Can You Sleep Train a Newborn?

Yes, you can sleep train your newborn as long as we keep realistic expectations and have an age-appropriate approach!

While many parents expect to lose sleep right after they have a baby, not many can truly grasp how exhausted they will feel until it happens. While you might not be the best sleeper before you have a baby, it’s entirely different when another person is disrupting your sleep cycles multiple times a night. This is different than your own brain waking up periodically to change positions or go to the restroom, for example.

In the first few weeks, your newborn baby will need to eat and get a diaper change around the clock. Therefore, your newborn sleep and feeding schedule will be very repetitive. The days will begin to blur together until your baby starts staying awake more during the day which starts around weeks 4 to 6, on average. This is also the age when we start to see their first smile. 🙂

You May Also Be Interested In…

• How to Get a Newborn to Sleep at Night: 7 Steps
• SNOO Smart Bassinet: Is It Really Worth It?
• How Long Do Newborns Sleep?

When To Start Sleep Training Newborns

By 4-8 weeks old, many newborns can start doing longer stretches of sleep. However, not all of them do and newborns stop sleeping for a variety of reasons.

If your baby is waking up a lot at night, you might start to consider sleep training. However, many experts will tell you to avoid sleep training until 4-6 months old.

However, if sleep is not manageable, you are feeling depressed, you have more than one child, or you feel unsafe caring for your newborn in any way, then you might have to start sleep training early.

In my many years of experience, it’s usually best to wait until at least 8 weeks old to start sleep training your newborn. You will want to wait until after the 6 week sleep regression and growth spurt if you can. Your baby may turn a corner on their own by then. If not, you can consider starting sleep training if your daily life is not manageable. In the end, your baby will be better off with a better-functioning parent!

You May Also Be Interested In…

• How to Handle When Your Baby Only Wants to Sleep in Arms or On Chest
• 2 Month Old Baby Sleep Tips
• Can Baby Sleep With a Pacifier and Should They?

What About Newborn Twins?

When you have twins, life is often doubly exhausting so some twin parents do find they need to do certain things earlier than other parents. We often need to put twins and multiples on the same schedule early, for example. Having two babies the same age on different schedules can lead to quick burnout and exhaustion!

For this reason, many parents of twins do practice putting their babies down drowsy, but awake from birth. It certainly doesn’t hurt to try even if you have a singleton. But, parents of twins may find they have to leave one or more baby fussing a little more than they’d like simply because they only have so many hands! Therefore, sleep training newborn twins can start earlier than 8 weeks by happenstance.

You May Also Be Interested In…

• 7 Must-Read Twin Sleep Tips
• 6 Tips to Have Your Twins on the Same Schedule

The Best Sleep Training Method for Newborns

Because newborns have limited abilities to self-soothe, it’s important that we have realistic expectations. Most newborns will still need to eat at night, for example. Depending on the age of your baby, they might need to eat every 2-3 hours at night until they are 6-12 weeks old at which time they might start to do at least one 5-8-hour stretch (the technical definition of “sleeping through the night.”

But, even though your newborn likely needs to eat at night, it doesn’t mean you can’t start sleep training. We do sleep training with babies all the time while also keeping night feedings!

So, what is the best sleep training method for newborns?

There are a variety of sleep training methods but for newborns, I prefer a gentler approach. That would include either Fading and/or Pick-Up/Put-Down. And, you can combine the two methods to have a hands-on gentle sleep coaching approach.

Using a gentle approach is helpful so you can test the waters and gradually help your baby gain the skills they need for self-soothing. When you “rip off the band-aid” this can be very stressful and, often, doesn’t work. It is important to focus on health, bonding, and feeding in the early days so you don’t want to do something that might inadvertently disrupt that. Sleep training too harshly too early can possibly lead to skipped feedings and a lot of crying, and we don’t want that if we can avoid that.

Having a newborn leads to a lot of questions, I know. Hopefully, this article has helped you determine if it’s time to start sleep training your newborn. If not, please reach out to us anytime!

You May Also Be Interested In…

• 5 Things to Do BEFORE Sleep Training
• Gentle Sleep Training Explained + 5 Strategies
• 12 Hours By 12 Weeks: 10 Cautions

The post Sleep Training Newborns: How To and When appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

Weight Limits of Bassinets

How long your baby sleeps in a bassinet will include a few factors, one of the biggest ones being their weight. Most bassinets have a weight limit that ranges from 15 to 35 pounds. Be sure to check your specific bassinet’s weight limit.

For example, the Arms Reach Bassinets all have an age recommendation of 5 months or when your child begins to push up on their hands and knees. Other bassinets have a suggested age and weight limit. For example, The CRZDEAL Bassinet suggests up to 6 months and no more than 30 pounds. Smaller bassinets often have a weight limit of 15-25 pounds, though. So you will want to be careful to check your specific bassinet’s limitations. Be sure to stop using a bassinet when your baby is too heavy for it.

Sharing a Room

Another thing to consider when deciding when to transition your baby to a crib is whether you plan to continue sharing a room. If your baby’s crib is too large to fit in your room, then moving them to a crib might also mean moving them to a room that’s separate from you. That’s a big step!

The AAP recommends sharing a room but not a sleep space “for at least 6 months but preferably a year.” Therefore, if your baby is not yet 6+ months and the crib is in another room from yours, you should consider keeping the baby in the room with you for a bit longer…as long as it’s safe to do so. If your baby is already 6+ months old then they may be ready to sleep in their own room.

Babies are loud sleepers, so if your baby is keeping you awake at night but doesn’t need your attention, consider wearing earplugs. With earplugs, you will still hear your baby crying but not be woken up with every noise.

You May Also Be Interested In…
3 Things to Do When Baby Won’t Sleep in a Bedside Bassinet
SNOO: Is It Worth It? And, alternatives.

Growth and Developmental Milestones

Even if your baby isn’t necessarily outgrowing the bassinet due to their weight, they might outgrow it developmentally. Some babies become mobile at a faster rate than other babies. That means they might be rolling over or pushing up on their hands and knees. One of my clients had a baby who started crawling at 6 months old. That’s very young!

(Note: If your baby isn’t mobile, try not to worry! My sons took a long time to crawl and now they are both teen athletes!)

So, when you’re considering when to move baby to a crib, consider that it can be unsafe if they can sit up in a bassinet or crawl off the side of a bed.

Comfort of the Bassinet

Keep in mind that some babies simply don’t like bassinets. My second son was one of them. No matter what I did, he wouldn’t sleep in it for even 5 minutes. I tried warming the surface and putting him all the way to sleep, etc. but he would simply NOT sleep there! He seemed to sleep in his crib just fine, though. To this day, I still can’t tell you what he didn’t like about the bassinet. Perhaps it was the thinner mattress or how small it was. It’s hard to say but if your baby doesn’t seem to like it, maybe it’s just the bassinet! Therefore, your baby won’t sleep in the bassinet long. Most babies, however, sleep in a bassinet until 4 to 6 months old and then start sleeping in a crib.

