Getting a baby or young child to sleep can be a nightmare, especially when new parents themselves are sleep deprived.
And we all know good sleep habits are learned, so we asked a sleep coach and a pediatrician to teach us how to help kids become good sleepers.
"I know for me, there comes a certain point where I need to sleep or I can't function."
So Catie Guzman hired a professional with baby number two.
"It's been a life-changing experience for our family," says Guzman.
Lauren Proffitt is a mommywise-trained sleep coach.
Baby's want consistency, toddlers want consistency," says Proffitt.
She recommends the three R's:
A consistant Routine:
"Tell the baby we're going to have a great night's sleep, we're gonna have a bath, we're gonna have a bottle, we're gonna read a book, and we're gonna go to sleep. Even with the small ones," says Proffitt.
Respond rather than react:
"It's always easier to when as soon as baby starts crying to immediately go to them, but we gotta know the cues as to whether to do that or not."
And Relax:
"Hey you're doing the best you can and you're trying to do the best for your baby and it's okay if everything is not perfect," says Proffitt.
She also recommends some nursery accessories: Black-out curtains, a white-noise machine, and a sleep sack.
"These attachable lovies so they don't come off and they still have a safe sleep space."
Pediatrician Dr. Richard So also says a consistent routine is key.
He recommends the 4 B's: Bath, read a Book, Breastfeed or Bottle, and then go to Bed.
"You gotta put your baby down sleepy but not sleeping is the key," Dr. So says.
He recommends this once the circadian rhythm is developed.
And to always follow safe sleep guidelines: put baby down alone on their back, in their crib, on a firm mattress and share a bedroom, but not a bed for at least the first six months.
"Once you've established a good bedtime routine, babies up to 4 months, they might sleep all night."
And don't be afraid to ask for help.
Your pediatrician can rule out any medical issues that may be impacting your child's sleep.
Bottom line, parenthood is exhausting, but it doesn't have to be endlessly sleepless.
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