How Can a Sleep Training Nanny Help My Infant Sleep Better?
Getting a full night's rest with a newborn may seem out of the question, but it is possible! When you find the right overnight care specialist that offers sleep training, you’ll discover how restful your nights can be.
Aren’t sure what sleep training is or what a sleep training nanny can do for you? Then you’ve come to the right place!
What Is Sleep Training?
Sleep training is a common practice in newborn care where you teach your infant how to sleep without help from you. This means you put them down while they’re tired and allow them to fall asleep without any swaying, cuddling, or involvement from you.
This is desirable because it helps your infant learn to fall asleep if they should wake up in the middle of the night. Remember, even us adults wake up in the middle of the night! Your newborn needs to learn how to self-soothe for sleep, and a sleep training nanny can help you do that.
What Is a Sleep Training Nanny?
A sleep training nanny is a professional who comes in and teaches you how to sleep train. They will also perform the sleep training methods that work best for your infant so you can rest easily through the night.
At Baby Bloom Newborn Care, all of our newborn care specialists create a customized sleep training plan since everyone is unique.
Sleep Training Methods
There are a few sleep training methods, and deciding which one to use is challenging. That’s where sleep training nannies come in. We know how to choose the right approach for you and your infant's needs.
We follow a gentle approach to sleep training and work to develop healthy sleep habits to encourage sleeping through the night.
What Sleep Training Isn’t
We all know that infants need to be fed every 1 to 3 hours. Sleep training does not take away this feeding and is not weaning. You still need to feed your newborn during the night and take care of their basic needs.
This is why we recommend working with newborn care specialists to they can assist you with these tasks during the night and create a nighttime routine.
Sleep Training Tips
If you’re not completely ready to jump all in on a sleep training nanny, we recommend scheduling an infant sleep consultation. It’s a great way to get your feet wet with sleep training and ask the questions you have to ensure you’re doing what’s best for you. Here are a few tips to get you started with sleep training.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
It's essential to follow a routine when you’re trying to help your infant get into a consistent schedule. You should expect to spend around 30-45 minutes getting them ready for bed each night. Be sure to start early enough that they can finish what’s needed before becoming overly tired.
The important thing is to make sure they are not falling asleep before the routine ends since we want them to fall asleep alone.
Don’t Rush to Them at Every Noise
If you’re running into their room each time they make a noise, they won’t learn how to self-soothe. We know it can be tempting to run in when you hear them cry, but give them a chance to stop independently.
Keep Nighttime Interactions Short
If you do have to go in while they’re trying to sleep, keep the interaction as short as possible to help limit any overstimulation. This includes feedings, cleanings, or diaper changes. You want to keep them calm and sleepy.
If you’re having a hard time following any of these tips, it’s time to bring in a sleep training nanny.
Avoid These Sleep Training Mistakes
Just as there are things you should do to encourage sleep training, you should avoid making these mistakes as well.
Changing Bedtime
Part of creating a consistent routine is sticking to a bedtime. If you change when they go to sleep, they’re not going to know when to expect to sleep. When you stick to a routine, you’ll see them start to settle into sleeping much easier.
Changing Where They Sleep
If your baby sleeps in your room with you, you shouldn’t try to start sleep training in their room. They need consistency, so if you plan to have them sleep train in their room, get them used to sleeping in there regularly.
Switching to a Bed Too Early
Depending on how old your baby is, you may be thinking about switching them to a bed. Just like changing where they sleep and when they sleep, they need consistency in what they sleep on. When it comes to sleep training, the only thing you should be changing is how you interact with them while they’re sleeping.
How to Know When Sleep Training Is Done?
You’ll know you’ve successfully completed sleep training when they can fall asleep on their own and self-soothe at night. Remember, making noises doesn’t always mean they need help. Some infants will moan or hum as a way to calm themselves, and that doesn’t mean they need more sleep training.
A good rule of thumb is if you and your child wake up well-rested for a few days in a row, then sleep training worked!
Choose Baby Bloom Newborn Care
Now that you know what a sleep training nanny is and how they can help, it’s time for you to find yours today! At Baby Bloom Newborn Care, we have a variety of sleep training packages available and are here to help you with everything you need when you bring your infant home.
We have years of experience and love helping new and experienced mothers take advantage of restful nights. As a nanny agency, we can provide you with fully-vetted, qualified sleep specialists who are used to working with infants every day.
Don’t wait until you’re exhausted because you’re up all night with your infant; contact us today! We can’t wait to take care of you and your newborn.