September 2023

A charming baby girl in a pink tutu and headband, radiating joy and sweetness.

1-Month-Old Sleep Schedule: Get Your Baby To Sleep Through The Night

/

1-Month-Old Sleep Schedule: Get Your Baby To Sleep Through The Night Read More »

Naps, Sleep Schedule

It’s a new month and your baby is home as a new parent or one month old. You may wonder about the proper sleep schedule, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! We will give you some tips for a healthy and happy baby, including planning and executing a proper sleep and nap schedule. Let’s get started! As you may know, becoming a parent doesn’t come with a manual. It’s an everyday learning experience and an opportunity for parents to learn and grow just as much as children. Without a strong foundation, even the best sleep schedule won’t help you build the positive habits to help you and your baby get the needed sleep. To make sure we set you and your baby up for success, please consider turning these newborn sleep recommendations into permanent habits: Establish a consistent bedtime routine Pre-bedtime activities should be calming and not stimulating Have your newborn drink well at each feed Adopt a consistent daily schedule Have a dedicated sleep space Observe adequate naps during the day Reduce the frequency of diaper changing at night as this may disrupt your baby’s sleep cycle How much should a 1-month-old sleep? A 1-month-old sleeps on average for 16-18 hours daily. This, however, translates to a varying amount of sleep stretches with wake windows as they are still acclimating to a 24-hour daily cycle outside the womb. In addition, because infants are growing so fast, taking in so much information, and developing knowledge rapidly, they require far more sleep than older children or adults. What is considered Sleeping through the Night for a Newborn?  Sleeping through the night for a newborn implies your baby is having long stretches of sleep at night compared to their daytime naps before feeding is due (3 hours or more) and settling back to sleep independently after feeding. Babies have tiny stomachs, hence the need to feed every 2- 3 hours initially; the feeding interval increases as the newborns grow. How do you get your Newborn on a Sleep Schedule? To get your newborn on a sleep schedule, consider the following tips Identify your sleep goals Establish a consistent bedtime routine and wake-up time Cultivate the positive behaviors you want with your baby Pay attention to your baby’s sleep cues Have a dedicated sleep space Calming activities should precede daily naps and bedtime The circadian rhythm of older children and adults is regulated by a fixed bedtime and wake-up time; Newborns are no exception. Does a Newborn follow a Sleep Schedule? Yes, newborns thrive on a sleep schedule; parents and caregivers are the architects of their behavioral patterns. For example, if you are constantly rocking, carrying and cluster feeding your newborn, those behavioral patterns are associations that your baby has learned to associate with comfort and will expect while you are trying to put them to sleep. What factors influence a Newborn Sleep Schedule/ Pattern Do you feel your 1 month-old baby is not sleeping normally? The factors that influence a newborn’s sleep schedule include: Consistent bedtime routine Awake time or wake windows 1 month-old baby feeding and sleeping schedule Traveling / Changing sleeping locations Calming or stimulatory activities Feeding Sleep environment Sleep facts for 1-month-old babies  Positive sleep patterns are achievable once you know what to do. Newborns thrive on a schedule 1-month-old babies  have a narrow awake time/wake window of 0.5 – 1hour Babies are acclimatizing to a new environment while processing a lot of information, inconsistent  routines are overwhelming to them Newborns sleep on average for 16- 18 hours daily Intrauterine a newborn is used to being in a restricted environment,  so a swaddle gives a newborn the pseudo-womb environment and helps them fall asleep faster  Newborns, like adults, have various stages and depths of sleep Newborns may awaken as they pass from deep sleep to light sleep and find it hard to settle back to sleep. Sample Schedule of 1-month-old sleep schedule Below is a template of what a 1-month-old sleep schedule should look like. However, this is just a sample, open for modification based on your newborn’s awake time or wake window, feeding interval, and nap duration.                                                1 Month Old Sample Sleep Schedule  EVENTS TIME Wake-up time 7:00 am (0.5-hour wake window before 1st nap) First-morning nap 7:30 -8:00 am (0.5-hour nap) 45 min to 1 hour awake time before 2nd nap Second nap 9:00 – 10:00 am (1-hour nap) 1-hour wake window before 3rd nap Third nap 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (1.5-hour nap) 1-hour awake time before 4th nap Afternoon nap 1:30 pm -2:30 pm (1-hour nap) 1-hour wake window before 5th nap Fifth  nap 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm (1-hour nap) 45 min awake time before last nap Evening nap 5:15 pm – 5:50 pm (35 min nap) bedtime routine begins after the last nap Feed 5:50 pm – 6:20 pm Bath, massage, relaxing bedtime music, bedtime stories in the sleep space 6:20 pm – 7:00 pm Bedtime 7:00 pm Note: The sleep needs of a child vary and this chart should be viewed as an example only. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.   Why is an infant’s sleep schedule important? An infant’s schedule is important as this forms the foundation for establishing healthy sleep habits, including behavioral patterns, creating an enabling environment that helps infants develop confidence,  security, and emotional stability. Best sleep tips for 1-month-old babies Identify your sleep goals Establish a consistent bedtime routine and wake uptime Pay attention to the sleep cues Calming activities should precede  the daytime  naps and bedtime Place baby on their back in the crib Swaddle your baby before putting them down Quantify the amount of milk or time spent on each breast during a feed by documentation Burp newborns after every feed to have them comfortable and relaxed to settle down to sleep

