Learn how to teach your kids about sleep needs and boundaries to ensure fun, respectful, and restful sleepovers for everyone. Sleepovers are a treasured childhood experience, offering fun memories and a chance for kids to build social skills. However, these gatherings can also be overwhelming if boundaries aren’t respected, particularly when it comes to sleep. Teaching kids about sleep needs and boundaries helps make sure that both they and their friends enjoy the sleepover while getting enough rest. This balance between fun and respect for personal space and rest is key to making sleepovers a positive experience for everyone. Why Sleepovers Are Beneficial for Kids Sleepovers offer more than just a fun night with friends. They help children learn independence, practice social skills, and strengthen friendships. By staying away from home, kids learn how to manage themselves in a new environment. This teaches responsibility, decision-making, and flexibility. Sleepovers also allow kids to learn about sharing personal space and following rules in someone else's home. The experience is enjoyable, but it also provides life lessons in understanding personal space and respecting others' needs, including when it’s time to sleep. Teaching Kids to Set Personal Boundaries Setting boundaries is an important skill for children; sleepovers offer an ideal opportunity to practice this. It is important to teach your child to express their needs clearly and respectfully, especially when it comes to sleep. Encourage them to tell their friends when they’re feeling tired or if they need quiet time. Boundaries can also apply to personal space, such as not invading others’ sleeping areas or disturbing someone trying to rest. Helping kids understand that it’s okay to say no or ask for quiet will ensure they get the rest they need and encourage mutual respect during the sleepover. Preparing for a Sleepover: Setting Expectations Before sending your child off to a sleepover, setting expectations is important. Discuss their routine for bedtime with them, including how they feel about staying up late. If they have specific needs—such as a nightlight or a special blanket—make sure they pack these items. You can also help them understand that it’s perfectly okay to ask for some quiet time if they feel tired earlier than others. Creating a plan together helps your child feel more in control and comfortable with their boundaries, reducing anxiety and stress. Preparing for Sleepovers in a New Home If your family has recently moved into a new home, hosting a sleepover can be a fun way for your kids to start feeling more comfortable in their new surroundings. It allows them to share their excitement about the new space with friends. It also establishes new routines and creates lasting memories. Set up a cozy sleepover area to ensure the sleepover is a success. It should have familiar items like their favorite blankets, pillows, or nightlights to help them feel more at ease. If you're still in the process of moving or settling in, moveinterstate.com can make the transition smoother. Their expert services will take the stress out of relocating, allowing you to focus on creating a welcoming environment for your child’s sleepover and helping them adjust to their new home more comfortably. Teaching Kids About Sleep Needs and Boundaries An important lesson for any sleepover is respecting one's own sleep needs and those of others. Kids should learn to be aware of when their friends might need to rest or have personal space. This includes not being too loud when others are trying to sleep avoiding waking someone up early in the morning. It also involves giving a friend some space if they seem homesick. By being considerate of others' sleep needs and boundaries, your child will help create a more comfortable and enjoyable environment for everyone at the sleepover. Addressing Common Challenges Sleepovers can be full of excitement, but they also come with potential challenges. Kids might stay up too late, feel homesick, or struggle to sleep in a new environment. Teach your child how to handle these situations in a way that respects everyone’s boundaries. For instance, if they feel homesick, encourage them to ask their host if they can call home or step aside for some quiet time. If other children are still awake while your child feels tired, remind them that it’s okay to excuse themselves and go to bed early. Helping them prepare for these moments will reduce stress and ensure they feel more confident about managing sleepovers. Encouraging Proper Etiquette Naturally, parents play an essential role in promoting good sleep etiquette during sleepovers. If you’re hosting, establish clear rules for bedtime and quiet time to make sure that all the children get adequate rest. Creating a comfortable sleeping space with pillows, blankets, and maybe some white noise can help kids feel more at ease. For parents sending their child to a sleepover, it’s important to communicate with the host family. You should talk about your child’s sleep needs and any routines they follow. This way, all parents can ensure that needs and boundaries are respected during the event. What to Do When Boundaries Are Overstepped
