Comments on: 5 Things To Do BEFORE Sleep Training

By: Danielle

Danielle — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 19:20:13 +0000

In reply to Pola. Hi Pola, Thank you for your comment! I'm not personally familiar with this method, but it does sound similar to many other gentle sleep coaching methods, like, for example, Dr. Harvey Karp's. We always recommend being there with your baby for the first four months, and only starting gentle sleep coaching after baby is at least 4 months-old. Good luck!

By: Pola

Pola — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 07:24:07 +0000

I came across the sleep training method called hold with love. There is presented a theory about the fourth trimester, which is the most important thing to do before a sleep training. According to this book, during the first three month period we should help our infant in the transition from our womb environment to the real world. I like this idea and I’m thinking about following this method. Do you know something about this?

By: Janelle Reid

Janelle Reid — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 18:50:31 +0000

In reply to Kylie S..

Hi @Kylie S. – Thanks for visiting the Baby Sleep Site. I am sorry you’ve been struggling with so many wake ups from your little one. Since you have older kids, you know that teething is a battle that will continue for a few years most likely (or probably at least another year). Here is an article we for help with teething: https://www.babysleepsite.com/baby-sleep-comfort/baby-teething-sleep/
We usually would suggest to hold off on sleep training until your child is feeling themselves (meaning no colds – again, teething is a part of life) but I would mention it to your doctor and see what they suggest. I’m sorry he’s got so much congestion, hopefully you can find a solution so he has some relief and isn’t getting sick all the time from school, but I know that can be hard.
Hang in there! If you need more help with this once you get started, please let us know. We are always happy to help!

By: Kylie S.

Kylie S. — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 17:00:42 +0000

I have a 6 month old that will wake up anywhere from 1-6 times during the night. We are desperate to start sleep training but he seems to always have a cold (with congestion) or is teething. Do I need to wait until both are cleared to start? He goes to daycare 3x a week and I’m afraid he will constantly be congested like my other two kids. Difference is, the congestion seems to really bother him unlike the others. He’ll be going to the doctor soon to make sure it’s not something worse; if not, I don’t think we can wait much longer…. so tired!

By: Debbye @ The Baby Sleep Site

Debbye @ The Baby Sleep Site — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 02:57:11 +0000

In reply to Lydia Glassmer.

Hi @Lydia!
Thanks for writing! Stopping swaddling can be tough for some babies, and though she may adjust in a few more days or so, it is very common for babies to continue to be swaddled through and past 4 months of age. As long as you are using a safe swaddle and sleep area, you are free to swaddle her back up and see if she sleeps better once again. You can give it a few more weeks and try again, or use a different product to slowly wean from traditional swaddle, to a sleep sack type of product.
This article will give you more info and some links to some of our favorite swaddling items:
https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-training/how-when-to-stop-swaddling-baby/
I hope that you are both sleeping better very soon!!

By: Lydia Glassmer

Lydia Glassmer — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 11:59:09 +0000

I have a 10 week old baby. She was a great sleeper. Would only wake up once in the middle of the night and stopped and would wake up around 6 am from 11 pm. I stopped swaddling about 4 days ago and now she doesn’t sleep. She’s kicking her legs, fussy and waking up again in the middle of the night to eat. Once i feed her she’s still kicking and complaining. I’m about to start work in a few days and not sure if i should start swaddling again. We don’t have her on a strict schedule, but most feedings and naps are around the same time every day sometimes earlier or later just not exactly the same time, but we do put her to bed at the same time everyday and i usually feed her asleep before i go to bed which is 11. What should we do?

By: Danielle

Danielle — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 04:09:45 +0000

In reply to Sarah.

Hi Sarah,
Thanks for writing! I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your newborn’s sleep. This is very common, so you’re definitely not alone! We don’t recommend formal sleep training until around 4 months-old – younger babies are simply not developed enough to learn to fall asleep on their own. However, there’s still plenty you can do to promote better day sleep. Making sure she’s not awake too long should actually help her sleep longer during naps, so do keep an eye on her schedule. I personally found babywearing to be a huge help with my highly-sensitive infant, and it was nice to just have her sleep on me so I could still play with my toddler too.

We also have a couple of resources on the site to help:
https://www.babysleepsite.com/newborns/newborn-sleep-baby-tips-10/
https://www.babysleepsite.com/15-free-baby-sleep-facts-new-parents-must-know/

And we offer an ebook specifically about newborn baby sleep, which may be helpful: https://www.babysleepsite.com/essential-keys-to-your-newborns-sleep/

I hope these will give you some ideas, but please do write in to us at contact@babysleepsite.com if you continue to have trouble. Good luck!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 04:16:05 +0000

I have a super sensitive/high needs 4 week old daughter that has started catnapping during the day making her tired and grumpy most of the time. Is it too early to start sleep training? I also have 2.5 yr old toddler at home who is of same temperament so find it very difficult to spend time alone rocking the baby back to sleep every 40-50mins of the day. Do you have any recommendations to get her day sleeps better? Thanks!

By: Emily DeJeu

Emily DeJeu — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:01:31 +0000

@ Laurie — Good thinking! A week should be enough time to make some progress.

So funny that both you and @ Ann Klassen mention waiting until your husbands are out of the house. Maybe we add that as a 6th point to the article — “wait until your husband goes out of town for a few days!”

By: Laurie

Laurie — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:57:03 +0000

I have another month before hunting season and I can sleep train with hubby out of the house for over a week! I am so hoping this works.