A peaceful baby sleeping soundly while wearing a cozy gray hat.

Baby Sleep Training Secrets Unveiled

/

Baby Sleep Training Secrets Unveiled Read More »

Sleep Training

Baby Sleep Training helps to impact positive sleep habits and healthy behavioral patterns. It helps parents understand the why, when, and how to implement evidence-based strategies to help babies learn to associate sleep and comfort with the right behaviors. Does Baby Sleep Training Always mean Cry it Out? Let’s establish that Baby Sleep Training is not synonymous with letting your baby “Cry it Out” and causing parents distress. We realize that most parents associate Sleep Training with “Crying it Out” and are only ready to seek help when they and their baby are chronically sleep-deprived.   We assure you that the last thing we want to do is cause parents any distress while trying to resolve the challenge of chronic sleep deprivation. You do not need to get to the point where you are chronically sleep-deprived and overwhelmed to seek help from a Pediatric Sleep Consultant. How Can a Pediatric Sleep Consultant Help? Consulting with a Pediatric Sleep Consultant helps improve your quality of life as a parent postpartum. However, it is just an aspect of the value proposition that a Pediatric Sleep Consultant offers. Parents want the best for their newborns; what better way to achieve this than consult a Pediatric Sleep Consultant who does all the heavy lifting to help you navigate your new world effortlessly?   At Sleep & Cradle® Solutions, in our Baby Sleep Training program, we employ a holistic approach to your family’s well-being, including your babies’ daily activities, nursery arrangement recommendations, feeding schedules, establishing a bedtime routine, and more. In addition, we help parents learn evidence-based techniques that prevent the development of unhealthy behavioral patterns and sleep schedules for new parents, restore sleep to parents struggling with sleep deprivation and sustain these healthy sleep habits. Is Sleep Training Right for Me? Yes, sleep training is an invaluable investment for new parents; there are a couple of reasons why consulting a Pediatric Sleep Consultant is critical in this transition phase for the newborn and parents. Postpartum is a difficult phase for parents. Pediatric Sleep Consultants help you prevent the challenge of developing negative behavioral patterns before they are formed. Mothers may be dealing with postpartum blues and  depression Mothers are trying to recover from the physiological changes posed by pregnancy while managing their sanity and homes. Parents want the best for their newborns, but all these variables can make it overwhelming for new parents. We can objectively assess your family’s needs and develop a customized plan to meet your sleep goals, offering Hands-on support during our Pediatric Sleep training program. At Sleep & Cradle®, we will make this process painless, simply equipping you with the knowledge and tools to effortlessly navigate this journey. How do Your develop a  Sleep Routine? Sleep routines are achieved via consistency. At Sleep & Cradle®, we can help you develop a healthy sleep routine,  identify your sleep needs, and create a customized plan to meet your short-term and long-term baby sleep goals through education and hands-on, proactive sleep training What are Sleep Associations? Sleep associations are things that your baby has learned to identify with sleep. It could be an environment or activities that ease your baby to sleep. It is important to note that there are negative and positive sleep associations. What are Negative Baby Sleep Associations? Negative baby sleep associations refer to habits, behaviors, or environmental factors that hinder a baby’s ability to establish healthy sleep habits. These negative baby sleep associations can make it difficult for a baby to fall asleep independently, stay asleep, or self-soothe alone when they wake up at night. Some negative baby sleep associations include. Rocking to sleep Breastfeeding or feeding to sleep. Bedsharing What are Positive Baby Sleep Associations? Positive baby sleep associations refer to habits, behaviors, or environmental factors that promote independent and healthy sleep habits for babies. Some examples include, Dedicated Sleep Space Calming activities preceding naps and sleep. Consistent sleep routine When should I consider Baby Sleep Training?  Baby Sleep training should be considered as soon as your newborn arrives home. At Sleep & Cradle®, we will help you get a bearing and direction to navigate this beautiful journey. Sleep conditioning forms the foundation for healthy sleep patterns and healthy behavioral habits for life. We advocate that new parents engage in sleep conditioning to prevent the trauma of sleep deprivation. Who is a Pediatric Sleep Consultant? Pediatric sleep consultants are trained professionals with extensive knowledge of implementing evidence-based methods to help parents and babies create healthy sleep habits. Subsequently, it improve the overall quality of life of the entire family. Baby Sleep Training and Pediatric Sleep Training are commonly used interchangeably. When Should I Consult with a Pediatric Sleep Consultant? Parents should also consider consulting with a pediatric sleep consultant during pregnancy to prepare them for the puerperium, work with them following the delivery of their newborn and when you feel overwhelmed. Some school of thought opines that parent engages with Pediatric sleep training at 4 months of age; we beg to differ, as we are confident that healthy sleep habits can begin from inception if implemented, ultimately preventing chronic sleep deprivation. Conclusion At Sleep & Cradle® Solutions, we provide the tools, knowledge, skills, and road map to navigate this journey as parents effortlessly.  Our Pediatric Sleep Training program is a lifelong investment that lays the foundation for positive behavioral patterns and sleep schedules while allowing parents to rest and restoring sleep to parents struggling with chronic sleep deprivation.    

