Nightly Battles: The Key to Successful Baby Sleep Training is Here
Does putting your child to sleep feel like a nightly battle? Watching your child burst into tears as soon as the lights go out can be exhausting, and sometimes you might feel guilty, wondering if you’re doing something wrong. Don’t worry. You’re not alone in these challenges. There are reasons why your child has trouble falling asleep. It’s important not to force your child to sleep but to create a comfortable and stable environment for sleep. The first step to successful baby sleep training is all about ‘consistency’ and ‘predictability’.
It’s quite normal for children to be anxious and tearful before sleep. They might feel an inexplicable fear of separation and darkness as they transition from the lively daytime world to the quiet night. In these moments, a ‘sleep ritual’ involving a warm parental touch and predictable activities sends a powerful and gentle signal to the child saying, “It’s almost time to sleep, and you’re safe here.” Today, we’re detailing the miraculous sleep ritual design that has turned countless families’ nights peaceful.
Why Do Children Struggle to Sleep?
Your child’s resistance at bedtime isn’t to make you frustrated. Their brain is immature, making it hard to regulate emotions or shift from an excited to a calm state. Several factors combine just before they fall asleep.
First, excessive stimulation can be a factor. If they’ve been watching videos on bright screens or engaging in energetic physical play just before bed, their brain might still be in ‘play mode’. In these situations, instructing them to sleep can be confusing and lead to resistance. Separation anxiety from parents is also a key reason. To a child, sleep might signify a period of separation from their parents. The best way to alleviate this anxiety and provide a sense of security is through a sleep ritual. Repeating the same set of activities in a specific order every night helps the child anticipate what comes next, translating into psychological comfort and aiding restful sleep.
Creating Tailored Sleep Rituals for Your Child
Sleep rituals need not be elaborate. They can be composed of calm activities lasting between 15 and 30 minutes, tailored to your child’s personality and condition. The key lies in maintaining ‘order’ and ‘consistency’.
Step 1: Establish a Regular Time and Calm Environment
First, at a consistent bedtime. This is a foundational step in establishing your child’s physical rhythm. From 30 minutes before sleep, dim the lights and avoid electronic devices like TVs and smartphones. Playing gentle white noise or classical music can also be beneficial. Creating an atmosphere signaling ‘it’s time to wind down’ is crucial by minimizing visual and auditory stimuli.
Step 2: Link Predictable Activities
Once a calm setting is prepared, try linking 3-4 activities in a sequence. For example: ‘taking a warm bath → changing into cozy pajamas → brushing teeth together → lying in bed to read 1-2 storybooks’. Activities should be tranquil — avoid tickling or any vigorous play. When reading, use a soft, low voice to help your child focus on the story and naturally relax.
Step 3: End with a Loving Goodnight
After completing the sleep ritual, give your child a loving goodnight. A kiss on the forehead, a gentle back pat, and whispering “I love you, my dear. Have a peaceful night” can give your child a deep sense of trust and connection. This positive ending can be the crowning glory of successful baby sleep training.
Common Mistakes and Parental Mindset
Many parents make some common mistakes due to impatience when starting baby sleep training. The most frequent mistake is ‘inconsistency’. Trying it for a few days, then quickly giving up when the child continues to cry and fuss, thinking, “It doesn’t work for my child”. Remember that it takes at least 1-2 weeks for a child to adapt to new habits.
“They did well yesterday. Why are they crying again today? I must be doing something wrong.”
When these thoughts arise, remind yourself that a child’s condition can vary daily. They may be teething, experiencing growing pains, or dealing with a tough day at daycare. The crucial aspect is maintaining the predetermined sleep ritual without giving up, even on such days. If the child cries during the process, provide an opportunity for self-soothing rather than picking them up immediately. Of course, this doesn’t mean neglecting the child. Just let them know they’re not alone by saying, “Mom is here, it’s okay” from their side.
In hopes of making bedtime a more peaceful time, remember that with MOM-i, you’re not alone in sleep training. Contact us by email
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