The Bottom Line: When Should You Move Baby to a Crib?

The bottom line is you should move your baby to a crib when it’s unsafe to keep them in their current sleep space. You might want to move your baby for other reasons and that’s okay, too! Every situation is unique and you know your baby best. If your baby is nearing the 3-4-month old mark, I recommend you start working toward it so you don’t feel rushed. Babies change fast!

Now that you know a little bit about how to choose when to move baby to a crib, let’s talk about HOW to transition them!

How to Transition to a Crib: 5 Tips

How you transition your baby to a crib will also include several factors to consider. Here are 5 tips to a successful transition to the crib using the acronym S.L.E.E.P.:

1. Spend time in the crib – You don’t want your baby’s first experience in the crib to be trying to fall asleep. And, you don’t want them to be surprised when they wake up in a strange place. You want them to feel comfortable in their sleep space so first spend NON-sleep time in it. You can play peek-a-boo, put them in the crib while you put away laundry with music playing, or let them look at a mobile.
2. Lay them on their backs for safest sleep. This reduces the risk of SIDS. We can’t always make them stay on their backs but that’s the way they should start.
3. Empty the crib so there are no loose blankets or toys in the crib. It’s considered a safety hazard unless your baby is a year or older.
4. Ease into it by doing short sleep periods at first. Assuming it’s safe for them to sleep in their previous sleep space, consider working your way up to all sleep periods in the crib. For example, you might start with one nap a day or just bedtime in the crib. Then, when they wake up, you can use the old sleep space. Over a period of a few days to a couple of weeks, you can work your way up to more sleep periods.
5. Persist through tough times because quite a few of us reject something new. But, after a while, we ask ourselves “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” Your baby might not like the crib, at first. It’s similar to sleeping in a hotel the first night on vacation. At first, the bed just doesn’t feel like our own. Once your baby spends more and more time in the crib, it will feel just like theirs!

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How to Get Baby to Sleep in a Crib
Baby Standing in the Crib and Won’t Sleep: How to Handle

A Special Note for Co-Sleeping Families

If you are co-sleeping or bed-sharing, moving to a crib can be a much bigger step. Up until now, not only was your baby in a different bed, they were also snuggled up to you and, many times, breastfeeding on and off all night. In this scenario, we often build in a few smaller “baby steps” into our Personalized Sleep Plans^®. We sometimes have to change sleep associations before we move the baby or toddler into the crib. This is because when you change more than one variable at a time (how they fall asleep AND where they sleep), it is often met with even more protest and crying. Many families will give up due to the very intense reaction. A slower process is often more successful for some families for this reason. You might be interested in reading our article, How to Gently Transition Your Baby From Co-sleeping.

Baby Keeps Waking Up in the Crib

If your baby keeps waking up when you put them in the crib, that may be an entirely different issue. Babies wake for many reasons, including sleep regressions, sleep associations, and more. Be sure to download our free e-Book, 5 Ways to Help Your Child Sleep Through the Night to get started on a better night’s sleep or 7 Common Napping Mistakes to fix those short naps!

The post When to Move Baby to a Crib and 5 Tips How to Transition appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

When Do Babies Start Standing in the Crib?

On average, babies start standing in the crib during the 8 month sleep regression. This is when babies become much more mobile, in general. Some babies might learn the skill early around 6 to 7 months old while others might not learn until 9 to 10 months old. All babies develop on their own timetable. If you ever have concerns about your baby’s development, be sure to talk to your baby’s doctor.

Baby Standing In Crib and Won’t Sleep

When babies are standing in the crib, they tend not to be sleeping. Do they do this on purpose?

Sometimes. And, sometimes it’s instinctual.

When they are learning a new skill, babies often “practice” in their sleep. It’s something they can’t control and when they are first learning to stand around 8 to 9 months old, it can be exhausting. They might be crying in the crib and can’t get back down. This can disrupt their sleep to the point where they wake very frequently at night. And, sometimes they stop napping or taking short naps, too!

Once they are older and the skill is no longer new, your baby or toddler could be standing in the crib due to frustration or their schedule needs to change.

If your 1 year old is standing up in the crib, for example, it might be time to add more awake time before their naps. Be sure to use an appropriate 1 Year Old / 12 month schedule. Most 12 month olds can still take a nap after being awake just 2-3 hours while others have graduated to 3-4 hours.

There are many reasons a baby isn’t sleeping so depending on how new the skill is will determine whether standing is the reason they won’t sleep or merely a method to avoid sleeping. We handle each differently.

How To Help a Standing Baby Sleep Better

So, how do you help your baby or toddler sleep better when they are standing in the crib?

Most babies will learn quickly how to get back down pretty quickly. My two boys learned this within 1-2 weeks of learning how to stand. Since they learn this quickly, if they aren’t crying, try not to give baby standing in the crib too much attention.

But, because they can fall and hit their heads, it’s a good idea to have some type of strategy to follow. Here are a few tips:

• Practice – During NON-sleep times, be sure you have your baby practice the skill of getting back down. For example, stand your baby at a couch or sofa. Then, put a toy on the ground next to them. Help them bend their knees to reach the toy. Baby squats! It will become second-nature in no time!
• Allow Some Practice Time in the Crib – Even if they are getting good at this out in the common areas, they may find it novel to be awake in the crib and want to practice this skill. Put them down a little earlier for naps temporarily to allow them to practice for a while. Then, soothe them and encourage them to lay down closer to the time you expect them to fall asleep.
• Sleep Training – Once you feel more confident your baby knows how to get down on their own, you can use sleep training to break any habits. You may need to change your strategy a little bit, however. We typically instruct parents to lay their babies down periodically rather than constantly. For example, you might lay them down every 8-10 minutes, allowing some space to figure it out on their own but without letting them skip their naps and get more overtired.

As with most sleep regressions and phases, they do end, eventually. The key is not to make new habits you will have to break. To get through 3 weeks of difficulty, some families are having sleep problems for months. Short-term sleep deprivation is challenging but if you put a bit more work in up-front, you will ALL be sleeping more in a couple of weeks!

You may also be interested in:

• Sleep Regressions: Everything You Need to Know
• 3 Signs It’s Time to Night-Wean
• 7 Common Napping Mistakes (FREE e-Book)

How old was your baby when they started standing in the crib?

The post How To Handle Your Baby Standing In the Crib and Won’t Sleep appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

What is Night Weaning?

In my experience of over 10 years, night weaning can mean different things to different people. When it comes to night weaning, it is important we set expectations.

For this post, it is important to keep in mind that night weaning your breastfeeding baby means to reduce milk feedings at night to an age-appropriate number of times. That means that after you “night wean,” you might still be feeding your baby at night, depending on the age of your baby.