Sometimes, despite planning, boundaries can get overstepped during a sleepover. Your child may feel uncomfortable, or someone else’s sleep may be disturbed. Teach your child to handle these situations calmly and respectfully. If someone invades their space or keeps them awake, encourage them to politely ask for quiet or explain that they need some rest. Let them know it’s okay to speak when boundaries are crossed, but they should do so kindly to avoid conflict. After the sleepover, have an open conversation with your child about how things went and if any adjustments are needed. Building Confidence and Responsibility Sleepovers offer a unique chance for kids to grow in confidence and responsibility. You give your child important life skills by teaching them to understand and manage sleep needs and boundaries. These skills will extend far beyond sleepovers. These lessons will help them navigate school trips, shared rooms, and even future college dorm life. More importantly, children who learn to respect their own and others’ boundaries develop better self-awareness and empathy. This will create stronger relationships with their friends. In Conclusion Teaching kids about sleep needs and boundaries during sleepovers allows them to have fun while respecting their own and others' rest. These early lessons in setting boundaries and understanding personal space will help them build confidence and develop healthier relationships. Whether hosting or attending, your child will benefit from knowing how to balance the excitement of a sleepover with the need for sleep and respect. With clear expectations, thoughtful conversations, and a little practice, sleepovers can be a positive experience for everyone involved. Images used: Pexels Pexels Pexels Pexels Saying Bye to Bottles: Transition Tips for Toddlers A Parents GuideWhen to Ditch the Bottle: A Guide for Parents. As a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, one of the most common questions I receive from parents is about when to transition their child from a bottle to a cup. This milestone can be both exciting and challenging. Understanding the right age and reasons for making this change can help ensure a smooth transition for your child and support their overall health and development. The Recommended Age The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents start the transition from bottle to cup at around 12 months of age. By 16 months, most children should be fully weaned off the bottle. This timeframe is not only ideal for encouraging developmental milestones but also for preventing potential health issues associated with prolonged bottle use. Why Make the Switch? Dental Health Prolonged bottle use, especially with milk or sugary drinks, can lead to tooth decay. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, toddlers who use a bottle beyond 12 months are at a higher risk for developing cavities. The sugar in milk and juice can pool around the teeth, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. Oral Development Extended bottle use can affect the development of a child’s oral muscles and palate. The sucking motion required for bottle feeding is different from that used for drinking from a cup. A study from the American Dental Association highlights that long-term bottle use can contribute to issues such as misaligned teeth and improper jaw development. Encouraging Independence Transitioning to a cup is a significant step towards independence for your child. It encourages the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Using a cup requires different muscle movements, which are crucial for speech development and overall motor skills. Nutritional Balance Children who rely heavily on bottle feeding might consume excessive amounts of milk, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. A Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition study found that toddlers drinking more than 24 ounces of milk daily are at a higher risk of iron deficiency anemia. By transitioning to a cup, you can help ensure your child is receiving a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients. Bottle as a Sleep Prop Many parents use bottles as part of the bedtime routine, which can turn the bottle into a sleep prop. This dependency can interfere with the development of independent sleep skills. Eliminating the bedtime bottle encourages healthier sleep habits and self-soothing techniques. How to Transition Start Gradually Begin by introducing a sippy cup with water during meals. Allow your child to explore and play with the cup to become familiar with it. Reduce Bottle Use Gradually decrease the number of bottles offered, starting with daytime bottles. Replace them with cups during meals and snacks. Offer Positive Reinforcement Praise and encourage your child when they use the cup. Positive reinforcement can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. Consistency is Key Be consistent with the transition. If you decide to eliminate the bedtime bottle, stick to it. Offer comfort in other ways, such as through bedtime stories or cuddles. Lead by Example Children often mimic their parents. Drink from a cup in front of your child to show them it’s the normal way to consume beverages. References
AuthorErin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016. Navigating Evenings Out Without Sacrificing Your Baby’s SleepAfter working hard to get your little one sleeping well with a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, it can be daunting to think about going out for an evening. Now that the schedule is in place, you might feel like you’ll need to stay home until your child leaves home, but you still need to live your life. Here are a few tips to help you make this work without ruining all your hard work: Navigating Evenings Out Without Sacrificing Your Baby’s Sleep Embrace the 80/20 Rule The 80/20 rule is all about balance. If you stick to your baby’s sleep schedule 80% of the time, a little deviation 20% of the time won’t ruin all your progress. This mindset allows for flexibility without stress. It’s okay to bend the rules occasionally for special occasions or much-needed social time. Plan Ahead One of our favourite things to do when our first son was a great sleeping baby was to have dinner at friends’ houses. Here’s how you can do it too:
