One of the biggest challenges for a mother or father is getting their little one to sleep at night. After working hard all day and trying to get them to sleep at night, when their baby starts crying, it's both mentally and physically tiring, isn't it? But don't worry, this is not just a problem for you, it's something that many mothers have. The best thing is that we can teach our babies to sleep peacefully on their own. Let's see how to do it.
First of all, how do you ensure a safe sleep for your baby?
The most important thing we all need to know before introducing sleep habits is to create a safe sleeping environment for the baby. We need to be very careful about this, as even a small mistake can lead to a big accident.
Remember, it is safest for your baby to sleep in the same room as you, but in a separate crib, until he is one year old. Never let your baby sleep in your bed. This increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS ).
Think carefully about these points.
| Fact | Do's and don'ts |
|---|---|
| Sleeping position | Always put your baby to sleep on their back (stomach) . Never put them on their stomach or side to sleep. This is very important to reduce the risk of SIDS. |
| Sleeping surface | The baby should be put to sleep on a hard, flat surface. Do not use a very soft mattress. Pull the sheet tightly and without wrinkles. |
| Inside the crib | Do not place anything other than the baby in the crib. Toys, blankets, pillows, bumper pads, etc. are strictly prohibited . These can cause suffocation. |
| Clothing and warmth | It is not good for the baby to be too hot. So do not dress him too much . Wear light clothing that is appropriate for the temperature in the room. Check to see if the baby is sweating and if his chest is warm. |
| Pacifier | If your baby is sucking on a pacifier while sleeping, give it to him. It has also been found to reduce the risk of SIDS. However, if he falls out of his mouth while sleeping, don't put it back in. |
| Smoking and accidents | Avoid smoking anywhere near your baby. Also, do not leave sharp objects or cords near the crib. |
What is sleep training?
Simply put, sleep training is teaching your baby to go to sleep on their own, without your help, and to fall back asleep on their own if they wake up in the middle of the night.
But there is a best time to start this. Usually, babies start to develop a sleep pattern after about 4 months . Before that, it is normal for them to wake up frequently due to hunger and body activity. Therefore, doctors say that it is not recommended to start sleep training until the baby is at least 4 months old.
What methods can be used to practice sleep?
There is no single method for this. Each method is suitable for each baby. Choose the method that suits you and your baby. Here are some of the main methods.
The "Cry it out" method
In this method, you put your baby in the crib when he is drowsy , but not completely asleep. Then you leave the room. If the baby cries, you don't leave immediately. You stay for a while and check on him. But you don't pick him up. You pat his back and calm him down, and then come back. Each time the baby cries, you increase the time you spend checking on him. At first, it's 2 minutes, then 5 minutes. This helps the baby understand that when he wakes up at night, he needs to be comforted by himself and go back to sleep.
This method may be difficult for you to follow. It's not easy to listen to your baby cry. But remember, you're not harming your baby. You're just teaching him to soothe himself.
The "No tears" method
This is a gentle, gradual method. Here, after you put your baby out of the crib, you keep a chair nearby until he falls asleep. If he cries, you can comfort him. After a few days, you move the chair a little further away from the crib. A little further away the next few days. Eventually, you do this until you get to the door of the room. Eventually, you get your baby used to sleeping alone without being in the room.
"Bedtime fading" method
This method is a little different. What you do here is intentionally push back your baby's bedtime. Imagine that you try to put your baby to bed at 8pm every night, but he goes to bed at 8.45pm. Then you start putting him to bed the next day at around 8.15pm. He's already very sleepy and falls asleep quickly. When it's time for him to go to sleep after you put him down, that's his new bedtime. Then you can gradually (by 15 minutes) bring that time back to the time you want.
What if these methods don't work?
Once you've chosen a method, try it consistently for at least two weeks . Don't expect results in a day or two. Some babies take time to get used to it.
But if you don't succeed after trying for about two weeks, that method may not be right for your baby. Then take a break for a while and try a different method.
If, despite all of this, you still have a big problem with your baby's sleep, don't panic. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor , especially a pediatrician. There may be another medical reason why your baby is not sleeping.
Finally, sleep training doesn't mean keeping your baby awake all night. We adults toss and turn during the night, and sometimes wake up. Babies do the same. The most important thing here is to give your baby the ability to fall asleep on their own again when they wake up.
Take-Home Message
- Always put your baby to sleep on his back, on a hard surface, in his crib with nothing else on. Safety comes first.
- The best time to start sleep training methods is when your baby is 4-6 months old.
- Whatever method you choose, be consistent and patient with it. It may take time to see results.
- Don't be afraid if your baby cries a little. It can be part of the learning process.
- If you have any doubts or serious concerns about your baby's sleep patterns, always consult your doctor for advice .
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න