What is the most dearest thing you miss after child birth? Your bed, definitely. Expect to become a zombie in the wee hour and be prepared of emotional and physical stresses because of sleep deprivation. Fortunately, it takes just two or three nights in a row of uninterrupted sleep to help you get back on your feet again, presumed you have someone to help you handle the baby. But if you dont’t, it’s time to consider sleep training for your little one.
Sleep training is the process of helping a baby learn to get to sleep and stay asleep through the night. There are a few methods of sleep training such as “cry it out” or “no tears” way . Truth is, there’s no single method applicable for all babies, thus choose the one that you are comfortable with and you think your child will respond well to. Before you start, make sure your baby has no illness or medical concern, weighs at least 4 kg, and feeds at 3-4 hour intervals.
Establish a regular bedtime routine; a warm bath, book reading and feed before bed. Put the baby awake but drowsy in the crib. You may be tempted to put pacifier on her mouth when she cries, but try to avoid doing so or limit the usage gradually. Leave the room and if she cries, let her cry for a predetermined amount of time. Return to her room and pat her back gently for a while to help her feel secured. The objective by going in is to make sure you get your baby from hysterical to a point where she has a hold on herself that they can try again. Pick her out of the crib if that can bring her down a notch. This is a learning process. So it might take you a few times going in and out or the room until your baby actually falls asleep.
You also have to set schedule for daytime. Naptime should be around 1 hour in the morning, and 2 hours in the afternoon. Try to distract the baby should she falls asleep in between the schedule. Give her attention more when she’s awake and quiet rather than ignoring her until she cries uncontrollably.
Have a good sleep, everyone!
