POV: Your baby is in the 4 month regression, you are researching sleep training and figuring out what to do. You purchase various Do-It-Yourself sleep training kits and you've downloaded all the apps - each one giving you different advice on wake windows, sleep training methods and schedules. Embarking on the sleep training journey can be challenging and extremely overwhelming. We've compiled a bunch of mistakes we've made personally and those shared to us by well-intentioned parents. Not following the same mistakes we've made may save you a lot of restless nights. We routinely give this feedback to our clients.
Let's get into it!
*** ALWAYS follow safe sleep guidelines. Especially when your baby is showing signs of rolling. All babies we work with must be unswaddled. If your baby has a strong startle reflex - consider purchasing a transition swaddle.
Putting Baby Down Drowsy but Awake
OOPS: Putting baby down drowsy but awake at bedtime or any naps usually leads to multiple wakes
Lesson: Don't get us wrong, drowsy but awake - or full blown asleep - is essential for those newborn/infant weeks. However, for older babies (4 months +) starting their sleep journey it is CRITICAL that your baby is put to bed WIDE awake for every single bedtime/naps when sleep training. This allows them to develop the skills necessary for independent sleep, promoting better sleep habits in the long run.
Putting baby to bed too early
OOPS: For 3 months you've been putting your baby to bed at 9PM - you are ready to embark on that early bedtime. BUT jumping into the new desired schedule too quickly may result in false starts, and your baby treating that early bedtime like a nap.
Lesson: For the first couple of days of sleep training, opt for the later bedtime. If your baby is used to falling asleep at 9PM - aim to have them go down at the same time at the beginning the training. This will make your overall night feel less daunting, and will set your baby up for sleep success. Once your baby has consolidated their sleep, you can creep down bedtime in small increments every night until the desired bedtime of 6:30pm - 8:30 pm
Feeding Baby too close to bedtime
OOPS: Feeding your baby right before bedtime is likely leading to a feed to sleep association.
Lesson: Feed your baby 30-45 minutes before bedtime. This will make sure there is no feed to sleep association. Also - make sure they are WIDE AWAKE while eating.
That's it. Thats the move.
Focusing too much on overtiredness/forgetting about
OOPS: Baby is sleeping too much during the day and not eating enough
Lesson: We get it - we've had our fair share of witching hours. There is nothing scarier/anxiety inducing then an inconsolable overtired baby. But here's the thing, MANY of these apps and DIYs are VERY conservative on their wake windows. This is the number 1 thing we correct. Fearing overtiredness often leads to undertiredness; which leads to not tired enough. On your first day of sleep training, follow appropriate wake windows, do not let baby sleep longer then 1.5 hours at a time and offer many opportunities to eat.
Failing to Stay Consistent:
OOPS: Underestimating the significance of consistency in the sleep training process.
Lesson: Consistency is essential of successful sleep training. Whether it's the chosen sleep training method (there are MANY - we use a variation of the Ferber) or when you choose to sleep train, maintaining a consistent routine helps babies feel secure and learn the expectations of sleep. Deviating from the established plan can confuse your baby which leads to more protest/tears.
***Side note - Any changes you make to your baby's schedule can take 3 days to take effect. Patience is key.
Living The Good (Snooze) Life is a significant milestone for both parents and their babies. By following these tips we hope we've saved you from common mistakes 99% of parents make. Remember, every baby is different, and the key lies in understanding their individual needs while maintaining a consistent and supportive environment.
Good luck!
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