R.I.P. Sleep

After a month of fussy evenings and major meltdowns while trying to put our daughter to bed. I realised she was extremely overtired. Apparently babies under 4 months should ideally be awake for 1-2 hours max. Later babies take longer naps less frequently (ie 9-11am, 1-3pm). Early bedtimes for babies and older children are key (no later than 8pm).

After starting a sleep routine, it may take what seems like forever before baby actually 'goes to bed' early and stays asleep longer. It does eventually pay off, but it can be a long road to get there (depending on your baby). After 3 days of 'sleep training' my daughter no longer fussed more than 10 mins for naps or bedtime. I am still waiting for her to 'sleep through the night' (technically 12am-5am or better applies). She is currently in bed at 6:30pm, up at 11pm and 3am to eat, then up for day between 6-7am (@ 4 months old).

'Sleep training' can begin anytime after 8-10 weeks according to some experts. I started full on at 12 weeks, using an adapted "Feberizing" approach (more on this later). Here are a few ideas:

• Sleep training aims to teach your baby self soothing skills (ie: the ability to put themselves to sleep)
• Do occasional 'sleep logs' to track when baby naturally gets sleepy. Track for a couple days, wait until baby shows tired signs, put baby down 20-30 mins before that (it takes about 20 mins for most babies to fall asleep)
• Put your baby down awake
• Put baby down before they fuss, rub eyes, yawn
• Baby Whisperer: EASY method, feed, activity (5-45 mins depending on age) then put down drowsy (not in deep sleep)
• Cluster feeding (2 hour feeding intervals, 4, 6 and 8pm to fuel up for night stretch)
• 'Dream' Feeds (feeding baby while she's asleep, no need to burp--tanks them up and may extend sleep period)
• Pick up/put down method (pick up when crying, then put down when stop...repeat)
• Let them fuss/cry for as long as you feel comfortable, don't rush in at first squeal (they cry in their sleep, you may wake them)
• 'Feberizing' (let cry 5 mins, then comfort, leave for 10 mins if crying... increase if you feel comfortable-- (I wimp out at 5-7 mins each time, but works for us)
• Very short naps (under 30 mins) can mean baby has woken themselves up, try helping them back to sleep before snatching them out of the crib and going on with activities
• Try putting in soother, rubbing back or tummy while shushing before picking them up
• Sleep is cumulative, multiple days of missed naps/ sleep debt can negatively affect your babies development
• Afternoon naps or most restorative for baby, try not to miss these if on the go

Myth Buster

• **Missing naps during day don't mean better sleep at night, in fact the opposite is true!
• Staying up later doesn't mean baby will sleep in longer. Babies have their own bio-rhythm and will eventually wake up around the same time every morning regardless.
• Sleeping on you results in a lighter REM sleep, not as restorative as motionless sleep alone

Sources: 'Secrets of the Baby Whisperer', 'Sleeping through the Night', 'Healthy Sleep Habits for Children'