35 Tips For Sleep Training Newborns

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As a parent, one of the most challenging aspects of raising a child is ensuring they get enough sleep. Sleep training is a method that can help establish healthy sleeping habits for your kids. Here are sleep training tips for newborns. Whether it’s your 6-month-old baby, 9 month old baby or a toddler, follow these tips to sleep train your kids.

10 Sleep Training Methods for Newborns

Sleep training for newborns can be a delicate process. Here are ten methods that can help you establish a sleep routine for your newborn:

Establish a consistent bedtime routine: Create a soothing routine before bedtime, such as a warm bath, gentle massage, and reading a bedtime story. This will signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.
Encourage daytime naps: Help your newborn differentiate between day and night by ensuring they have regular naps during the day. Keep the environment bright and active during daytime naps.
Use white noise: White noise machines or apps can mimic the sounds your baby heard in the womb and help them relax and sleep better.
Swaddle your baby: Swaddling can provide a sense of security and comfort to newborns. It helps prevent the startle reflex, allowing your baby to sleep more peacefully.
Create a sleep-friendly environment: Ensure the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Use blackout curtains and white noise machines to block out any distractions.
Practice responsive feeding: Feed your newborn on demand during the night, but try to keep nighttime feedings calm and quiet without stimulating playtime.
Implement a gradual transition: If your newborn is used to falling asleep while feeding or being rocked, gradually transition them to falling asleep on their own by placing them in their crib drowsy but awake.
Encourage self-soothing: Teach your newborn to self-soothe by giving them a lovey or a pacifier. This can help them learn to fall back asleep on their own if they wake up during the night.
Use a consistent sleep environment: Try to have your newborn sleep in the same crib or bassinet every night. This will help them associate the space with sleep.
Be patient and consistent: Sleep training takes time and patience. Consistency is key, so stick to the routine you establish and be prepared for some bumps along the way.

5 Sleep Training Tips for 6-Month-Olds

At six months old, your baby is ready for more structured sleep training. Here are five tips to help you navigate this stage:

Establish a fixed bedtime: Set a consistent bedtime and aim to put your baby down at the same time every night. This will regulate their internal clock and help them fall asleep more easily.
Practice the “Cry It Out” method: This method involves putting your baby in their crib awake and allowing them to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Gradually increase the time you let them cry before offering comfort.
Implement a bedtime routine: Create a predictable routine consisting of activities like a warm bath, pajamas, feeding, and a lullaby. This routine will signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Use a transitional object: Introduce a lovey or a special blanket that your baby can associate with sleep. Having a comfort object can provide a sense of security and help them self-soothe.
Avoid nursing or feeding to sleep: While feeding your baby to sleep may seem comforting, it can create a dependency on feeding for sleep. Instead, try to feed your baby before bedtime and encourage them to fall asleep on their own.

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5 Sleep Training Techniques for 9-Month-Olds

As your baby reaches the 9-month mark, their sleep patterns may be more established. Here are five techniques to further improve their sleep:

Gradual separation: Begin to gradually separate yourself from your baby during bedtime. For example, sit further away from the crib every night until your baby can fall asleep without your presence.
Bedtime fading: Adjust your baby’s bedtime gradually to help them sleep through the night. Push their bedtime back by 15 minutes every few nights until you reach the desired bedtime.
Encourage self-soothing skills: Help your baby develop self-soothing skills by giving them opportunities to fall asleep independently. This can be achieved by putting them down drowsy but awake and allowing them to settle themselves.
Implement a consistent nap schedule: Establish a consistent nap schedule that aligns with your baby’s natural sleep patterns. This will help regulate their sleep and ensure they are well-rested throughout the day.
Limit daytime sleep: If your baby is struggling to sleep through the night, try limiting their daytime sleep to ensure they are tired enough for a full night’s sleep. Gradually reduce daytime sleep by shortening naps.

