Mommy October 1, 2018

By a Doctor – Have you tried sleep training your baby?

Sleep is essential for babies; it not only helps them replenish their energy but also makes them fresh for new mischief. If your baby sleeps well and at fixed times, it will assist in his or her growth and development. Additionally, you can get some rest too. It may take time for your baby to make sleeping a routine, but it is possible through sleep training. Here’s what you must know about it:

Understanding sleep training  

A routine in which you teach your baby to fall and stay asleep throughout the night is termed as sleep training. While some babies may get used to this routine quickly, others may have trouble learning and settling down. The trick, however, is never to stop practicing the routine with your baby. Sooner or later, they will adapt to sleep training.

When should you start the sleep training routine?  

Every baby is different and so are their learning capabilities. Ideally, a 4 or 6-month old baby can be introduced to sleep training. By this age, babies start sleeping for a longer duration and begin to develop a regular sleep cycle. These signs indicate that the baby is ready for sleep training. So, take clues from your baby and start sleep training as early as possible.

Making your home environment conducive to sleep 

This is the most essential part of sleep training as your baby will learn only if his or her environment is sleep friendly and comfortable. Set the stage for successful sleep training with the following suggestions:

•    Introduce a bedtime routine: Make a routine and follow it every night to let your baby know that this is sleep time. You can start with a light massage followed by a warm bath and finally a lullaby before putting your baby to bed.
•    Stay consistent with time: It is important to set a sleep hour and follow it consistently. Ideally, it should be between 8 and 9 pm, so your baby isn’t overtired and fighting for sleep.
•    Feed your baby well: A satisfied tummy will help your baby sleep soundly through the night. A proper feeding routine through the day can ensure your baby not only gets good sleep but also get the necessary nutrition to aid growth and development.
•    Make the room perfect for sleep: This is one of the most important elements of sleep training. Your baby’s room should be comfortable and sleep-friendly. Turn on dim lights, turn off the TV or any loud sounds that could cause a disturbance and keep the room temperature comfortable. Ensure that the room is free of flies and mosquitoes that could bite and disturb your baby’s sleep. Mosquito bites can cause various illnesses like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, etc. So, switch on an effective repellent like the new Goodknight Gold Flash System in your baby’s room to keep mosquitoes away.
•    Follow a daytime routine too: The night sleep training should also be followed during the day with consistent activities. Wake up your baby almost at the same time every day and follow a routine for naps as well.

These practices can help your baby in the long run as it is something that he or she will continue as they grow up.

Happy Parenting.