Baby Sleep Training

Aaargh!  Sleep!  We all need it and cannot go very long without it, so how on earth can you get your baby to sleep soundly each night?  With the right baby sleep training this task will be a lot easier.  If you’ve not had children before, or you have a child who is having trouble sleeping then you are probably reading this with tired eyes.  It’s OK, we feel your pain!  Let’s take a look at what you can do.

Baby sleep training will happen in your own way using your own methods.  The methods you develop will be unique to you and your own style, but you will earn these from ideas which others may have told you to try.  Every child is different so you may need to try one or two types!

Routines hold the key to great baby sleep training!

Babies are just like us.  They thrive on routines and they pick them up really quickly.  If you are able to establish a routine very early on then there “bumps in the road” will be less severe along your journey to being a great parent and raising your own family.

Bath then bed.  That’s a great routine to develop.  Before bedtime, give the child a nice warm bath, followed by a cuddle, and then a drink of milk and then finally to bed.  Follow this routine religiously no matter how much the bay shows he or she isn’t happy.  They will improve and get used to it over time.

Meal then play.  Some parents let their infants go to sleep after eating a meal.  This is not a great habit to fall into as can tell the baby that they can only fall asleep after eating so try to encourage some gentle fun with them like playing, talking or dancing with the baby.  Try to keep them out of their cribs or strollers.

Same time each time.  Another great routine to consider.  Try to put them to sleep the same time each night.  Keep it to a reasonable time and try to let them sleep in their crib.  This routine will soon become instilled into them. Perhaps this baby sleep training tip might suit you best. If not, how about trying another idea?

Sleep baby sleep.  Try to avoid letting your child sleep in the same bed as you.  Sure they will cry for a while.  This is because they want to feel snug and secure.  To get round this, wrap their arms tight to their body with a wrap to make them feel snug while they sleep.  They will feel safe and protected.  You will be amazed by how well this works.

Baby Massage. How about a gentle and quiet massage for your baby before you put them to sleep? They can be fully clothed too, so once they are really drowsy, you don’t have to wake them to get into their sleep clothes. Try massaging their head, arms and feet.

Avoid stimulation. Try to locate baby’s room in a quiet part of the house, but close enough to hear them when they wake, or call out if in distress. Sitting in a slightly darkened room can help sooth your baby,  and sitting in a comfortable chair allows your arms to not get too tired. “White noise” from a gentle fan or radio can also help to avoid outside loud noises distractions – just make sure you have a baby monitor nearby so you can hear when your baby wakes up.

Whatever baby sleep training you choose, work it to your own needs and situation and please, just persevere.  You will soon find they settle into the new routine pretty quickly and you’ll thank yourself for sticking with it.  Being a parent is rewarding.  It may not be easy but it sure is worth it, so enjoy every moment!