The phrase “sleeping like a baby” always felt a little strange to me. After all, virtually all parents will experience moments where their baby would do anything but settle for bed. Even when they do, it’s very common for babies to wake up several times throughout the night.
If you are a parent currently experiencing difficulties on a nightly basis, I feel for you. It can feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. However, these tips could hold the key to unlocking better sleeping habits for your little one, not to mention your own.
GET PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
As a parent, embracing the learning curve in many aspects of parenthood is important. When it comes to sleep, though, there is nothing wrong with reaching out for help. An experienced baby sleep consultant can provide one-to-one advice tailored to your child’s situation. This can extend to understanding the root causes, as well as developing strategies to handle the issue.
The importance of sleep for a child’s development is too huge for you to ignore. Persisting with the trial-and-error approach that currently yields no progress will do you no favours. It is far better to focus on a guided method that comes from an expert who has seen it all. If nothing else, it allows you to act with 100% confidence as you look to support your child’s future. Not to mention your own health.
FOCUS ON CONSISTENCY
Whether you seek professional support or not, it’s vital that you learn to appreciate consistency. It’s beneficial for all babies, but can be particularly effective for those who do not sleep well. In many cases, it only takes a few nights to develop new habits and routines. Your baby will learn to read those cues, too, which could be the key to finally helping them settle.
At this time, you will want to stop making the bedroom a place for playtime. Your child should then learn to associate entering this space with sleep. A specific song for bedtime can also work wonders, as will lighting. Above all else, start the routine at the same time each night. Once you establish a winning strategy, be sure to stick with it for as long as needed.
INVEST IN YOURSELF
Babies are very receptive to how their parents feel. So, while it may feel selfish to invest in yourself, the truth is that it will help your child too. Therefore, learning to de-stress as a parent should be a priority. Likewise, you should make time for exercise, healthy eating, and socialising. Of course, improving your child’s sleep should also support yours.
When you feel calmer and in control of your life, the sense of security can transfer to your child. Conversely, if you are irritable and anxious, it may impact your child’s sleeping habits. Be the best version of yourself, and you’ll naturally be the best parent. And when your family’s sleep patterns improve, the impacts should be felt in virtually every aspect of your world.