Maintaining your breastfeeding relationship with your baby is the #1 priority while also maximizing sleep for both of you

When Can You Night Wean a Breastfeeding Baby?

It is important not to start night weaning your baby until your milk supply is fully established. In my experience, breastfeeding babies eat more frequently at night than other babies. The reason is that breast milk is digested more easily and faster than formula.

Newborns should feed every 2 hours. By 4 weeks old, babies are going 2 to 3 hours between feedings. And, by 6 weeks old, your baby might be able to do one longer stretch of sleep at night of 3-4 hours. By 3-5 months old, most breastfed babies eat 2-3 times at night. And, by 6 months-old, we can usually night wean to just 1-2 feedings. After that, many breastfeeding babies continue to eat at least once a night until 7-12 months old, depending on a variety of factors. It is important to feed your baby the appropriate number of night feedings by age.

You might also be interested in: Newborn Schedules By Week

But, how will you know when your baby is ready for fewer night feedings?

There are a few signs it’s time to night wean your baby, including your baby showing less interest in feedings at night, or your baby isn’t eating as much during the day. Once you start solid food, that is another common time that some babies will drop one of their night feedings. But, it’s important not to overdo the solid food simply to decrease night feedings.

Another thing to consider is whether your baby is eating out of habit or due to a sleep association with breastfeeding. If your baby is getting older and still comfort nursing every 1-2 hours all night, this is a common time to consider night weaning.

All babies are different, so the age at which you drop all night feedings will vary for each mom and baby pair. You might want to take our Is Your Baby Ready To Night Wean? Quiz.

How to Night Wean a Breastfed Baby

So, now you have set your expectations about what age to night wean your baby. How do you night wean? Here are the 5 steps to successfully night weaning a breastfed baby without negatively impacting your milk supply:

1. Maximize Daytime Milk Feedings

Most moms try to encourage their baby to eat more during the day, so baby stops waking up so much at night. Consider that there are a few keys to this you might not have thought of.

If you are trying to feed your baby very often during the day, this might increase night feedings. When your baby does a lot of “snacking” during the day, your baby might not get as much of the fattier hindmilk. This is because you are not emptying your breasts.

We want to encourage fuller feedings during the day. For some babies, that means spreading out daytime feedings once it’s comfortable for your baby.

Some babies will nurse every time they are offered the breast but then not nurse very long. Consider the time between feedings during which your baby nurses the “best.” It might be a longer session where you feel your baby is emptying at least one or both breasts. Again, the amount of time varies with each mom and baby pair.

My first-born could only go up to 3 hours between feedings and never go more than that. I’ve worked with some moms whose baby goes up to 4 hours. The average, in my experience, seems to be every 3 hours once baby is past 2-4 months old.

2. Decide How Many Night Feedings Are Appropriate, Then Add One

Once you have spent a few days trying to maximize milk intake during the day, there may or may not be any change to the night feedings. Consider that it’s a chicken and egg problem in that your baby might not eat more during the day until you cut back at night.

In this step, decide how many night feedings you plan to end up with and then add one. For example, if you have a 5-month-old and plan to night wean to two feedings, plan for three feedings to start.

Now, feed your baby that many feedings at night, if you’re not already. Using the previous example, if your baby is waking every two hours, up to 5 times a night, plan to feed them three times and set the feedings at least 3 hours apart. An example might be to feed your baby at 10 PM, 2 AM, and 5 AM, to start. Choosing the times to start with might involve taking the time of the first feeding right now and adding 30-60 minutes.

What do you do when your baby wakes up and it’s not a feeding time?

You would settle your baby in other ways as much as possible. If your baby is unhappy about the change, this is where gentle sleep coaching often comes in. Don’t be afraid to take several days to gradually work your way up to this, though. The pace is up to you and small changes can mean big progress.

Once your baby is comfortably feeding these many times at night, you can move on to the next step.

3. Begin to Delay Feedings

Finally, start delaying the first feeding of the night by 30-60 minutes each night until you are only feeding your baby the target number of times. This often only takes a few nights. Voila!

But, there are a couple of more steps to consider.

4. Keep Up Your Milk Supply When Night Weaning

When you are night weaning your breastfeeding baby, you do need to be careful about your milk supply. When you don’t breastfeed for many hours in a row, this can negatively impact your milk supply. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes two weeks to notice the drop in supply and it’s tough to get it back up. We can’t predict which moms will experience this, unfortunately. In my 10+ years as a sleep consultant, I’ve seen it enough times that we guard against it.

In addition, sometimes your goal is to drop one night feeding, but your baby decides to sleep through the night! That can be a blessing for your sleep but a curse on your milk supply.

Therefore, it’s best to be proactive to maintain your milk supply while night weaning. Here’s how:

Breastfeeding operates on a supply and demand basis. The more your baby demands, the more milk your body makes. If your baby stops demanding milk for 12 hours at night, your body might think this is a signal to stop making milk at all times.

So, the easiest way to simulate demand for milk is to pump your breastmilk!

But, didn’t we night wean so we can get more sleep?

Yes, indeed! Depending on the age of your baby, you might only need to pump once a night and can do so right before your bedtime. The younger your baby, the more times you will need to pump, of course. One idea that works well for younger babies is to pump before your bedtime and then set your alarm about 5 hours later for one more pumping session.

When I was breastfeeding my two boys each for about a year, I was pumping as well. I used a Medela Pump In Style, so I’m a big Medela fan. The same pump was able to pump for two years! But, that was over a decade ago and pumps have come a looooong way! That’s why I’m delighted to introduce you to my favorite Medela pump, the Freestyle Flex Double Electric Pump.

The Freestyle Flex has a light, compact and portable design that offers true mobility. It’s is perfect for the active mom who pumps several times a day. Here are a few details about this great new pump:

• Small and Lightweight – This pump fits in the palm of your hand and weighs less than a pound. You can easily put it in your pocket, in your purse, or in your baby bag.
• Wider Breast Shield – It has a wider entry point to the tunnel with a different angle. They measured moms getting 11% more milk per minute as it promotes better emptying of the breasts. This is really important because breastfeeding moms constantly worry they don’t have enough milk. This will help reassure you that you probably do!
• USB port – You can use your computer to charge this pump rather than needing an outlet. And, once charged, it stays charged for two hours, which will give you ~3 separate pumping sessions.
• Overflow Protection – Unlike other pumps, this pump has overflow protection so milk doesn’t get in the tubing. This makes it easier to clean, and you won’t need to replace the tubing.
• Comfort – This pump has PersonalFit Flex breast shields that offer a four-way fit and adapt to your natural shape.
• Two-Phase Expression™ Technology – This technology mimics a baby’s natural sucking rhythms by allowing you to switch phases before and after let-down.
• Quiet – This pump is very quiet, which can give you the confidence to pump in all kinds of places! One thing I really liked is that the tubing connects more vertically, so it’s more discreet to pump.
• Flexible – If needed, you can pump just one side or both at the same time. So, if your baby only empties one breast, it makes it easy to pump the other breast for some milk stash.

