Sleep Tips Every Parent Should Know

• Environment: First, make sure baby has their own space- A crib or pack and play in their own room is best. Use black out curtains (it should be completely black- stand in baby’s room and let your eyes adjust, then put your hand about 6 inches in front of your face… if you can see it, there is too much light)- Use white noise- make it loud enough to drown out outside sounds, but not too loud as to harm baby’s hearing- Baby should be completely flat on their back- this means no dockatots, crib wedges, pillows, etc. 

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• Pick a sleep training method that you can be 100% consistent with! Different sleep training techniques and methods can be discussed. Some may involve more tears but work more quickly, while others are “gentler” but may take longer.

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• Write down your plan for how you will handle bedtime and middle of the night wakings. Make sure your partner is on board as well and knows what to do once a situation arises. You’ll apply that method for naps, bedtime, and middle of the night wakings unless it’s a pre-determined feeding time.

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• Talk to baby’s pediatrician about night feeds. Sleep training means teaching baby to fall asleep independently. This can be definitely be done while keeping as many feeds as baby needs, or you want. 

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Remember that independent sleep is an important skill to have! Sleep is important for the whole family, including your baby. Babies *need* and *want* sleep! So if you ever doubt yourself in the sleep training process, remember how crummy you feel after a night of interrupted sleep… it is no different for your baby. This will help you keep in mind that you’re doing your child a huge favor and teaching them a valuable skill. Babies ONLY communicate by crying. So whenever you feel sad or anxious about sleep training and the possibility of your baby crying, remember they’re probably just frustrated that you’re changing things up!