The stressed mother look far away over her deeply sleeping baby.

Sleep Regression With Ease

/

Sleep Regression With Ease Read More »

Sleep Regression

Sleep regressions can be challenging for both babies and parents. These periods of disrupted sleep can leave everyone feeling exhausted and frustrated. However, with the proper knowledge and strategies, navigating these regressions and promoting healthy sleep habits for your little one is possible. This comprehensive guide will explore the different stages of sleep regressions, their potential causes, and practical techniques for managing them. Whether you are a new parent or an experienced caregiver, this guide will provide valuable insights and helpful tips to help your baby sleep soundly through any regression.   Understanding Sleep Regression It refers to a temporary period when a baby’s sleep patterns suddenly change, causing disruptions in their sleep routine. These regressions are often associated with developmental milestones, growth spurts, teething, and other factors impacting a baby’s sleep schedule. While sleep regressions can occur at various ages, the most common stages include 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years. It’s important to note that not all babies will experience every regression stage, and the duration of each regression can vary from child to child.   The 4-Month Sleep Regression One of the earliest sleep regressions occurs around the 4-month mark. Babies transition from newborn sleep patterns, dropping their naps to different sleep cycles at this age. They may experience increased nighttime awakening, shorter naps, and difficulty sleeping. This regression is a developmental milestone, and it is normal! Your baby is adjusting to the new sleep cycle, which throws them off their initial routine.   The 6-Month Sleep Regression The 6-month sleep regression is a topic of debate among experts. Some argue that it may not be an actual regression but rather a period of increased night waking due to hunger or developmental milestones. Babies around this age may be going through growth spurts, learning new skills like rolling over or sitting up, and experiencing more stimulatory activities. While the duration of this regression is typically short-lived, it can still disrupt sleep patterns and require routine adjustments.   The 8-Month Sleep Regression Around 8 months of age, babies often go through another sleep regression. This regression is often associated with physical milestones such as crawling, pulling up, and cruising. The increased mobility and brain development during this stage can lead to more frequent night waking, shorter naps, and crankiness. Additionally, teething can contribute to sleep disturbances. It is crucial to ensure that your baby is comfortable during this time and provide a pain reliever on your pediatrician’s recommendation, as some infants experience a significant amount of pain that has them crying in their sleep to help them settle back to sleep.   The 12-Month Sleep Regression The 12-month sleep regression may occur around your baby’s first birthday or slightly earlier. This regression is often marked by increased awareness of the world, separation anxiety, and the desire for independence. Your baby may experience changes in their sleep patterns, such as resistance to bedtime, night waking, and disrupted naps. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and offering reassurance can help them navigate this regression and establish healthy sleep habits. The 18-Month Sleep Regression Around 18 months, toddlers undergo another round of developmental milestones that can impact sleep. This regression is often characterized by changes in circadian rhythms, increased awareness of the environment, separation anxiety, and the desire for independence. Toddlers may resist bedtime, experience night waking, and have difficulty settling down for naps. Creating a calming bedtime routine and providing extra comfort and reassurance can help toddlers navigate this regression and establish a sense of security.   The 2-Year Sleep Regression The 2-year sleep regression is the last standard regression stage before children transition from toddlerhood to preschool age. This regression can be influenced by factors such as potty training, transitioning to a toddler bed, and increased nighttime fears. Toddlers may experience nap strikes, bedtime resistance, and improved nighttime awakenings. Establishing consistent sleep routines, addressing concerns of anxieties, and providing reassurance can help toddlers navigate this regression and sustain their healthy sleep habits.     What Cause Sleep Regressions in Babies? Sleep regressions in babies refer to periods when a previously well-sleeping infant suddenly experiences sleep disruption. These regressions can be frustrating for parents and caregivers, but they are a standard part of a baby’s development. Several factors can contribute to sleep regressions in babies: Developmental Milestones Growth Spurts Teething Separation Anxiety Change in Environment Changes in Routine Sleep Associations. Regression Phases Illness or Discomfort It’s important to note that sleep regressions are temporary phases and are typically a sign of your baby’s growth and development. While they can be challenging, they usually resolve with time and consistency. Our Baby Sleep Training Masterclass and Baby Sleep Strategies class can help your baby through these phases by maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, offering comfort, guiding you through baby sleep schedule strategies that will ensure you retain the already established positive sleep habits, providing emotional support, and creating a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. Suppose your baby has any upper respiratory tract infection or illness impacting their sleep quality. In that case, we recommend that you consult with your pediatrician to resolve the ailment before consulting with a baby sleep consultant for guidance and support. Managing Sleep Regressions: Effective Techniques and Strategies While sleep regressions can be challenging, several techniques and strategies can help you and your baby navigate these periods of disrupted sleep. Here are some tips to help manage sleep regressions effectively: 1.      Stick to a Consistent Bedtime Routine Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can provide security and signal your baby that it is time to sleep. A bedtime routine can include a warm bath, a massage in the dark room, and putting your baby in their crib in their sleepwear while reading a bedtime story in a soothing voice. Consistency and predictability can help your baby feel calm and ready for sleep, even during a regression. 2.      Respond to Your Baby’s Needs During a sleep regression, your baby

The mother held a toy while cradling a baby in her right arm.

Two-Month-Old Sleep Schedule: Establishing Healthy Sleep Habit for Your Baby

/

Two-Month-Old Sleep Schedule: Establishing Healthy Sleep Habit for Your Baby Read More »

