Can You Sleep Train A Newborn?

A question we get asked commonly is, “can I sleep train my newborn?” And the answer to this isn’t quite cut and dry. While yes, waiting until at least 4 months is the recommended time to wait to formally sleep train because of many factors such as babies abilities to regulate their circadian rhythm, self sooth and be able to tolerate longer stretches without a feeding. However, we are firm believers that you can set your baby up for sleep success from the beginning by implementing some healthy sleep habits from the start. 

When you’re implementing these tips, it is important to have realistic expectations. Remember that your baby is still so new and young that everyday may be a bit different and that is ok. Nap lengths may vary, as well as night time stretches so locking yourself into a set schedule is a way to set yourself up for failure. Instead, reframe your mind and follow a flexible routine, going into the process knowing that some days will look different and go better than others. In this blog we will cover all of the things you can do to set yourself up for success from the beginning and make the transition to formal sleep training much easier. 

Eat~Play~Sleep: 

• Eat~Play~Sleep should be the motto for your routine. Implementing this sequence of events will help you to avoid establishing a feed to sleep dependency which can be hard to break in the long run. When your baby wakes for the day you will start with a bottle, followed by playtime, then a nap. You will try to repeat (as best you can) that sequence of events throughout the day. 

Full Belly!

• In the first few months especially, feeding every 3-4 hours is super important. It will not only keep babies happy but weight gain is essential for babies to learn and grow which they do a lot of in the first few months. The key to feeding every 3-4 hours is to try to get full feeds each time. Babies can very quickly fall into the habit of “snacking” throughout the day. If they get stuck in that snacking cycle it can be difficult for them to ever truly feel full, making sleep, specifically at night, very difficult. 

Follow Wake Windows: 

• Encouraging daytime sleep at appropriate times will help add sleep pressure to babies for the night. In the first few weeks it may seem like your baby is sleeping most of the day, and that is pretty accurate. Wake windows in the first 8 weeks fall between 45-60 minutes. So if it feels like all you're doing is waking a baby up, feeding, changing a diaper, 5 minutes of tummy time and then they’re back to sleep most likely you’re on a great routine! After two months you’ll see those wake windows extend to closer to 90 minutes. 

Attempt Independent Sleep

• Holding and snuggling with your baby while they sleep during the day (safely of course) is super important for both mom and baby. Contact napping in the first few months will not ruin anything despite what the internet may tell you. However, encouraging some independent naps during the day will help avoid an association with being held or rocked to sleep. Pick one nap a day that you are going to consistently try in the crib and then build from there! 

Follow the ABC’s of Safe Sleep: 

• While contact napping during the day is great and part of soaking up the newborn bliss. However, it is important to follow the ABC’s of safe sleep in order to establish healthy sleep habits but more importantly to make sure your newborn is safe in their sleep space. The American Academy of Pediatrics has had safe sleep guidelines in place since the mid-90s and since their implementation have reduced cases of SIDS by over 60%. The ABC’s of safe sleep include laying your baby alone, on their back, in their crib on a firm, flat mattress.  Co-sleeping, sleeping in accessories such as a doc-a-tot, swing, bouncer, etc, do not fall under the safe sleep categories. 

The first few weeks as a new parent is no doubt emotional, amazing, exhausting, and everything in between. With the right support in place and realistic expectations, you can set your newborn up for success from the start to make nights and naps easier for everyone. And when all else fails, Teaching Sweet Sleep is here to support you with whatever struggle you may be facing!