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''The theme of '''Sleep Specialists''' can be puzzling. Lets strive to make it easier to understand.'' No two babies are exactly alike, and there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy when it comes to how to get baby to sleep at night. Nevertheless, there are some general recommendations that will help at least set the stage for good sleep. Night waking is important as it helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sharing a room with baby helps baby wake during the night. It also helps when breastfeeding as the milk supply is developed by feeds placed between midnight and 4.00am. Put your baby to bed when they're drowsy, not asleep. This is a tall order, but master the timing and both you and your baby will rest easier. Babies who drift off on their own are more likely to learn to soothe themselves to sleep. Stick to your baby’s sleep routine as much as you can. Plan ahead if your baby’s routine may need a temporary change, like if you’re going out of town travel or attending family parties. Change his bed time the best you can but try to get back to his schedule and routine as soon as possible. Sometimes a baby simply has an off night—we all do! Maybe it’s digestive discomfort or a growth spurt. Perhaps they’re working on a new skill. Underlying issues can cause nighttime wakings for up to two weeks. But if this has been going on for more than two weeks, and it’s happening at least five nights a week, sleep experts agree that it’s probably a split nights issue. If your baby isn’t rolling then consider swaddling them to help recreate the feeling of snugness from the womb. Swaddling also helps inhibit the startle reflex meaning they are less likely to startle awake. [[Media:https://thedaddysleepconsultant.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/david-mao-m0l5J8Lqnzo-unsplash-1080x675.jpg|Sleep Specialists]] Naps do good things for babies, but babies are like us: Late naps can postpone the drowsiness they would otherwise feel at bedtime. Parents don’t often think of this as a reason but it can be the case. Your newborn will give you tiredness cues, eyes getting heavy, yawning, look out for your baby showing these signs so you can get them down to sleep when they really need it. It’s our job to teach baby, slowly but surely, that they can fall asleep in their cot. In those first few weeks, their brains are mostly being used to control basic bodily functions; but what we may not realize is that they’re growing and developing at rapid rates, and in the process, they’re learning lessons — lessons that we teach them by reinforcing certain behaviors or patterns. It can be frustrating – not to mention exhausting – when your baby just won't go to sleep or stay asleep. Those first few weeks with a newborn are bound to be chaotic, since newborns have day/night confusion and need to eat every few hours around the clock. They may snooze through the afternoon and then be up all hours of the night, even after you've fed and changed them. A sleep consultant will take a holistic approach to create a sleeping system that you can manage and one which takes into account [https://thedaddysleepconsultant.com/gentle-sleep-training/ gentle sleep training] as well as the needs of the baby and considerations of each family member. # Decide Where Baby Sleeps Best Always place the baby down to sleep on their back in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months - and do this as part of their regular sleep routine, including daytime naps. Keep your baby’s sleep space plain and simple, without heavy bedding, pillows or too many toys. A few soft toys at the bottom of the cot is fine but avoid overloading it. Far from improving sleep, skipping naps and delaying bedtime are the quickest ways to push your baby into screaming meemies and poor sleep. This is especially the case for infants who are passionately curious. They blink, rub their ears, and fight to stay awake to watch you talking or their big brother clowning around. If they have been overstimulated in the lead up to bedtime, baby could get themselves to the point of being overtired and it can be really difficult to get them off to sleep. A calm lead up to bedtime will help relax ready for sleep. So if things are feeling hectic, take some time to talk softly, sing gently or read to your baby to help you both unwind. Getting into a baby bedtime routine may take some time and patience, but starting the habit early can set both you and baby up for future sleep success. If you’re struggling to get baby to stick with a consistent routine, you can always reach out to your pediatrician with questions and concerns about your specific circumstances—they’re there to help. If you need guidance on [https://thedaddysleepconsultant.com/what-is-the-4-month-sleep-regression/ 4 month sleep regression] then let a sleep consultant support you in unlocking your child's potential, with their gentle, empathetic approach to sleep. Some babies start sleeping on what’s called a day/night reversal schedule. Your baby sleeps well during the day, but is awake and busy at night. It’s frustrating and exhausting, but it’s temporary. Parents who turn their backs on cuddly toys are missing a huge opportunity. These cuddly friends actually help infants build confidence and security. And they’re available anytime - day or