Pro Tip: Some insurance companies will reimburse your pump purchase at any major retailer such as Amazon. Check with your insurance company directly to find out more.

The Freestyle Flex pump also has an app, MyMedela. Using the app is another way to help you be successful. You can track breastfeeding and pumping sessions, baby’s height, weight, sleep, and diaper changes all in one place.

If you are also going back to work during this time, you might be especially nervous about your breastfeeding relationship. Medela also has resources for working moms with their New Moms’ Health Returns program.

5. Keep Offering More Milk During the Day

Lastly, the final step in night weaning is to go back to the first step and continually offer more milk during the day. As you gradually reduce how much milk offered at night, you might find your baby’s appetite increases during the day. It’s important to make sure your baby is getting enough milk in a 24-hour period.

I hope this post has given you confidence in night weaning and maintaining your milk supply, so you can achieve all of your breastfeeding goals! If you need support, be sure to check out Medela’s free breastfeeding support and community The Moms’ Room or access their 24×7 lactation consultants!

What are your questions about night weaning or your experience with night weaning your breastfeeding baby? Did you experience a drop in milk supply? Did you pump?

This is a sponsored post by Medela LLC, but the opinions are all my own.

The post Night Weaning a Breastfeeding Baby and How to Maintain Milk Supply appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

When to Transition From SNOO to Crib

The SNOO is designed to be used until your baby is up to 5 to 6 months old. But, that means you need to start weaning from the SNOO before your baby’s fifth or sixth month birthday.

Obviously, you might decide to transition sooner. If it’s because you feel your baby is outgrowing the SNOO, keep in mind that it was designed for babies as big as a 9-month-old in the 90-95th percentile. Worried your baby doesn’t like it anymore? I highly recommend you experiment with the settings just in case he has “outgrown” a softer movement.

If you decide to transition, just like many transitions, I recommend you start 3 to 4 weeks before your desired goal. That way, if things don’t go smoothly, your baby gets sick, your baby is sensitive to changes, or something else thwarts your plans, you have plenty of time without as much stress.

3 Things to Do Before You Transition From SNOO to Crib

Before you transition from SNOO to crib there are 3 things you might want to consider doing to make it a smoother transition.

1. Introduce the Crib During Awake Times

Familiarity is your friend when it comes to a new sleep space. Try to have your baby spend time in the crib during playtime during the day. You might turn on some upbeat music or a crib toy. Play peek-a-boo or sing. While your baby might only last a few minutes at first, after doing this several times a day for a few days to a week, he or she might start to like it!

2. Move the SNOO to the New Room (if applicable)

It is recommended to share a room with your baby for the first 6 months to a year to reduce the risk of SIDS. If you have chosen to move your baby to their own room as part of this transition, you might want to try moving the SNOO to the “new” room, temporarily. You can also set up a makeshift bed or air mattress for you to sleep on while in the same room. This way, you are familiarizing your baby to the room before you transition to the crib.

If you have decided to continue sharing a room with your baby, you might consider where to put the crib and move the SNOO to that location if it’s not already.

3. Make a Decision About White Noise

One of the key features of the SNOO is the built-in white noise. Since you won’t be using the SNOO anymore, you might want to consider whether you want to wean from white noise altogether or use a new white noise source. There are many options for white noise, now, including our free white noise downloads. Here are also a few products we like:

White Noise Products We Love

Marpac Dohm White Noise Machine
Nothing fancy and not very cute, but simple and effective! And, they have a portable white noise machine, too.

Bubzi Co Baby Sleep Aid
Okay, so it’s not just a white noise machine…it’s a white noise machine, night light, and lovey rolled into one cute little device!

 
 
LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine
This is one serious white noise machine. It boasts 10 different fan sounds at varying frequencies, and its volume is incredibly precise, making it easy to adjust your white noise based on what’s happening in your home at any given moment. You can let this machine run all night long, or you can use the built-in timer for automatic shut-off.

Now that you’ve prepared from the transition from SNOO to crib it’s time to get going! Here is an easy 5-Step Process:

Step 1: Stop Swaddling

The SNOO has a built-in swaddle, but more than likely, it’s time to stop swaddling baby. By now, your baby is probably rolling over and it will be unsafe to be in the crib swaddled.

Before moving your baby to the crib, practice being unswaddled. While still in the SNOO, unswaddle your baby’s arms. This way, your baby can get used to having their arms free but the SNOO will still automatically respond to your baby’s fussing and crying just as it always has. You may or may not need to soothe the baby more for a few nights, but hopefully, within a few nights to a week, your baby will be used to being unswaddled and sleeping just as well as before in the SNOO. If not, move forward anyway.

Step 2: Wean Motion Gradually

The SNOO has a weaning mode you can turn on using the app. This mode will wean your baby from being dependent on movement to sleep. However, there are a couple of things to consider, however.

With the weaning mode on, the SNOO will use white noise but will NOT use continuous motion all night to keep your baby asleep. However, if your baby starts fussing or crying, it will respond with motion. This is a good first step. But, there’s more to consider.

If you imagine the SNOO putting your baby to sleep at bedtime using motion and then every two hours all night. This can still be a dependency that your baby might have when in the crib. Therefore, I recommend you consider a couple of other steps:

First, make sure you put the motion limiter on so the SNOO will respond to your baby’s fussing and crying but with less intense motion than before. This will help wean them more fully from movement.

The last step you can do is lock the motion at one of the lowest levels of movement, so the SNOO can never go above that level. For example, if your baby has been dependent on some higher levels of movement, you might lock the level at Level 3 for 2 days, then Level 2 for 2 days, then Level 1 for 2 more days.

Step 3: Turn Off the SNOO

One more thing before you move to the crib. I recommend taking a test drive without the SNOO. Turn it off completely for 2-3 days before you move baby to the crib. Or, for a more gradual process, you can turn it off at bedtime and then turn it on later on in the night, if needed. The closer you get to the morning, the more difficult sleep can be for your baby. So, feel free to work your way up to not needing the SNOO for the entire night. It will be a good investment of 3 to 7 days.

Step 4: Introducing the Crib

It’s time to start introducing the crib. Some parents will start naps in the crib and keep the SNOO at night. But, remember, day and night sleep are handled by two different parts of the brain, so it might not make any difference.

To introduce the crib, you can try to put your baby down for bed normally but this time in the crib instead of the SNOO. Don’t be alarmed or surprised if it doesn’t go well, at first. It’s similar to adults going to a hotel. The first couple of nights are the worst sleep for many of us. But, as the days go by, the bed starts to feel more like your own. Your baby will start to feel like the crib is their bed.