Slightly Later is Okay If you can plan your outing to be back within an hour of your baby’s usual bedtime, this slight deviation shouldn’t be too disruptive. Aim for earlier outings and stick as close to the schedule as possible. An hour’s difference is generally manageable and won’t throw off the entire routine. Just be sure to compensate with a slightly earlier nap or a more extended wind-down period the next day if needed. Get a Sitter Now that your baby is a champion sleeper take advantage of this by getting a sitter now and then. It’s nice to have a break and enjoy some adult time, and you can be confident that your little one is getting all the sleep they need. When choosing a sitter, find someone who understands and respects your baby’s sleep routine. This ensures consistency and helps your baby feel secure and comfortable even when you’re not there. Communicate Clearly Make sure anyone caring for your baby understands their sleep schedule and routine. This includes grandparents, babysitters, and even friends if you’re visiting their house. Clear communication ensures everyone is on the same page and helps maintain your baby’s sleep habits. Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself Remember, parenting is all about balance. It’s essential to maintain your baby’s sleep routine, but it’s also crucial to take care of your own social and emotional needs. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly. Flexibility and a positive attitude will go a long way in keeping you and your baby happy and well-rested. By following these tips, you can maintain your baby’s sleep schedule while still enjoying some much-needed social time. Remember, a well-rested parent is just as important as a well-rested baby! So, go ahead and plan that evening out—you deserve it! When should you reach out for help from a professional? Now, if your baby or toddler is not sleeping well and, going out with friends or getting a babysitter sounds like an absolute nightmare. It may be time to ask for help getting your little sleeper’s sleep on track. Is it time to teach your baby the skills required for independant sleep so you can do something other than get your baby to sleep? Do you long for a night out with your partner or friends? Following the tips in this post can seem irrelevant if your baby or toddler isn’t already sleeping well. If you don’t have a good schedule already set up for your baby, it’s taking hours to get them to sleep at bedtime, only to have them wake up a couple of hours later. Then these tips are going to be lost on you. It’s time for a change; it’s time to give your baby or toddler the gift of sleep. Book your Free 20-minute Sleep Evaluation Call with me to learn more about how I can help transform your family into a well-rested one—a family that can easily go for dinner with friends or get a babysitter for that much-needed night out and not worry about your baby’s sleep because you’re the only one that can put them to sleep. AuthorErin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016. How to solve "split Nights" with your baby or toddler.Is your little one waking up in the middle of the night? No, no, not like that. I mean, like really waking up. Waking up and staying up. For, like… hours. If you’re the parent of a baby or toddler who’s dealing with segmented sleep, you know exactly what I’m talking about. This isn’t the middle of the night. “Go in and comfort your little sleeper for ten minutes until he gets back to sleep” wake up. This is a full-blown 3:00 a.m. dance party. It’s got a few names. Segmented sleep, bifurcated sleep, split nights, and it describes a situation where your little one sleeps for a long stretch, then wakes up happy and energetic in the middle of the night and stays that way for an hour or more. Slit Nights aren’t a new or unnatural phenomenon. Back before the widespread use of the electric light bulb, people would regularly sleep for a few hours, wake up for another hour or two, then go back to sleep. They’d use the time to read, smoke, pray, and have sex (not necessarily all at once), and then after an hour or two, they’d get back into bed and sleep until morning. (Apparently, it was also a typical time for visiting one’s neighbours. Not to hate on the old days, but if my neighbours came over unannounced at three in the morning, oooohhh, things would get biblical.) Nowadays, however, the vast majority of us go to sleep at night and, hopefully, close our eyes and sleep straight through until morning. But let me guess… your kiddo didn’t get the memo? Split nights are actually a pretty common issue. Baby goes down at 7:30 at night, wakes up at 3:00 in the morning, parties her ass off for an hour and a half, then goes back to sleep, apparently careless about the groggy, miserable day she’s set her parents up for. So let’s take a quick look at why this happens, and then we’ll learn how to solve the problem. Why Do Split Nights Happen? There are two major drivers when