Sleep Training Tips: Cheeky Chops

Before electricity, people rose and fell with the world’s natural light source, which matched our natural biological clock; back then, many people were getting what they needed. Today, in our fast-paced 24-hour society, our ability to maintain adequate quality sleep is suffering; ask yourself where sleep is on your priority list.

This is true for children and babies, with so many classes and activities to participate in, many babies, toddlers, and moms are over-programmed. Some of these classes collide with a child’s natural fall into alertness, making regular naps increasingly difficult to establish. More sleep is required in infancy than in any other age group, and the lack of healthy sleep for infants and children is detrimental to physical and mental health; not to be underestimated.

The biggest challenge for most parents, of course, is how to get this quality sleep for your kids if habits are already ingrained, the thought of making changes can seem overwhelming with so many current schools of thought, combine this with your own. sleep deprivation and all that. The concept becomes extremely overwhelming.

First, you need to decide what you and your family perceive a healthy sleep regimen to encompass: what you are comfortable with and what you are not comfortable with. Don’t feel pressured to make changes due to outside sources. Do what’s right for your family.

Changes can be made with the right knowledge and guidance, but don’t expect great results right away – be realistic. For children who already have associations or have a multi-level problem, sleep training is a learning process and is done in stages so that the transition is smooth for everyone. It takes time, persistence, and most importantly, consistency. Imagine trying to learn to play a game if someone always changed the rules; you would never learn to play, would you?

Here is a list of questions and tips to consider before making changes to your family’s sleep.

Does your child nap every day? Don’t underestimate the importance of daytime sleep. If your child is consistently missing naps, then their ability to cope with their environment decreases and they easily collapse later. How do you cope when you’re tired after a long busy day and you’re making dinner, with the phone ringing, the television on, planning for tomorrow, and trying to watch the kids? I’m sure you want to scream, like a child does.

You should make changes to your baby or toddler’s sleep when there are no other major life changes so that you can focus and be dedicated. It is not fair for your baby or child to constantly change tactics or methods; this will only create confusion. Please visit my website for a table on 24 hour sleep and nap requirements for your baby or child and feel free to ask me any questions about your baby or children’s sleeping habits if you have any concerns.