For a more gradual process, feel free to move the baby back to the SNOO later in the night, if necessary. What starts as an hour or two might quickly increase to many more hours. It’s okay to take your time.

If your baby fusses or cries, you might need to do some gentle sleep training.

Step 5: Transitioning from SNOO to Crib Completely

The final step to transition from SNOO to the crib is to keep your baby in the crib all night and for all naps. If you are struggling to say good-bye to the SNOO, move it out of the room so you’re no longer tempted to use it. Some devices we become dependent on just as much as our babies!

I hope these tips have been helpful in the transition from SNOO to crib. Give your baby a week or two and I’m sure your baby will be sleeping through the night in no time. If not, we’re here to help!

The post How to Wean and Transition From SNOO to Crib appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

What is a SNOO?

The SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet is a bassinet for newborns to babies up through 5 to 6 months old. The bassinet has key features that set it apart from other bassinets such as the Arms Reach Bassinet:

• Built-In Swaddle – This bassinet has a built-in swaddle made from organic cotton that is very secure. Your baby will not be able to break out. What’s more important is that it will keep your baby sleeping on their back, which is considered safest to reduce the risk of SIDS. Furthermore, your baby won’t be able to roll over while swaddled, which might be when to stop swaddling.
• Detects Crying – The SNOO has multiple microphones to pick up sounds your baby is making including fussing and crying. It “responds” to your baby depending on what it’s detecting.
• White Noise – The SNOO also has built-in white noise which automatically turns on if/when your baby starts fussing or crying. There are three different sounds and it chooses different sounds for sleep versus crying.
• Movement – When this bassinet detects fussing or crying, it can move automatically with gentle rocking. It has a slow swing for sleep but a faster jiggle for upsets.
• Mobile App – You can control the device using a mobile app on your mobile device. And, reviewing the sleep logs can give you insight into your baby’s sleep.

As you can see, the SNOO bassinet is indeed “smart” and one can see how it would add more sleep for new parents. This is especially helpful when some babies won’t sleep in a bedside bassinet at all. But, is it safe, and is the SNOO really worth it? Are there SNOO alternatives?

Is SNOO safe for newborns?

While there is always a risk to using any “device” for your baby, the SNOO has appeared to have undergone rigorous testing. Dr. Harvey Karp is not new to keeping babies safe and I am confident safety was the #1 goal for the invention. After all, the idea is to reduce the risk of SIDS by keeping baby on their back in the first place. And, Dr. Karp has been helping babies sleep with his Happiest Baby Series for many years.

In addition, the movement of the SNOO will not work unless the swaddle sack is clipped to the device. It is also vented to prevent overheating and allow baby to breathe freely. And, they added a metal plate to block WiFi exposure or you can simply turn off WiFi. It appears they’ve thought of everything.

But, what about night feedings?

Will the SNOO work “too well” and lead to a baby to miss nighttime feedings? This was my first concern when I learned about this product.

It appears they’ve thought about that, too.

The SNOO isn’t supposed to replace parenting altogether. It’s just another tool in your toolbox. The SNOO will stop movement if there is continuous crying for a couple of minutes. The SNOO is only meant to soothe your baby back to sleep when she does NOT need something. Do keep in mind, too, that your doctor will instruct you to feed the baby at regular intervals for the first several weeks of life. You will need to set an alarm for that, so you can feel confident your baby shouldn’t skip feedings just because you are using a SNOO.

Should you keep the SNOO on all night?

The SNOO is meant to keep the guesswork out of this. It automatically detects when to go on or increase the movement and stops if your baby is crying continuously.

When should you start using the SNOO?

Parents can start using the SNOO with their newborn, so from birth.

How long can you use the SNOO? When should you stop using the SNOO?

The maximum weight limit of the SNOO is 25 pounds. You can use a SNOO until your baby is approximately 6 months old.

Keep in mind, however, the SNOO may operate more frequently at night after 3 months old.

Once your baby starts his 4 month sleep regression (which can start anytime between 12 weeks old and 5 months old), your baby will cycle through more sleep cycles. That means your SNOO may have more “work” to do.

If you are concerned your baby is outgrowing the SNOO or no longer likes it, you may want to experiment with the settings using the app. He or she may simply need faster or more rigorous movement.

We have worked with families to help them transition from SNOO to crib around 3 to 5 months old, on average.

SNOO Price and Is It Worth It?

The SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet sounds like a dream, right? Unfortunately, some dreams aren’t cheap.

This fancy bassinet is over $1,200!

That price includes three SNOO sacks, SNOO fitted sheet, a mattress and water-resistant cover, and a 1-year limited warranty.

However, you can now rent one for dollars a day and it includes free shipping to most places.

Can you really put a price on better sleep?

If this can truly give your family hours more sleep per night for the first 6 months of life, in my opinion, the SNOO is worth it. And, if you compare the cost of a night nurse for $200-300 a night, it’s a no-brainer! The peace of mind is worth it.

There are a few things to consider, however.

First, not all babies enjoy being rocked or jiggled to sleep! While many babies do enjoy movement and it soothes them to sleep, it can irritate some babies. And, if your baby isn’t soothed by movement, then the SNOO is a very expensive bassinet, swaddle and white noise machine!

Second, some babies simply need that human touch. We worked with one client who had to rock their baby to sleep and THEN put the baby in the SNOO! If you have to put the baby back to sleep yourself each time they wake, there is simply no point in spending this much on a bassinet. Not all babies only need motion and white noise.

Third, although sleeping on their back is safest, not all babies like to sleep flat on their back. From a young age, my son enjoyed moving to his side to sleep.

Finally, some babies are naturally good sleepers. Obviously, my baby was NOT one of them, hence this website. However, I’ve talked to many parents whose baby started sleeping through the night as young as 6 to 8 weeks old. Not all babies will need anything this “fancy.”

Unfortunately, until your baby is born, it’s impossible to know if they will be a naturally great sleeper nor their taste in sleep space, swaddle, pacifier, or any other product. However, based on the reviews of the product, it appears most babies and parents like the SNOO. So, if you have the budget, there’s a good chance it will help get everyone more sleep.

You May Also Be Interested In…
How to Get Baby to Sleep In a Crib
When to Move Baby to Crib and 5 Tips How to Transition
How to Wean From SNOO to Crib
Sleep Coaching – The GENTLE Alternative to Cry-It-Out

SNOO Alternatives

Of course, there are so many amazing baby sleep products to buy, so not everyone will be able to splurge this much on just one item!

There isn’t a perfect alternative to the SNOO. It’s innovative and likely took years of research and development. We have found one product that looks pretty close and another product that might help.

The Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet is meant to be a true SNOO alternative. It even has “cry detection technology” to soothe the baby when they start crying. It has 3 different motion speeds to fit your baby’s preference. In addition, it has 2-speed vibrations for babies who prefer to be jiggled or bounced. Lastly, it has 10 different songs or soothing sounds (white noise, music, or nature sounds) for additional soothing. You can find the right settings for your baby and it has a memory function so you don’t have to find it over and over again. This bassinet is at the fraction of the price at just under $300 and with great reviews! The main thing this doesn’t have is the built-in swaddle but you can easily swaddle your baby first and then place them in this bassinet.

The Green Frog Bassinet has a rocking feature that’s great for newborns. It isn’t “smart” of course, so you’ll need to soothe the baby yourself. However, it’s easier on your back especially when you are recovering from labor. In addition, you guard against your baby sleeping on your chest or in your arms which can become a problem later on.

Conclusion

I hope this post has helped you decide whether the SNOO is the right choice for your family or given you a SNOO alternative. Always remember that all these tools in our toolbox help us be better parents, but there is never a replacement for parenting. There is no shame in adding more tools to your toolbox!

The post SNOO Smart Bassinet: Is It Really Worth It? And, Alternatives. appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

My team of sleep consultants and I were sent samples of the PhysioForma Pacifier to see what we thought from a sleep perspective.

Could this new type of pacifier actually help your baby sleep? Aren’t pacifiers sleep associations that need to be broken?

Not necessarily. Let’s take a look at what I found in my research about the PhysioForma pacifier.

Can babies breathe with a pacifier?

Some people believe that babies are obligatory nasal breathers (meaning they HAVE to breathe through their nose), but according to at least one study, that is not true. But, since babies mostly breathe through their nose, if your baby uses a pacifier, she will be able to breathe.

Chicco took this one step further, though.

The PhysioForma pacifier actively supports your baby’s physiological breathing with its unique and exclusive nipple design. The nipple shape and the ridges on the nipple both help position your baby’s tongue forward to maintain an open airway. And, the ventilation holes for air circulation help prevent the gathering of saliva, too.

In addition, this pacifier supports the development of the palate and teeth with its narrow base that allows for optimal lip closure. And, the lateral curve of the nipple evenly distributes the tongue’s pressure against the palate.

It’s no wonder that the PhysioForma^™ pacifier was clinically developed, tested, and approved in partnership with an advisory panel of leading neonatologists, pediatricians, and orthodontists. A pacifier that helps your baby with physiological breathing is sure to help new parents sleep better at night.

But, before we decide to run out and buy all the PhysioForma pacifiers you can, let’s find out more.

Will the PhysioForma pacifier help prevent SIDS?

Yes, it has been said that pacifiers, in general, help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). According to American Family Physician, “The benefits of pacifier use include analgesic effects, shorter hospital stays for preterm infants, and a reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.”

And, the PhysioForma is praiseworthy in this regard. While nothing can prevent SIDS altogether, using a PhysioForma pacifier can reduce the risk.

Will all babies like the PhysioForma?

Well, no. I’m sorry to say that there’s no product loved by all babies. But, so far, Chicco’s PhysioForma pacifier is baby-approved with 9 out of 10 babies accepting it. This matches the high Amazon ratings.

In addition, there are 3 different sizes of this pacifier, so if your baby is getting bigger and one size doesn’t work, you may want to try a different size. The age recommendations are just those. Every baby will have a different size mouth and preference for how the pacifier sits in his mouth.

And, this obviously isn’t a large test, but I had one of our sleep consultants who just had a baby 7 weeks ago give it a try. Here’s what she said in her own words:

“The PhysioForma pacifier is good quality and seem to be durable. Cute colors and designs! They are lightweight which will likely help the pacifier stay in baby’s mouth. The pacifier ‘nipple’ is a unique design and (depending on what some babies prefer) might just be the trick to tongue placement and comfort during sucking. Some babies do much better with this shape than the more rounded smooth shapes. We really like the ‘pocket buddies’ for the pacifiers. It’s such a cute design and very soft. I really like that pacifiers can be removed for cleaning of both the lovey and the pacifier. It’s such a good idea to have a pocket for extra pacifiers as well. We use it with my 7-week-old, and it seems that just having the soft support of the lovey helps the pacifier to stay in her mouth during sleep. We are big users of pacifier clips and really like the design of the Chicco one. It’s easy to get the pacifiers on and off and does the trick!”
-Jessa

But, will breastfeeding babies like the PhysioForma?

Obviously, we can’t say that all breastfed babies will like the PhysioForma pacifier. Some babies only like the real thing no matter how many pacifiers or bottles you try. Am I right? 😉 According to at least one Amazon review, though, it’s “literally the most realistic nipple shape” and that’s great news for breastfeeding babies!

What is it Made of? Is the Material Safe for My Baby?

By now, most of us have probably learned that BPA, or bisphenol A, is bad for not only babies but for everyone! BPA is a chemical used to make some plastics. And, some research has shown that BPA can get into our foods and drinks from storage containers. There are possible health effects of BPA and we clearly don’t want to give our babies any toxins!

The good news is that the PhysioForma is BPA-free as well as latex-free. Designed and made in Italy, these pacifiers are made from silicone, which is perfectly safe.

Love the silicone!
“My 6 month old loves it! When he’s tired, it soothes him to sleep and he’s teething so when he’s awake he likes to chew on the silicon and it really helps his gums! Great design!”
-Jamie W.

Any negatives about the PhysioForma pacifier?

One review said the pacifier became discolored after boiling it. If that’s true, it’s unfortunate, though at least it doesn’t impact the usability in any way. But, do you want to know what’s even better?

These pacifiers come with a reusable sterilizing case that sterilizes it in 3 minutes! You can’t get much more convenient than that, except each minute a baby is crying is like 20. You might have to sing a few rounds of your baby’s favorite lullaby. 😉

Okay, okay! So, how can this pacifier help my baby sleep?

Pacifiers naturally give babies a way to self-soothe when you aren’t around to feed, hold, or rock them. After all, you have to sleep (…and cook, do laundry, etc.), too! Babies have a reflexive need to suck and pacifiers help satisfy that need.

(Please note that breastfeeding babies should not use a pacifier until after 3-4 weeks old to avoid nipple confusion, but formula-feeding babies can use them from day one.)

And, remember how the nipple shape helps with breathing? Physiological breathing improves the quality of sleep, reduces irritability and respiratory disorders. When your baby’s sleeping, it’s a lot easier for you to sleep, too!

But, won’t the pacifier fall out a million times?

Maybe. But, maybe not! This unique nipple design and extra-soft silicone with a satin-textured finish make it easier for your baby to keep it in. And, in the grand scheme of things, if you have to replace it once or twice a night when your baby is a newborn, this is definitely manageable! 10+ times like with other pacifiers not-so-much.

