3 Compelling Reasons To Start Sleep Training Your Infant
As newborn care specialists, we’re huge advocates for sleep training. There are numerous benefits to both mothers and infants, including a full night's sleep.
That’s why we want to try and convince you why sleep training is right for your family, and how you can start taking advantage.
1. It Helps Your Baby
The first and most important reason you should consider sleep training is its benefit for your newborn. When anyone, especially babies, don’t get enough sleep, they become crabby, fussy, and easily upset. When we’re not feeling our best, we can’t be our best.
The most promising way to ensure more sleep-filled nights is to take the plunge and start to sleep train. When you properly sleep train, your newborn will be able to fall asleep on their own and will be able to fall back asleep when they inevitably wake up during the night.
Sleep training doesn’t mean you never check on them, either. For example, if they need to eat during the night, you can still wake them, feed them, and continue with sleep training. The beauty of it is they fall asleep unassisted, making nighttime much easier.
2. Good for You and the Family
When the baby sleeps, the entire family can sleep better. Many people just accept that they have to go through multiple sleepless nights, as a fact. The truth is, you deserve to get sleep! It’s detrimental to anyone who must constantly wake up to care for the baby.
By engaging in sleep training, you’ll be able to be a better caretaker. Sleep deprivation can be harmful and dangerous.
3. It Takes Less Time Than You Think
Sleep training doesn’t take months to accomplish. It only takes a couple of nights, or up to a week, for your baby to finish sleep training. We know it sounds too good to be true, but it is!
Each method offers a slightly different timeline. However, in general you’ll be done with sleep training in three to four nights.
Don’t go through another sleepless night without first at least looking at what sleep training can do for you.
It’s Okay to Be Nervous
Many mothers admit to feeling nervous about sleep training, and it’s okay to be a little nervous. There’s a lot of false information about sleep training, and as a newborn care specialist, I know the benefits of sleep training.
Plus, we have sleep training programs to help you create a plan you and your family are comfortable with. Don’t let fear get in the way of getting the sleep and care you deserve.
Sleep Training Methods
There are a couple of different sleep training methods. Make sure to talk with a sleep training professional before deciding on one of these tactics.
Cry It Out
Everyone’s heard about the Cry It Out (CIO) method. In this method, you put your baby to bed while they’re tired, yet awake. By making sure they’re awake when you put them down, you’re allowing them to learn how to fall asleep alone. They may cry during this process, but many times they’re very capable to fall asleep on their own.
Make sure your baby has a clean diaper, they’ve eaten, and their crib is safe. Then, once you say goodnight don’t go back in there until it’s time for them to eat, or depending on their age, the following morning.
This is one of the fastest, yet toughest sleep training methods for parents. As a mother, it’s hard to hear your baby cry and not go in there. However, after the second night, you’ll notice a significant change, and your baby will sleep better.
Ferber Method
This method is also known as the check and console method. It’s similar to CIO where you put your baby to bed already tired. Then, instead of leaving them alone for the entire night you go in and check on them at designated time intervals. During these checks don’t pick them up, just go in, make sure they’re okay, and then leave.
For example, put your newborn to sleep, then check in on them at three minutes, then five, then ten, and so on. Feel free to say something to them, just don’t pick them up or touch them. Be quick, and leave the room.
As you progress, let the time intervals go longer until you don’t have to check on them at all. Keep an eye on your baby, and how they’re reacting. Some babies get more upset seeing their parents come and go, so if that’s the case it’s time to switch to CIO.
Which Method Is Right for Me?
These are just two of the most common methods for sleep training, there are so many more. The best way to determine the best method for you, and your family, is by hiring a sleep training specialist.
They can give you recommendations on which sleep method is right for you, and help to offer customized adjustments depending on your needs. Every newborn, and every family is different. Find a plan that works for you by working with the experts.
Why Choose Baby Bloom Newborn Care For Sleep Training
At Baby Bloom Newborn Care, we’re passionate about giving mothers the care they deserve. We have virtual and in-person sleep training resources to create a plan that’s best for you. With years of experience, we know what it takes to help families reap the benefits of sleep training.
With virtual, and in-person options, we’re happy to help families across the country get more sleep.
Don’t lose another night of sleep. Schedule your free consultation today.