it comes to sleep. First, there’s our circadian rhythm, which is our natural tendency to fall asleep when it’s dark and wake up when it’s light. Then there’s our homeostatic sleep drive, commonly known as sleep pressure, which builds up over the time we’re awake. So ideally, over the course of the day, sleep pressure builds up, then at bedtime, when the pressure hits the sweet spot, baby puts her head down and goes to sleep. Then, as that sleep pressure begins to subside, circadian rhythm takes over, and baby stays asleep until morning. In the case of a split night, we could be looking at one of two reasons why they’re waking up. ● Your baby or toddler is not getting to bed early enough, OR… ● She is going to bed too early. Now before you pitch your phone out the window at that seemingly paradoxical explanation, check this out. How to Fix Split Nights? If your baby or toddler is getting to bed too late, if too much sleep pressure has built up, the brain has this instinctive response that says, “Hey, you’re tired, but you’re not sleeping. I’m guessing that’s because there’s a carnivorous apex predator around, so we’d better get ready to make a break for it,” and then starts upping the cortisol levels. The brain means well, but it’s a little behind the times on our need for lion alerts. So this can make it tough for baby or toddler to get to sleep at bedtime since that cortisol’s got them a little bit jacked. It can also cause a full wake-up at the end of a sleep cycle, which commonly happens around 2 or 3 in the morning. Ugh. If this is the case, you’re one of the lucky ones. Treat this like any other nighttime wake-up, reassure baby that it’s still bedtime, comfort her and let her get back to sleep on her own, and consider moving bedtime up a bit over the course of a few nights. But then there’s the alternate scenario. What if your baby or toddler gets to bed too early? In a situation where your baby or toddler’s getting lots of quality daytime sleep and going to bed early, it’s possible that there’s not enough sleep pressure built up to keep him sleeping until his circadian rhythm takes over and helps him sleep through the rest of the night, so up he gets. And now that there isn’t as much sleep pressure, and their circadian rhythm doesn’t have the horsepower to get them to sleep on their own, suddenly they’re up and active for an hour (or three!) while that pressure builds back up. Now, I’m all about early bedtimes. Too little sleep is a much bigger problem than too much. But suppose your baby or toddler's experiencing this kind of split-night sleep. In that case, it’s worth looking at their schedule and doing a little fine-tuning to ensure that you’re hitting the optimum sleep pressure right at the same time that baby’s going to bed for the night. I know plenty of situations can arise where you’ll want to get baby to bed a little early. For example, if she had a day of lousy naps and is clearly tired half an hour before bedtime, it’s the right move to get her to bed ahead of schedule. But try to avoid putting your little sleeper to bed early, more than one or two nights in a row. We want to prevent over-tiredness, but we also don’t want them in the crib at night for more time than they’re actually capable of sleeping. So if your baby or toddler's had a tough day and didn’t nap well, it’s fine to get her to bed a little early since that sleep pressure is likely already built up, but try to get her back onto the regular schedule starting the next morning, including her wake-up time. I know that this can all start to sound like an immaculately choreographed ballet. In some ways, it can be pretty complicated. Still, the more you understand the nuances and know where to make those minor adjustments, the better your baby or toddler will sleep. The less they’ll run into these regressions, setbacks, and interruptions. One final thing to consider if you’re getting ready to tackle this situation. This is not likely to be an overnight fix. Once your little one has gotten into this habit, getting them out of it can take some time. Like any attachment or dependency, overcoming it is an incremental process, and it’s likely to meet with some pushback, so if and when things get tough, remember your goal. You’re giving your little one the skills they need to sleep soundly through the night, and that contributes to their well-being in so many different ways. So stay consistent, be patient, and before too long, you and your little sleeper will both be enjoying full nights of deep, restful sleep. If you are having trouble with your child's schedule and are unsure what it should look like get our Free Sleep Needs Chart. It will help you determine wake windows, nap lengths, number of naps, bedtimes, along with wait times for night time interventions. AuthorErin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016. ![]() As a Certified Child Sleep Consultant, one of the most distressing concerns I encounter from parents involves night terrors. Understanding what night terrors are and how to handle them can be a beacon of hope amid nighttime turmoil. This guide aims to shed light on this sleep disorder, providing insights and strategies to help parents and children navigate these dark moments. What Are Night Terrors? Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, occur during the non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep, typically within the first few hours after a child falls asleep. Unlike nightmares, which happen during REM sleep and can often be recalled, night terrors are characterized by intense fear, screaming, sweating, confusion, and even sleepwalking, with little to no recollection of the event the following morning. These episodes can last from a few minutes up to 30 minutes and are more common in children aged 3 to 12 years old. It's important to note that night terrors are a part of a child's development and usually aren't a sign of a deeper psychological issue. Causes of Night Terrors The exact cause of night terrors is poorly understood, but they're thought to be related to over-arousal of the central nervous system during sleep. Several factors can increase the likelihood of night terrors, including:
What Can Parents Do? While night terrors can be alarming, there are several strategies parents can employ to help manage and reduce the frequency of these episodes:
Night terrors can be a frightening experience for parents. However, with understanding, patience, and the implementation of strategies to promote healthy sleep habits, most children outgrow night terrors with time. Remember, you're not alone; support is available to guide you through these challenging nights. AuthorErin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016. “What are you looking forward to?” This is usually one of the first questions I ask parents when I partner with them. It helps them visualize what life will be like in just a couple of weeks when their baby sleeps soundly through the night and takes long, rejuvenating naps. For most parents, the answer is right there in the question. They just want their baby to get the sleep they need to be happy and healthy, and obviously, they want the same for themselves. But once they’ve moved past the first few blissful mornings when they wake up and realize that their baby has slept through the night and is still sleeping, they start to discover that a well-rested baby brings some unexpected benefits. The number one among them is the ability to leave the baby overnight with the grandparents. There’s something absolutely magical about sleepovers. Spending the night somewhere outside of your home has a very intimate quality to it. Whether you’re a young kid spending the night at a friend’s house, the first time you and your partner sleep in the same bed, or the first time you stay in a hotel on your own, sleeping somewhere forges an emotional connection, and for grandparents, having their grandchild sleep in their home is beyond special. It’s a reminder of their days as new parents, a living, breathing testament to the family they’ve built together, and a chance to wrap themselves up in all that family love that’s so saturating when there’s a baby in the house. For mom and dad, this is an opportunity to go out on a well-deserved date night! Most parents I work with haven’t enjoyed that luxury since the day they brought their baby home from the hospital, whether 3 months ago or 3 years ago. Hence, taking advantage of a reliable, enthusiastic (and usually free!) overnight babysitter allows them to reconnect in a way they haven’t enjoyed for far too long. OK, putting the sentiment aside for now, there is some groundwork to be done before you drop your little one off at your parents’ place. You’ve completed stage one, coach your baby, so now it’s time for stage two. Coach your parents. Now, obviously, some grandparents will be completely awesome, wonderful, and fully compliant with whatever you tell them to do vis-a-vis their grandchild. But not all of them. Some grandparents have very, shall we say, entrenched views on parenting. After all, you’re living proof of their expertise and experience. It can be a bit of a balancing act to insist that your parents respect your little one’s schedule and sleeping arrangements while still respecting their role as experienced and incredible caregivers. So today, I’d like to give you a few tips on how to do exactly that so your whole family, including those beloved members outside of your home, can benefit. 1. Respect Your Elders Above all, remember that these are not rookies. They’re seasoned veterans who have been through everything you’re going through now, so even though you may need to establish some ground rules, don’t approach it the same way you would a teenage babysitter. Demonstrating confidence in their abilities will help ensure that whatever rules you do lay down, they’ll be adhered to. 2. Be Authentic I see so many parents trying to play parenthood off as if they’ve got everything under control at all times, even with their own parents. I mean, if anyone knows how tough raising a child is, it’s grandparents, so don’t be shy to let them know how difficult it was to function when your baby was waking up every hour at night and how hard you’ve worked to remedy the situation. Understanding the emotional investment you’ve put into solving your little one’s sleep issues will help them feel a personal commitment to the routine. 3. Explain the Incentives Grandparents crave interaction with their grandkids. I mean, they absolutely crave it. They’re like baby-interaction vampires. Not that anyone can blame them, of course. Smiles and giggles and burps from a baby are wonderful to anyone, but to that baby’s grandparents, they’re positively life-affirming. As such, they tend to want to keep the baby awake longer than recommended. (This is especially true in the case of newborns, who can typically only handle about 45 minutes to 1 hour of awake time before they need to go back down for a nap.
