Ask the Expert: 🤱🏻💤⭐ Secrets to Raising an Independent Sleeper: Helping Baby Self Settle🎵 👶🏻🌛

Putting your little one down asleep - especially if they aren’t able to put themselves to sleep independently in any situation - is an i that sleep training may help. Imagine going to sleep in your bed and then waking up in your garden? Now think about how a baby must feel, going to sleep in your arms and then waking up something completely different? I would advise you work on self- settling by putting baby in their crib awake and then being near them (using voice and touch) for them to feel comfortable in their sleep space, and eventually they will start to feel safe and secure to fall asleep.

This can happen at any age - all little ones are different. If you are considering any type of sleep training support however, this is best after the four month regression has occurred. At this stage your baby will have a circadian rhythm. Before four months, there are lots of sleep shaping things you can put in place, but remember, always be prepared for this to change when they go through the four month regression.

The key for sleep regressions is to be consistent with your routines and not to introduce unsustainable habits eg rocking to sleep. Remember not all babies will be affected by sleep regressions 🙂

I would definitely say that this is largely down to personal choice. This answer will also vary on whether baby is awake in the cot and playing or maybe they’re crying. I’d be happy to chat with you about your specific challenges and we can discuss what would work best for you and your family. I would say that, for nap times, if you’ve been trying for more than an hour, give up and get your little one up as if they had a great nap and you’re starting the rest of their day. Do an activity and then try again.

Hey there - email me at semone@mrandmrssleep.com. My sleep services analyse your baby’s sleep routine and your sleep goals. We come up with a sleep plan together and then I support you over three weeks to put it in place 🙂

Many babies can self settle naturally BUT many babies also don’t learn this skill independently. In those circumstances there are many things you can do to support the learning from : 1. Positive sleep environments 2. Sleep routines 3. The right bedtime for their daytime activity 4. Awake windows being right for your little one 5. The right amount of day and night sleep 6. If needed, gentle sleep training to further encourage and support sleeping independently

Babies can absolutely settle themselves to sleep - this will enable them to fall asleep naturally at bedtime/nap time without external aides such as feeding or rocking. With positive sleep routines and environments this is very achievable.