How to Choose a Sleep Training Program That Works for Your Family
Sleep training teaches your baby how to fall asleep on their own and helps them learn how to fall back asleep when they eventually wake during the night.
If you’ve been curious about various sleep training programs, keep reading to discover how to find one that will work best for you and your family.
The Science Behind Why You Should Sleep Train Your Infant
Sleep training tends to get a bad reputation, and we want to talk about the science behind sleep training.
It’s a well-known fact that we cannot function properly when we’re sleep-deprived. It can also cause you to make more mistakes. This alone should be enough of a reason to start sleep training, but we understand some families are weary because of the negatives they may have heard about sleep training.
The truth is that sleep training will improve infant sleep problems and only have positive impacts as time goes on.
The positives of sleep training not only help your babies, but they also help mothers by reducing depression and improving maternal moods. Now that you know why you should sleep train and that it’s beneficial to do so, let’s discuss how to get started.
When to Start Sleep Training
As you know, newborns need to be fed every one to three hours. If you don’t have an overnight nanny, or someone to help you out, it means you’re not getting the sleep you need to care for your baby properly. While starting a sleep training program is not recommended until after 12 weeks old, you can encourage healthy sleep habits from the very first day.
Once your baby reaches four months old, it’s safe to start sleep training. However, if you didn’t start sleep training at this age, you can try it all the way up to five years old.
We recommend speaking with a sleep training specialist shortly after giving birth to create a sleep training program that works for you and your family.
How to Find the Right Sleep Training Program
There are many different sleep training methods, so it’s important to find a sleep training specialist who can create the sleep training program that works for you.
If you already work with a night nanny, ask them about sleep training and if they have a program or specialist they recommend. Otherwise, ask your friends and family about sleep training and if they enlisted outside help. Consider these requirements when you’re ready to hire your sleep training professional.
Proper Training, Education, and Experience
Your sleep training consultant should have some formal education related to what you’re looking for. For example, it’s important to find a sleep training specialist that works with babies and children rather than someone who focuses on adults.
Children and adults have different sleep patterns and requirements, meaning sleep strategies will vary. Make sure your sleep training professional works with children, or infants, around the same age as your child.
They Listen to You
This is your sleep training journey with your baby; you deserve to feel heard and understood. While this is a sleep training specialist, and their advice is valid, you should never feel like they’re not listening to you or glossing over your concerns.
With so many sleep training methods out there, there’s no reason you should choose the one you’re uncomfortable with. It is possible to mix and match sleep methods. Your sleep training specialist should make sure you’re comfortable with the program before trying it out.
What Does Baby Bloom Newborn Care’s Sleep Training Program Look Like?
The sleep training program we provide here will look different for every single family. This is because we create a program that’s tailored to your unique needs. Just like no two infants are the same, no two programs will look identical.
The first step to working with us on a sleep training program is scheduling a discovery call. This first call will help us understand your unique challenges, and we’ll discuss your goals. At this point, we’ll give you a recommendation for a plan moving forward.
Once you choose a sleep training package and fill out the intake form, it’ll be time to schedule your kick-off call. This call is the first day we’re officially working together. It’ll be much more in-depth compared to your first call, and we’ll be able to provide you with your sleep training program. Then, the sleep training begins!
What’s Included in the Sleep Training Program?
If you choose Baby Bloom Newborn Care as your sleep training consultant, you’ll receive information on sleep basics for infants and children, including sleeping and feeding patterns. Safety is our number one priority, so we’ll only recommend safe sleep techniques and help create a sleep-friendly environment.
We will help you establish bedtime and nap time routines to help prepare you and your infant for regular sleep. Thanks to our years of experience, and education, we can also inform you of age-appropriate goals and expectations for your first few months.
When you start working with us, you’ll also get a detailed sleep plan that analyzes your baby’s sleep challenges and how much sleep they need for their age. You’ll also get a sleep schedule and sleep training method recommendations to get started. We will support you every step of the way as well, so you’re never alone!
Start Sleep Training Today
Now that you know why you should sleep train your infant and how to find the right sleep training program, it’s time to get started today! Schedule your free discovery call, and let us help you get a better night's sleep.
At Baby Bloom Newborn Care, we provide many services new and seasoned mothers can take advantage of. Our goal is to provide mothers with as much care and support as their newborns.
Don’t wait any longer. Reach out to us today, and let us help you start your sleep training program today!