Related: How to potty train your kids

5 Sleep Training Strategies for Toddlers

Toddlers may present unique challenges when it comes to sleep training. Here are five strategies to help you tackle these challenges:

Set clear boundaries: Establish clear expectations around bedtime routines and behavior. Communicate with your toddler about the importance of sleep and what is expected of them during bedtime.
Use positive reinforcement: Reward your toddler for positive behavior during bedtime routines. This can be in the form of praise, small rewards, or a sticker chart to track their progress.
Gradual bedtime routine changes: If you need to make changes to the bedtime routine, do so gradually to minimize resistance. Communicate the changes to your toddler and involve them in the decision-making process when possible.
Offer choices: Toddlers thrive on independence and autonomy. Offer them choices within the bedtime routine, such as which pajamas to wear or which book to read, to give them a sense of control.
Consistency is key: Toddlers thrive on routine and predictability. Be consistent with bedtime and wake-up times, as well as the overall bedtime routine. This will help your toddler feel secure and know what to expect.

5 Sleep Training an 18-Month-Old

Sleep training an 18-month-old can be challenging, but with consistency and patience, you can establish healthy sleep habits. Here are five tips to help you through this stage:

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Stick to a regular sleep schedule, including consistent bedtimes and wake-up times. This will help regulate your toddler’s internal clock and promote better sleep.
Create a bedtime routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine that includes activities like a bath, brushing teeth, reading a book, and cuddling. This routine will signal to your toddler that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Encourage independent sleep: Help your toddler learn to fall asleep independently by putting them in their crib or bed while drowsy but still awake. This will teach them to self-soothe and fall back asleep if they wake up during the night.
Address separation anxiety: At this age, separation anxiety may peak, making it harder for your toddler to fall asleep. Reassure them with a transitional object or a nightlight to provide comfort.
Be consistent with nighttime awakenings: If your toddler wakes up during the night, respond consistently. Avoid creating sleep associations by offering the same comforting technique each time, such as a gentle pat or soothing words.

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5 Sleep Training a Breastfed Baby

Breastfed babies may have unique sleep training challenges. Here are five tips specifically for sleep training a breastfed baby:

Separate feeding from sleep: Avoid nursing your baby to sleep as it can create a dependency on feeding for sleep. Instead, feed your baby before bedtime and put them down awake but drowsy.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine: Create a calming bedtime routine that signals to your baby that it’s time to sleep. This routine can include activities like a bath, massage, and reading a book.
Encourage longer stretches of sleep: Gradually increase the time between nighttime feedings to encourage longer stretches of sleep. This can be achieved by comforting your baby in other ways, such as gentle rocking or soothing words.
Use a pacifier as a sleep cue: Introduce a pacifier as a sleep cue for your baby. This can help them self-soothe and fall back asleep if they wake up during the night.
Be patient and flexible: Remember that every baby is different, and sleep training may take time. Be patient with your baby and yourself, and adjust your approach as needed.

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Common Challenges and Solutions in Sleep Training

While sleep training can be effective, it’s common to face challenges along the way. Here are some common challenges and their solutions:

Regression periods: It’s normal for babies to experience sleep regressions due to developmental milestones or changes in routine. During these periods, be consistent with your sleep training methods and provide extra comfort to help your baby adjust.
Teething discomfort: Teething can disrupt sleep and make it harder for your baby to settle. Offer teething toys, gentle massages, or over-the-counter pain relief to alleviate their discomfort.
Illness or separation anxiety: Illness or separation anxiety can disrupt sleep routines. Offer comfort and reassurance during these times, and be patient as your baby’s sleep patterns may temporarily change.
Consistency challenges: It can be challenging to stick to a consistent sleep training routine, especially when faced with travel or disruptions. Try to maintain consistency as much as possible, and resume your routine once the disruption has passed.
Seeking professional help: If your baby’s sleep issues persist or become overwhelming, consider seeking help from a pediatric sleep specialist or a qualified sleep consultant.

Conclusion

Sleep training is a valuable tool for establishing healthy sleep habits in your kids, whether a 6-month-old baby, a 9-month-old or a year-old baby. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can create a bedtime routine that promotes better sleep for your kids.

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ONWE DAMIAN

Onwe Damian Chukwuemeka is a relationship writer, a law student and a student advocate. He was the former Deputy Director of Public Prosecution SUG, University of Calabar, Nigeria, and currently one of the Judges of the High Court of the Student Union Government, University of Calabar. Learn more about him

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