Perfect Paci!
“I was desperate for a pacifier my newborn would take. This was the solution to all our crankiness! He took to it instantly and it was easy for him to hold and keep in his mouth!”
-Aispow

My baby loves this pacifier!
“It’s the only one she actually keeps in her mouth without instantly spitting it out. She is able to self-soothe with it, and it’s super cute and stylish with its clear silicone rubber.”
-Megannicolewhite

And, when your baby is old enough, the soft handle of this one-piece-construction pacifier is big enough for baby to grab. And, finally, one of my favorite items to use in conjunction with the PhysioForma is the Pocket Buddy. Not only will it help your baby find his own pacifier, but it doubles as a lovey once he’s old enough to sleep with a buddy. I love how you “pull its tail to pocket the pacifier.” Adorable!

It turns out all pacifiers aren’t the same. I am so happy Chicco reached out to me. Some of the babies with which we work really need to keep the pacifier during sleep coaching and now I have one I can recommend confidently!

Disclosure: The Baby Sleep Site was compensated for this post to cover the time invested, but these opinions are all our own and we only recommend products we feel good about endorsing.

References:
https://www.infantcpr.com/blog/posts/sleeping-with-pacifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3977172
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0415/p681.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331

The post Can THIS Pacifier Help Your Baby Sleep? – Chicco PhysioForma Pacifier Review appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

There are several ways to help your baby fall asleep anywhere. Each baby is unique so it is best to use a combination of methods so that you can figure out which ones work. Here are some of the best tips to get your baby to sleep anywhere:

1. Practice with Different Sleep Environments

Babies can quickly get used to their environment and once they are accustomed to it, any change will result in anxiety and distress. The good news is that babies learn to adapt to their environment so introduce changes to their environment early on so that they get used to sleeping in different environments. A simple way to introduce environmental change is to download white noise audio tracks and keep them playing in the background. Cycle through different forms of white noise including static, wind, waves, rain and nature sounds. You can also plan overnight trips to grandma’s place on a regular basis as this will help your baby learn to sleep anywhere.

2. Stick to a regular bedtime routine

When your baby is 6-8 weeks old, you can start working on a regular bedtime routine. A predictable and regular bedtime routine is relaxing and it will help soothe your baby and improve sleep. When starting a new routine, stick to one that is at least an hour as your baby needs time to adjust to it. Start your baby’s bedtime routine with a warm, relaxing bath followed by a gentle massage and swaddle. Turn the lights down low and then nurse your baby. About 15 minutes before sleep, rock your baby to sleep while singing a lullaby. Put your baby into his crib while he is drowsy but not asleep. Consistency is key so make sure that you stick to the bedtime routine for a few weeks before you try to tweak it in order to create the perfect bedtime routine for your little one.

3. Pack blanky when traveling

Babies have a highly developed sense of smell and they form very strong associations between scents and the experiences that are attached to them. You may have bought a beautiful, soft new traveling blanket for your vacation with baby but your little one will still prefer her tattered old blanky. Carry her blanky while traveling to help her adjust to a new environment. Put her blanky down in her crib and follow her regular bedtime routine to cue a state of sleep. Don’t wash blanky just before traveling but instead wash it at least a day prior to travel so that it still has familiar scents.

4. Stay active during the day

Newborns wake up every few hours for a feed but after about 3 months, they get used to sleeping for 6-8 hours at night. If your baby has been napping throughout the day, he will find it tougher to fall asleep in a new environment at night. Stay active throughout the day and limit nap time so that by the end of the day, he’s ready for bed. You can also play active games with your baby during the early hours of the evening. Dangle a soft rattle over him so that he keeps trying to grab it. This will not only help him stay active but also improve his motor skills.

5. Set the mood for daytime naps

A short daytime nap will help your baby get some rest without disrupting his sleep at night. Our bodies produce the hormone melatonin which promotes sleep. Melatonin release is influenced by light which is why it is important to close the curtains and keep the room as dark as possible during daytime naps. Ideally, you should do this before you feed, burp and put your baby down for his afternoon nap. This will give him enough time to get sleepy after his feed. There are several other DIY sleep solutions that you can use to improve your child’s sleeping patterns.

When vacationing with baby, always call ahead and find out about the facilities at the hotel or resort where you will be staying. Keep in mind that your baby’s sleep habits will also affect yours. Inadequate sleep is likely to lead to a low mood and elevated levels of stress which will impact your experience. Stress also affects digestion which is why it is important that you and your family get a good night’s sleep during your vacation.

Author’s Bio: Anita Fernandes has been writing extensively on health and wellness for over a decade. She has expertise in nutrition, fitness, public health, and weight loss and has contributed content to a variety of leading digital health publishers. Anita has a unique perspective on healthy living and lifestyle, as she has battled and overcome stress-related eating disorders and obesity. She shares her experiences in an effort to help others overcome the physical and mental health problems that can sometimes seem insurmountable.

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We love our little angels. As much as possible, we want to spoil them.

But of course, our babies can exhibit insatiable stubbornness. They will demand a lot of things. Food, attention, care–you name it.

Furthermore, babies tend to develop a strong affinity toward pattern. For instance, young ones who are used to nursing before sleeping time will never be able to sleep without them being fed. This predicament is quite an issue because it cuts off the resting time of the mother.

There are also other issues when it comes to excessive baby nursing. Babies that have been nursed for extensive periods are prone to sleeping disorders.

If you are in the point of no return, the best thing that you can do is to slash off the habit from the system of your baby. Only that time you will be able to feel convenience as a parent. Here are the proven ways of how you can do it.

Start a Healthy Napping Routine

One should know that napping is different from sleeping. Therefore, the routines that you usually do in sleeping may not be applicable whenever you are trying to make your baby nap.

To ensure that your baby can get over with nursing dependency, napping sessions should be created. This time, you have to guarantee that there’s no feeding that is going to happen at all. If you can do this successfully, you will be able to break the common association of your child toward nursing and sleeping.

You can still nurse your child, but make sure that it doesn’t happen immediately before nap time. For instance, you can have them nursed outdoors in the morning. The sunlight will help in preventing your babies from getting sleepy even while you are nursing them.

To make things more convenient, I do suggest that you consult a round-up article about breastfeeding pillows at ASleepyWolf.com. The latter provides better support and comfort to your young one while it is feeding time. It is a useful amenity even if you are outdoors.

Manipulate the Sleeping Environment

If you can be able to establish the perfect sleeping environment for your babies, they will be able to sleep faster without the need to nurse them. Improving the conduciveness of the sleeping area also regulates the circadian rhythm of your child. It is a foolproof method for a person to gain healthy sleeping habits.

For babies, it would be best that you let them sleep in a dim and quiet room. The temperature must be cool so that they won’t feel discomfort. White noise and lullabies might also help you out.

Establish a Different Schedule for Playtime

Playing is a necessary aspect for babies. It is where they can develop their mind and body. Furthermore, it can also train their responsiveness toward different stimulation.

