When To Start Sleep Training
Sleep training is recommended as soon as your baby develops a regular sleep cycle, which can start as early as 6 weeks. Typically this happens when your baby drops to two-night feedings.
Preparation For Sleep Training
Successful sleep training starts with a daytime routine to enable the baby to distinguish between night and day. Some suggestions are;
- Introducing a bedtime routine that soothes your baby that might include a relaxing bath
- Establishing an early nighttime routine at a fixed time.
- Reinforcing a daytime routine where the baby is fed and encouraged to nap at the same time daily
5 Methods For Sleep Training your Baby
Ideally, sleep-training methods differ from baby to baby. However, as sleep training requires consistency, pick one that you feel will work for you. Different approaches include:
- Cry It out Approach
The cry it out approach entails putting your baby down for sleep and leaving the room immediately. In this method, the baby should be sleepy but awake, as it’s easier to fall asleep. If your baby cries out for long, comfort the baby without picking him up, then walk out of the room. Most Kenyan mums might not agree to this, though.
- No Tears Approach
No tears approach follows the simple principle that when a child cries, it is soothed and comforted back to sleep. The gradual process comforts the baby, and your baby will eventually become a better sleeper.
- The Fading Approach
In this method, parents put their baby down for bedtime and sit near the baby until they fall asleep. Each day the chair moves farther away from the baby’s bed towards the door.
- Check and Console Method
In the check and console method, place your baby down on his crib and stand over them, before walking out of sight. Do this until the baby falls asleep. The time you take to stand over him should be shortened until it’s no longer needed.
- Pick up And Put Down
Babies that are younger than 6 months generally prefer if you help them fall asleep. Pat the baby and shush him while he is still in the crib. However, when he starts making a fuss, pick him up, shush him and put him down again until he falls asleep.
Once he’s down you can now grab your pillow and catch some as yourself
Disclaimer:
#Please note that development differs from one child to another
#Content intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.
Last reviewed January 2019
Sources: todaysparent, nanit, babycenter
