Sleep Training: When Is the Right Time to Begin?

When is the Right Time to Begin Sleep Training?

Sleep is essential, but figuring out how to get your babies to sleep throughout the night can be a tricky experience. Sleep training is all about getting your baby sleep comfortably throughout the night for several hours all on their own. The key part is if they wake up, they know how to self-soothe and get back to sleep with no problem. So when is the right time to begin child sleep training and what are some co-sleeper tools that you can use? This article will go in depth as to what the best sleep training practices are, the best age to start as well as how you can utilize your child's favorite Warmies stuffed animals as a training tool.

Understanding Child Development and Sleep

Sleep is an incredibly important aspect of a young child's life, especially when a few months old. Without proper sleep training, children can suffer in development both mentally and physically. Co-sleeping is very typical when the baby is a few months old and should be done with proper safety measures. 

Without the right sleeping patterns and training, child sleep behavior may worsen. This can, in turn, affect your own sleep and health. Sleep patterns in children vary, since as they get older they require less sleep. Newborns sleep on and off and require 14-17 hours. Babies that are 3 months old tend to start sleeping more during the night, requiring 12-15 hours.

At 6 months, babies move towards a pattern of 2-3 daytime sleeps that can range 2 hours each sleep. They may also wake once or twice during the night. Child sleep development varies with each child, but on average it is recommended that co-sleeping should cease once the baby is 6 months old. That is when you should begin sleep training in order to promote proper self-soothing sleep techniques.

Signs of Readiness for Child Sleep Training

A key factor in knowing when your child is ready for sleep training is if they start to fall asleep on their own at night. You may notice they start to doze off when the sun goes down or similar occasions like that. These child sleep training cues and others like it, such as your baby feeling less hungry at night, will help you get them settled faster. This is the time to start some sort of bedtime routine so that their bodies can get used to sleeping and staying asleep all on their own.

Being attentive to indications for sleep training is one part of the puzzle, as you will need to figure out what practices and tools to use to help with sleep training readiness when shifting from co-sleeping. 

Newborn Sleep Training: Encouraging Independent Sleep from the Start

Newborn sleep training starts when you notice your baby is getting drowsy. Put them down to sleep when this occurs to get them used to falling asleep on their own in their own bed. This will help foster independence. Establishing independent sleep will also require you to separate yourself from your baby when establishing a bedtime routine. Don't go running when they first cry out, and see if they self-soothe. Sleep training for newborns can be difficult at first, but the results will be worth it.

Child Sleep Training for Infants: Bedtime Routines and Methods

At 6 months old is when your baby will need to be introduced to infant sleep training. Something that is paramount to sleep training is establishing bedtime routines for infants. When the sun goes down, start a routine that is simple and the same every night. This will lure the baby to sleep and even help keep them sleeping longer throughout the night. Sleep training methods for babies include reading them a soothing story, singing lullabies, rocking them before putting them down in their beds, and giving them a relaxing bath before bedtime.

Toddler Sleep Tips: Transitioning from Co-Sleeping

The key part of toddler sleep transition is keeping with a simple and established bedtime routine. This means a warm bath, soothing lullabies, stories, and even giving them a task that they will associate with bedtime (such as getting blankets ready). Co-sleeping to independent sleep can be challenging for both parents and toddlers, but following the above tips for toddler sleep training will help astronomically. 

Co-Sleeping Alternatives: Creating the Ideal Kids' Sleep Environment

Co-sleeping in the same bed as your child can be dangerous depending on the age and size of your child. It is best to find alternatives to co-sleeping that will be safe and beneficial for all involved. Kids' sleep environment should be comforting, quiet, and safe, so be sure to make the space as such. Creating a suitable sleep space can include having a small bed or bassinet near your bed so that it is safe for all, but also soothing for the child. 

Sleep Training Techniques for Toddlers: Transitioning to Their Own Bed

Toddler sleep training techniques when transitioning to their own bed include giving them rewards when they spend a night in their own bed. These rewards can be things like stickers, small toys, or certain foods they like. Other techniques for independent sleep include participating in the entire bedtime routine together in their bedroom, so that they feel safe and comfortable in their own bed. This means tucking them in, reading them a story in bed, and making sure to leave a nightlight on that will remind them they're okay.

Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits: A Foundation for Child Sleep Training

Establishing healthy sleep habits for children early on will help them feel secure and comfortable as their sleep routine foundation grows. Building sleep habits for child sleep training will allow for children's mental and physical development to progress normally. Your kids, when properly sleep trained, will likely grow to be healthy, confident, and secure in many different aspects of their lives. 

Don't forget that Warmies stuffed animals can prove to be useful as a soothing tool for kids when learning to sleep all on their own.

Conclusion

So now you have learned a little bit more about sleep training and what methods prove useful. Every child is different and will require different sleep training methods, just be sure to exhaust all options available to you before throwing in the towel. So be sure to check out the many different and great options Warmies has to offer that will help your child feel secure and comforted in sleep. Explore the Warmies FAQ page and check out reviews from real life customers.