4. Share Your Experience Suppose you’ve already got your baby sleeping well at night and napping well during the day. In that case, you know what a difference it makes to their personality. Personally, I could not believe the improvement in my baby’s mood once we had gotten the whole sleep situation figured out. Parenting was exponentially more enjoyable when my little one was basically always in a good mood. It may sound crazy, but I just liked being around my baby so much more.
5. Equate Sleeping With Feeding If there’s one thing a grandmother won’t abide, it’s a hungry baby. The average grandmother won’t accept a hungry anything, come to think of it. But when it comes to babies, they’ll move heaven and earth to make sure that little ones are adequately fed. Putting sleep on par with feeding priority-wise can help ensure that the same level of dedication gets devoted to getting baby down for naps and into bed on time. So when you’re going over the babysitting guidelines, try to avoid getting into the minutiae and stressing how important those two things are when they’re taking care of their grandchild. One last thing I’d like to mention here because I think it’s super important: there’s a good chance your parents might end up being guilty of a wee bit of sabotage. For example, if a baby wakes up at night and cries, they might respond immediately and feed them back to sleep. Or they might allow your toddler to sleep in their bed with them. They may hold them and rock them to sleep at bedtime. That can cause some severe anxiety for a parent who’s invested a whole lot of time, effort, and emotional capital into breaking those sleep associations. However, I want to reassure you that there’s typically no need to panic and call off any future sleepovers. Babies, even newborns, are surprisingly adept at recognizing different sleeping environments and understanding the rules in them, so just because they get rocked to sleep at grandma’s place doesn’t mean they’ll revert back to that expectation when you get them home. If they’ve developed some strong independent sleep skills, they’ll be back to normal pretty much immediately. So don’t lose your mind if your mom tells you she let baby fall asleep on her chest. A gentle suggestion that she not do it all the time, combined with the concession that you know how hard it is to resist a baby falling asleep on you, should be all that’s needed. AuthorErin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016. Don’t we all just adore the beautiful faces of our babies when we first wake up in the morning? Nothing starts the day off on such a high note as the look in the eyes of your little one when they’re first getting up for the day. But when that moment hits at 5:00 in the morning, it can undoubtedly take the blissful nature out of the situation. An early morning wake-up is rough on everyone. Your little one is likely not adequately rested and may have a rough day, and you, as the parent, could certainly use an extra hour or two of sleep! Suppose you find yourself struggling to cope with those early wake-ups. In that case, I’m happy to tell you that there’s almost always an explanation for why it’s happening, as well as a solution close at hand. Check out the following tips and see if anything applies to your baby’s situation, then make the appropriate changes. Then, you should start seeing a turn toward those blissful mornings you’ve been striving for.
Babies are more likely to wake up early if they’re too hot or cold, so ensure they’re dressed comfortably. (Typically, one layer more than an adult would wear while sleeping in the same environment.) Use white noise machines to drown out any disruptive sounds. Dim the lights in the room during nighttime and invest in blackout curtains to block out early morning sunlight.
It could include activities like a warm bath (which is my personal preference as the “first step.”), gentle massage, lullabies, or reading a bedtime story. Consistency is critical here, as it helps your baby anticipate sleep and prepares their body for a nice, long snooze.
Strike a balance between appropriate nap durations and an age-appropriate schedule. Observe your baby’s sleep patterns and gradually adjust nap times and lengths as needed to find the sweet spot.
Try a slightly earlier bedtime to ensure your little one is well-rested but not overtired. A well-rested baby is more likely to sleep longer and wake up at a reasonable hour.
Give them a chance to settle themselves back to sleep before intervening. Then, if they cry, wait a few minutes to see if they can self-soothe. Over time, they’ll become more skilled at drifting off to dreamland independently.