night. So a cuddly toy is a very, very good habit - and it’s especially comforting during times of stress (like an illness or a parent’s absence) and for babies with cautious, sensitive temperaments. We have noticed babies who are carried in baby slings for several hours a day settle better at night. Babywearing mellows the infant during the day, behavior that carries over into restfulness at night. Once baby is beyond the six-month mark, you can work on settling them into their own room. Experts recommend putting baby in their own room for at least one nap a day to start. This gets baby acclimated to their room, so when it’s time to move in there, it’s not a total change. Newborns often confuse day and night. A set of blackout shades and a white noise machine may help encourage dozing off when it's bedtime. The gentle approach and caring manner of a baby sleep expert allows them to assist you in the most preferable way to deal with [https://thedaddysleepconsultant.com/ferber-method-sleep-training/ ferber method] and to assist you and your family in any way possible. # Infant Sleep Development If baby has fallen asleep during their feed, it’s so tempting to lay them straight down and sprint out. But health visitors do advise rousing them slightly so they’re awake when you lay them to sleep. That way they know you’ve gone and won’t wake in a panic. It also means they are learning to go to sleep without you there. This is a great time to create a few bedtime habits. It signals to your baby that bedtime is coming, and it’s nearly sleep time. Sleep experts say it should last about half an hour – no more than 45 minutes – and take place calmly in the bedroom and bathroom. Don’t go into the playroom or living areas in case your baby thinks it’s time to play. What you do is up to you but it could include: warm bath, nappy change and pjs on, milk and story. If you eliminated all sources of electric and electronic light at night, you and your baby would probably find it easier to sleep. But for most of us, total blackouts aren’t a realistic option. Instead of “just making it through” in a zombie-like, sleep-deprived state during the day, you will have the energy to proactively parent your child in terms of play and conversation with your baby. If your child uses a pacifier but they are not yet dexterous enough to reach out, grab it, and insert it in their mouth, you should not give it to them after the final feeding, nor within thirty minutes of nap time (if your doctor agrees to not using it during sleep training). If you use a pacifier during sleep training when a baby is too young to insert it on their own, training will likely be unsuccessful. There are multiple approaches to [https://thedaddysleepconsultant.com/sleep-training-methods-the-pros-and-cons/ sleep training] and a sleep expert will help you choose one that is right for you and your family. When your baby falls asleep in your arms and you want to set them down without waking them up, move slowly. Gently lay their head down. Then put the rest of their body down so they're on their back with your hands still under them. It’s no secret that adjusting to life with a newborn on little to no sleep is one of the most difficult parts of becoming a parent. All babies have different sleep patterns, and figuring out what techniques and routines works for your itty-bitty nap-fighter is no easy feat. Your baby’s sleep schedule changes over time, but sticking to a routine can make bedtime easier for the both of you. Start setting a bedtime routine when your baby’s around 4 to 6 months old. Warm the cot with a hot water bottle or beanie before you put your baby down. If your baby is falling asleep on you, then the change of temperature may be causing them to wake. By warming the mattress it can help keep them asleep. Remember to remove the hot water bottle before you put your baby down and check it isn’t too warm. Your baby may have wind, be suffering reflux or even have a dirty diaper. It might be that your baby just can’t get comfortable enough to sleep. Whether its something specific like [https://thedaddysleepconsultant.com/sleep-regressions/ sleep regression] or really anything baby sleep related, a baby sleep consultant can guide you to find a sleep solution as individual as your baby is. # Closeness Might Help With Bonding Babies sleeping in the parents’ bed has also been linked to a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome in some cases. If you do choose to have your baby sleep in bed with you, make sure you position your baby with care. You don't want them covered by bedclothes or too hot. Also think about where you and your partner sleep so that you don't roll onto your baby by accident. If your baby is due for a feed, then they will likely be difficult to settle or will only fall asleep for a short amount of time before waking due to hunger. The connection between fussy, poorly sleeping babies and post natal depression is a strong one. Researchers at a colic clinic in Rhode Island reported that 45 percent of moms with very irritable young babies had moderate to severe depression. That’s a ten times higher incidence of serious post natal depression than is typical. Find additional insights about Sleep Specialists in this [https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/sleep/ NHS] article. 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