You shouldn’t deny your baby the time that it needs to play. However, make sure that the schedule will never be an obstruction to the overall routine of your baby. Specifically, the playing time should never hamper sleeping time.

Once this happens, your baby will have a difficult time sleeping. After all, his/ her brain is already stimulated.

Prevent Nipple Dependence

It is entirely natural if your baby has grown accustomed to your nipple. During the maximum dependency period, your young one knows it as the food source. As time passes, your baby will eventually associate your nipples with all things that are comfortable for them.

It is not a long bow to draw that your baby has already thought that sleeping time means that he/ she can suck your breast. Well, if it is unavoidable, then you should give in to their request. However, there should come a time where you need to wean off their dependence to breast sucking.

Before your baby goes to the dreamland, you have to release or remove your nipple from their mouth. Of course, there’s a good chance that your child will wake up when you do this. But if you do this repeatedly, they will be able to sleep without you nursing them.

Reserve the Night for Daddy

Evening feeding time is a regular occurrence for your babies. However, make sure that it is your husband that will give the nighttime sustenance to your child.

You have to teach your child that nursing should not always be associated with only the matter. Beside, let them experience being fed their father as well so that they get comfortable even without your presence.

Just pump out some breast milk and let it be stored to a milk bottle. In this way, your babies can still get the proper nourishment while their dads are cradling them

Wrapping it Up

You can always send your baby to sleep even without nursing them. As a parent, you can teach your child when to feed and when to rest.

It would be a great thing if you can train them in this aspect. Take note that it will not only benefit your little angel but also to you as a parent.

That’s it for now. If you have some questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.

Sources:
https://breastpumps.byramhealthcare.com/blog/index.php/2017/09/01/5-ways-stop-nursing-baby-sleep/

https://www.easybabylife.com/how-to-stop-nursing-baby-to-sleep.html

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With a new baby, sleeping through the night can feel like such an elusive goal. When can your baby sleep through the night? When will your baby sleep through the night? And, how can you work towards sleeping through the night in a gentle, healthy way that works for your child?

Well, The Baby Sleep Site ^® is an entire website focusing on answering those questions (and more). We have a free blog with over 200 articles, a DIY library with our VIP Members Area, e-books, and, most importantly, personalized sleep consulting packages since all babies are unique.

So it’s difficult, if not impossible, to give you a quick and easy answer in this question as to when your baby can sleep through the night. What we can share, however, are some general guidelines and averages that will help you get a better sense of when your child may start to sleep through the night.

Babies can sleep through the night as early as 3 months old, though some won’t until they are 12 months or older. Breastfeeding babies tend to sleep through the night around 9-10 months old while formula-fed babies tend to sleep through the night by 6 months old, on average, sometimes as early as 3-4 months old.

Let’s explore this in more detail.

Babies Sleep Through the Night With How Many Hours?

It’s important to start by defining what ‘sleep through the night’ means. See, ‘babies sleeping through the night’ is actually a bit misleading. Why? Because sleeping through the night means different things to different people. For instance, many people consider ‘sleeping through the night’ to mean 8 consecutive hours of sleep, without any wakings. That’s probably because we adults consider 8 hours of sleep a full night’s sleep. Other parents consider sleeping through the night to be 11 or 12 straight hours of sleep without interruption (the number of hours most babies need).

Here’s the thing to remember, though: there is actually a medical definition of babies sleeping through the night. And it looks very, very different than most parents’ definitions! Medically speaking, a baby is sleeping through the night when she can sleep for 5 straight hours without waking.

For our purposes, we’ll use 11-12 uninterrupted hours of sleep as our definition of sleeping through the night since that’s what most people want to know, in our experience. In other words…

When can babies sleep through the night without any feedings?

When Can Babies Sleep Through The Night?

Several years ago, The University of Canterbury in New Zealand performed a study on this very topic. Their research yielded the following averages:

• Between birth and 3 months of age, most babies make measurable progress in consolidating their sleep, so that they achieve one long stretch of sleep per day.
• By the 3 month mark, over 50% of babies were sleeping 5 hours straight at night.
• By the 5 month mark, over 60% of babies were sleeping 8 hour stretches at night.
• By 12 months, about 70% of babies were sleeping 8 hour stretches at night.

So, as mentioned above, babies can sleep through the night as young as 3 months old but may take as long as more than 12 months.

You might also be interested in:

• Night Weaning Quiz: Is Your Baby Ready to Night-Wean?
• 3 Signs It May Be Time to Night-Wean
• Night-weaning vs. Sleep Training – Which Comes First?

When Will YOUR Baby Sleep Through The Night?

The averages above can be helpful in providing a snapshot of patterns of babies sleeping through the night, but it still doesn’t answer your most pressing question: “When will my baby sleep through the night?” Your baby is unique and when he or she sleeps through the night is dependent on many different factors and variables. Here are things I’ve observed in my 10 years as a sleep consultant:

• Breastfeeding babies tend to take longer to sleep through the night than formula-fed babies. Formula takes longer to digest than breastmilk so breastfeeding babies tend to need more feedings in a 24-hour period than formula-fed babies.
• Babies with health issues (particularly health issues that involve weight-gain problems) may take longer to sleep through the night. They should continue to eat at night to maintain proper health. Babies with reflux sometimes eat smaller meals so need more feedings in a 24-hour period, too.
• Premature babies may sleep through the night later than full-term babies since babies born prematurely generally need a bit more time to catch up with developmental milestones.
• Temperament has a big impact on sleeping through the night. Stubborn, intense babies may be more likely to cling to their nighttime feedings and be reluctant to change their sleeping patterns.
• Babies with strong sleep associations may take longer to sleep through the night, simply because those sleep associations may take longer to overcome.
• Families who bed-share intentionally can usually expect their babies to sleep through the night later than babies who sleep in their own cribs or bedside bassinets.

How To Help Your Baby Sleep Through The Night

If you believe your baby is ready to sleep through the night, but is still waking several times per night, then it might be time to consider sleep training.

While it’s true that some babies will eventually sleep through the night on their own, many babies need help learning how. You can help your baby or toddler sleep through the night by weaning him away from his sleep associations and helping him learn to fall asleep without help from you. Then, you will be on your way to sleep-filled nights!

The thing is, this process (of un-learning sleep associations, and learning to fall asleep without help) is tough for some babies – and so, by extension, it’s tough for their moms and dads, too! If you have tried sleep coaching on your own, but with no luck, why not try a personalized consultation from The Baby Sleep Site^®? Your consultation will allow you to work one-on-one with an expert sleep consultant. Your consultant will craft a Personalized Sleep Plan^® just for your family, walk you through each step of implementing the plan at home, and then will support you throughout the process.

Browse our list of consultation package options here.

Once you make your choice and purchase, you will immediately receive an e-mail with your Helpdesk login information. You’ll be able to log in and get started right away – no waiting!

When did your baby sleep through the night?

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