When baby wakes up at 5:00 as opposed to 3:00 AM, we’re more likely to give in and assume that they’re just not tired anymore, but if you’re shooting for a 7:00 wake up as “the norm,” then you should treat anything earlier than that as a nighttime wake-up and respond the same way you usually do if baby wakes up in the middle of the night. Early morning wake-ups in babies can be challenging, but you can improve their sleep patterns with patience and a few tweaks to their sleep routine. Remember, each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. So be consistent, observe your baby’s cues, and be flexible in your approach. Before you know it, those early wake-up calls will become a thing of the past, and you’ll all be enjoying a few more blissful hours of sleep in the morning! Need more support for your child's tricky early morning wakings? Get Your Complete Guide to Your Child's Early Morning Wakings from To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting. AuthorErin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016. 5 reasons your kids need more sleepDid you know that March is National Sleep Awareness Month? Or is that something that sleep nerds like me only celebrate? Either way, the fact remains that this is an excellent opportunity to encourage you to prioritize your little ones’ sleep and take steps to improve their sleep habits. I’m going to tell you, in great detail, why that’s so important that it warrants an entire month dedicated to it! As parents, we tend to get complacent about sleep for our kids and ourselves. As soon as people announce that they have a baby on the way, we hear all of the “Hope you’re not a fan of sleeping!” jokes, and we tend to accept those sleepless nights as the price of having kids. So when Baby gets into the habit of waking up five times a night, we just try to shake it off and convince ourselves that it’ll pass eventually. We’ll get back to sleeping once they’ve grown up. But sleep, as I tell my clients so often, is not a luxury! Babies don’t fight sleep because their systems need less than their adult counterparts. But, on the contrary, they need a whole lot more! And today, I’d like to tell you exactly why. Brain Development Sleep is crucial for the development of a baby’s brain. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates information, helping to create new neural connections and pathways, which leads to better retention of learned skills and abilities. This doesn’t just apply to nighttime sleep either. Babies who take regular daytime naps show an increased ability to recall language, develop skills, and think creatively over those who don’t. Physical Growth Not surprisingly, sleep is also essential for physical growth. During sleep, the body produces growth hormone (HGH), which stimulates tissue growth and repair. So even though the body appears relaxed when Baby sleeps, a lot is happening inside! Cells in the cartilage called chondrocytes and cells in bones called osteoblasts receive signals from hGH to increase replication. This is a fancy way of explaining how bones grow longer, thicker, and stronger. Emotional Well-being Sleep is critical for emotional well-being. For example, babies who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to experience mood swings and irritability and have difficulty regulating emotions. According to Dr. Dean Beebe, director of the neuropsychology program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, “Inadequate sleep causes children to have problems regulating the ups and downs in their moods, leading to broader and more rapid reactions to relatively minor events. Children who don’t get enough sleep also don’t pay attention as well, are less likely to think before they act, and don’t seem able to solve problems as well.” Immune System Function Sleep helps boost the immune system, helping babies (and adults) fight off infections and illnesses. How? During sleep, your body produces and releases various types of immune cells, such as cytokines, T-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. These cells identify and target pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, and initiate an immune response to eliminate them. Adequate sleep ensures that your baby’s system is properly loaded with these essential immune cells to fight off infections. Better Parent-Child Relationships Finally, getting enough sleep can improve the quality of your relationship with your child. When your child regularly gets the sleep they need, they are more likely to be cooperative, cheerful, and responsive. In turn, you’ll experience less conflict and frustration with your little one. I don’t think I’m overstating the case when I say that a happier, more well-behaved child is something we’re all striving towards, am I right? So, how can you help your child get more sleep? Well, if you read my blog even semi-regularly, these won’t come as a surprise to you, but for the uninitiated among you, here are five of the biggest changes you can make tonight to start helping your little one get the sleep they need.