Naps, Sleep Schedule

As a new parents, one of the biggest challenges is keeping up with your newborn and establishing a sleep schedule while trying to rest as a parent. The first few weeks with your little one can be a blur of nursing, diaper changes, and cuddles, with little consistency in sleep patterns. The excitement of being a new parent gives you that adrenaline rush when you are on standby until exhaustion starts kicking in! Sound familiar? Around the two-month mark, you may notice changes in your baby’s sleep patterns. This article will discuss creating a sleep schedule for your 2-month-old  infant. Your baby’s sleep pattern in the first two months may be unpredictable for parents who follow their baby’s lead or go with the baby’s flow. This can vary from day to day. If you read our One-Month-Old Sleep Schedule recommendations, you may have noticed that your baby has settled into a more consistent sleep routine with suitable implementation strategies around two months of age. At this age, your infant sleeps between 16 and 18 hours daily, including naps and nighttime sleep. It’s important to note that every baby is different, and their sleep needs may vary.   Sample Schedule of 2-month-old sleep schedule Below is a template of what a 2-month-old sleep schedule should look like. However, this is just a sample, open for modification based on your newborn’s awake time or wake window, feeding interval, and nap duration.                                                2 Month Old Sample Sleep Schedule EVENTS TIME Wake-up time 7:00 am (1 hour, 20 minutes wake window before 1st nap) First-morning nap 8:20 am -10:30 am (2 hours, 10 minutes nap) 1 hour awake time before 2nd nap Second nap 11:30 am  – 12:15 pm (45 minutes nap) 1 hour, 15 minutes wake window before 3rd nap Third nap 1:30 pm – 2:10 pm (40 minutes nap) 1-hour awake time before 4th nap Fourth nap 3:10 pm -4:10 pm (1-hour nap) 1-hour wake window before 5th nap Fifth  nap 5:10 pm – 5:50 pm (40 minutes nap) 70 minutes awake time before bedtime Feed 5:50 pm – 6:20 pm Bath, massage, relaxing bedtime music, bedtime stories in the sleep space 6:20 pm – 7:00 pm Bedtime 7:00 pm Note: The sleep needs of a child vary and this chart should be viewed as an example only. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Wake Window and Nap Times At two months old, your baby’s awake time, also known as “wake windows,”  “will typically” be around 1-1.5 hours. This means your baby can comfortably stay awake for one hour and some minutes before needing to nap again. Pay attention to your baby’s wake windows and sleep cues, such as drowsy eyes or becoming fussy, to determine when they are ready for a nap. Nap times for a two-month-old can vary, but on average, you can expect your baby to take four to five naps throughout the day. These naps may range from 30 minutes to two hours and slightly beyond in length. It’s essential to create a baby sleep environment conducive to napping, such as a dark and quiet room with a comfortable crib or bassinet and calming colors in the nursery. Creating a Bedtime Routine for Your Two-Month-Old Establishing a bedtime routine is crucial for helping your baby distinguish between day and night and promoting better baby sleep. A consistent and calming routine before bed can signal your baby that it’s time to wake up and prepare for sleep. Some bedtime routine ideas for a two-month-old include: Feeding Giving your baby a warm bath Wearing easy and comfortable sleepwear. Dimming the lights in the room Swaddling Placing in the crib Singing or playing a lullaby or soothing music or reading to your baby. Following a consistent bedtime routine can help your baby transition into a more restful sleep at night. The importance of Daytime Naps Daytime naps are essential for your baby’s overall well-being and development. Naps allow your baby to recharge and process the stimulation they experience throughout the day. While it can be tempting to keep your baby awake during the day in hopes of longer stretches of sleep at night, this can backfire and lead to overtiredness. Pay attention to their wake windows and provide opportunities for napping at regular intervals to ensure your baby gets sufficient daytime naps. While the length of each nap may vary, aim for at least four naps per day, totaling around five or slightly more hours of daytime sleep. Creating a calm and conducive baby sleep environment can also help your baby transition into a nap more efficiently. Tips for Encouraging Healthy Sleep Habits It is important to implement healthy sleep habits from inception as this can prevent the whole ceremony of sleep training at 4 months! At Sleep & Cradle®️ Solution, advocate implementing these evidence-based methods to prevent the exhaustion that comes with parents being on overdrive. However, for parents that are struggling with sleep deprivation,  there are several gentle ways you can encourage healthy sleep habits for your two-month-old; we also like to dismiss the negative connotations associated with baby sleep training and “Crying it Out”” The last thing we want is anxiety problems for a parent in a bid to sleep train your baby! There are various methods that parents could implement that suit their parenting style. Here are some tips to consider: Establish a consistent baby sleep environment: Create a sleep-friendly environment by ensuring the room is dark and quiet, with an ideal room temperature. Consider using white noise to drown out any background noise that may disrupt your baby sleep. Baby’s safe sleep practices: Always place your baby on their back to sleep and ensure the crib or bassinet is free from loose bedding or objects that could pose a suffocation hazard. Ensure your baby is well fed: We will publish another article

Scroll to Top