ask before embarking on sleep training. The word ‘training’ sounds hard, doesn't it? Try to think of it, more as; you are supporting your child as they learn how to sleep better, I find this is a much more fitting example of what sleep training actually entails.

What is a sleep training method?

The term ‘sleep training’ refers to supporting your infant in learning how to fall asleep on their own without you or any other item as a crutch or prop.

As a parent, it's not your job to put them to sleep - it's your job to create a safe sleep conducive environment. If you are a first-time parent, it may be difficult to envision your baby ever doing that, but babies have to learn how to sleep independently. This means, going into their crib awake and putting themselves to sleep. This is essentially what sleep training does, you are the teacher, offering guidance and support during the sleep training process as the learn how to transition from an awake state to a sleepy state.

How do I mentally prepare for sleep training?

Sleep training takes mental and emotional preparation for the parents, what the baby needs is a safe sleep environment. Make note of your concerns and make a checklist so you can cross them off before heading into the process, here are a few tips that may make you feel better before you embark on this process.

1. Get confirmation from your pediatrician first

Before you begin sleep training, speak with your Doctor or Pediatrician about any other issues you may be having thatis worrying you. It's hard to make changes if you have other variables such as reflux, feeding issues, pooping issues or GI issues.

Get a confirmation that any medications your baby is on, are not affecting their sleep, including over-the-counter medications if you offer them.

2. Create an evening routine

Creating a routine can definitely help your baby to get used to a pattern when it’s time for bed. But don’t get stuck on a SET bedtime; this is a common misconception. Your babies' bedtime will be like a moving goalpost in the beginning, remember that your baby can not tell the time; your baby can however get used to the flow of our routine and start to understand that after a bath, they get clean pj’s on, have a feeding and then go to bed. Using age appropriate awake windows can also help you gauge your babies naptime and bedtime easier.

AWAKE WINDOW CHART

I have a free download on babies awake windows or you can submit your information for a free fridge magnet so you can keep the information in a handy place.

3. Create a feeding and sleeping daytime routine

It can be really overwhelming to figure out a sleeping and feeding routine that works for you - if you would like some ideas by age, you can download the routine guide; this shows you the most ideal nap and feeding placement from the age of 4 months to the age of 3.

Sleep Training Methods

The best method for your family is the one that you can stick to, however, no sleep training method will work if you do not identify the root cause of your issue. Very often the irony with sleep issues is that the way in which your baby falls to sleep is often the reason why they can not get back to sleep, putting you into a catch 22 situation.

However, there are only 3 actual sleep training methods for babies who sleep in a crib, the rest is down to removing night feeds and combining the two strategies.

Different ages and different weights will result in different goals or what is achievable, with the noise of the internet, its easy to get lost in the endless information. In more cases than not, the information is contradictory, which often puts parents into a corner where they feel like they still don’t know what direction to turn, and this tends to result in either ‘trying everything’ or not doing anything.

How does hiring a sleep consultant help with the sleep training experience? 

A sleep consultant can help cut through the noise, provide clarity over your situation and help you figure out the right goals for your babies age and weight.

A sleep consultant will also provide you with the right methods fro your situation and what the process will look like as you go through it.

Most of all, a sleep consultant will be your cheer leader and hold you accountable as you go through the process so that you have someone to field those niggling questions too and help keep you confident in the changes you are making.

Dawn has over 25 years of experience in the childcare industry and has well over 100 5 star reviews on Google and Facebook.

Want to connect with Dawn to see if she is a good fit to work with you and your family?

Dawn Whittaker | Parenting Consultant

Dawn has a wide range of experience in all child-rearing-related issues - ranging from ages 0 to 5.