So happy Sleep Awareness Month, everyone! I know that most of you aren’t as obsessed with the subject as I am. Still, I’m grateful you’ve taken the time to learn more about what makes sleep so important and how you can help your little one get as much as they need. If I’ve helped you accomplish that, I feel like I’ve done my part to further the cause. AuthorErin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016. The holidays are almost upon us, and I absolutely love this time of year! Why? More than anything, it’s the opportunity to reconnect with the special people in our lives who we might not have seen in a while. Of course, everything about the holidays is special to me, but the people are what really get me excited. Friends, family, neighbours, and acquaintances take this occasion to visit one another in person, which I’m sure we can all agree is more valuable to us this time after the pandemic caused so many missed opportunities to reconnect. For many of you, this may be the first time your friends and family members get to meet your new baby, which is such a magical moment for everyone involved. Babies bring us together in an extraordinary way. Now, I don’t want to sound like a grinch here, but if you’ve been working hard to teach your baby some independent sleep skills and they’re finally sleeping through the night, I just want to warn you that even though this is a wonderful time to celebrate and spend time with the people you love, it’s also an absolute minefield of potential sleep sabotage. I’m going to single out grandparents here because they’re the most likely to be staying with you and the most likely to take liberties with your rules around your little one, but the same strategies apply to anyone who might be nudging you to ease up on bedtime and naps so they can visit with your baby. Common examples of this “nudging” include…
All of these things are said with the best intentions, of course. Grandparents are usually more than willing to get up and tend to their grandkids. You can’t really fault people for wanting to spend time with your adorable babies, can you? Intentions aside, though, sticking to your guns when people ask you to push back your little one’s bedtime can be tough, but I assure you, it’s necessary. One late night is often enough to leave your baby overtired, making it tough to get them to sleep, causing less restful sleep when they eventually do go down, and often resulting in nighttime and early wakeups, all of which leaves your baby tired and irritable the next day. And whose problem is it then? Well, yours, obviously. The first thing most people do when a baby starts to cry is hand them back over to their parents, thinking they know how to get them settled. Then the bad night’s sleep leads to a tough day of naps, leading to another rough night, and here we go again, just in time for the holidays. I’m not trying to be an alarmist, but things can get out of hand pretty quickly, so today, I wanted to give you some tips for politely but firmly putting your foot down when your houseguests ask you to hold off on putting your baby to bed. Be confident in your decision. Remind yourself of what you and your baby were going through when they weren’t sleeping well, and ask yourself if you can go through it again, especially during the holidays. Remember that you’re doing the right thing for everyone involved, and that’s never selfish. Explain the situation. If people understand the struggle, you’ve undertaken to get your baby sleeping well. They’ll be much more likely to accept it when you insist on strict bedtime and nap schedules. So let your guests know that you’re right about teaching your baby some sleep skills and that they’ll need to go to bed at specific times, with no exceptions. Highlight the rewards. This is really the best method I’ve found for appeasing houseguests who don’t know the value of sleep. When they’re pushing for you to let baby, say, skip a nap, ask them, “Would you rather spend three hours with a crying baby or two hours with a happy one?” After all, it’s tough to bond with a baby when they’re fussing and irritable, so remind Grandma and Grandpa that it’s a choice between forming those cherished memories of their grandchild laughing and cooing in their arms or significantly more forgettable ones of them fussing, screaming, and reaching for their parents because they’re tired and miserable. Take deep breaths. I know that sounds facile, but deep breathing really is an effective method of calming your brain and body down in moments when, let’s say, just as an example, your mother-in-law goes to “check” on your baby after they’ve been napping for 15 minutes and then emerges from their room holding a tired, bleary-eyed baby in their arms, claiming that baby was already awake when they walked in. Y’know. Just hypothetically. Not like your mother-in-law would dream of doing such a thing. Take a few deep breaths, seriously. Before you say anything, just smile, breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth, and remember that they’re just head-over-heels in love with their grandchild and didn’t do it to overrule or defy you. Give it a minute, and once you’ve cooled off a bit, calmly tell her that you’d like to see if baby can get a slightly longer nap and take her back to her crib. Be the Boss. Above all, remember, this is your child, and you know what’s best for them, so don’t let other people’s suggestions or experiences influence your judgment. You may hear things like, “We always let our little guy stay up late on Christmas Eve so he’d sleep late on Christmas morning,” or “You’ve got to make exceptions during the holidays.” None of those people know your baby like you do, so all of their opinions combined don’t hold a candle to your knowledge and proficiency in this arena. You don’t need to be a tyrant, but you should never forget that you’re in charge because you’re the expert! So rock that title and do what you know is right. The great news is, this is usually a one-time ordeal because once your family and friends see how well your little one sleeps, they quickly learn to appreciate why you take it so seriously. After experiencing first-hand how delightful it is to be around a well-rested baby, they won’t be asking questions when they come back next year. Instead, they’ll just enjoy the experience and quietly marvel at how awesome you are at raising kids. So happy holidays, everybody! Have fun, enjoy the season, and sleep well! AuthorErin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016. |
To The Moon and Back Sleep ConsultingProviding families the tools & support they need to get their little ones sleeping through the night and napping like champs! Everyone has more fun when they are well rested! Visit Woolino - Use the LINK to get 10% off.
Browse
All
|