Transitioning your child from a crib to a bed is a significant milestone. This change can be quite turbulent for both parents and children. To ensure a smooth transition, it's important to plan and prepare carefully. Here are some tips to make the process easier and less stressful for everyone involved.

Understanding the Right Time for the Move From Crib to Big Kid Bed
The right time for moving from crib to bed varies for each child. Generally, you should wait until as close to three years old as possible to ensure that your child is developmentally ready for this transition. Look for signs like your child attempting to climb out of the crib, showing interest in beds, or outgrowing the crib. These indicators can help you decide when it's time to make the switch.

However, if your child is younger than 3 years old and they are attempting to climb out of the crib you are going to want to try everything possible to keep them safely in their crib. Lower the crib mattress to the floor if it's safely possible, turn the crib around so the lower end is against the wall, turn his sleep sack around backwards so he can't get it off and can't climb over the crib railing, etc. 

Preparing for the Transition From Crib to Big Kid Bed
Involve Your Child in the Process. Including your child in the preparation process can make them feel more comfortable and excited about the change. Let them help pick out their new bed, bedding, and even the decor for their room. This involvement gives them a sense of ownership and control, making the transition smoother.

Create a Safe Sleeping Environment
Make sure the new bed is safe for your child. Choose a bed with rails to prevent falls, and place the bed on a soft surface like a rug or carpet. Remove any hazards from the room, such as sharp objects, small toys, or cords. Additionally, consider using a nightlight to provide a sense of security during the night.

Establishing a Consistent Routine
A consistent bedtime routine is crucial when moving from crib to bed. This routine helps signal your child that it’s time to sleep and can make the transition smoother. Here are some steps to consider:

• Stick to a Schedule—Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. This helps regulate your child's internal clock and ensures they get enough sleep.
• Calming Activities—Engage your child in calming activities before bedtime, such as reading a story, taking a warm bath, or listening to soft music. These activities help relax your child and prepare them for sleep.
• Keep the Routine Simple—A simple and predictable bedtime routine is more effective. Too many activities can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Stick to a few calming activities that your child enjoys.

Dealing with Resistance and Setbacks
It's normal for children to resist moving from crib to bed or to experience setbacks. Here are some tips to handle these challenges.

Be Patient: Transitioning from a crib to a bed is a big change for your child. Be patient and understanding if they resist or take time to adjust. Offer comfort and reassurance to help them feel secure.

Be Consistent: Consistency is crucial during this transition. Stick to the bedtime routine and the new sleeping arrangement. Avoid giving in to requests to sleep in the crib or your bed, as this can create confusion.

Address Fears: Your child may experience nighttime fears during this transition. Use a nightlight, provide a favourite stuffed animal or blanket for comfort, and reassure your child that they are safe. Avoid introducing new fears by keeping the environment calm and secure.

Additional Obstacles: While moving from crib to bed is a significant transition within the home, there are times when families may face larger moves, such as relocating to a new city or province. For those considering long distance moving in Alberta, hiring professional movers can make the process much easier. This can be especially important when transitioning from a crib to a bed, which is already a big change in your child's life. Hiring movers allows you to relocate with minimal effort, focusing your energy on helping your child adjust to their new environment and sleeping arrangements. Make sure you find Alberta professionals who are experienced in relocating families and understand the challenges of such periods. 

Encouraging Independence
Moving from crib to bed is an opportunity to encourage independence in your child. Here are some ways to promote this.

Allow Choices: Give your child choices related to their new bed and bedtime routine. Let them choose their pajamas, bedtime stories, or a stuffed animal to sleep with. These choices empower your child and make them feel more in control.

Encourage Self-Soothing: Teach your child self-soothing techniques to help them fall asleep independently. This can include holding a favourite toy, using a nightlight, or listening to soft music. Gradually reduce your involvement in their bedtime routine to promote independence.

Monitoring and Adjusting
Once your child has transitioned to a bed, continue to monitor their sleep patterns and adjust as needed. Here are some tips for ongoing support.

Observe Patterns: Pay attention to your child's sleep patterns and behaviours. If they have difficulty falling asleep or wake up frequently, consider adjusting the bedtime routine or environment.

Make Adjustments: Be flexible and willing to make changes if needed. This might involve adjusting the bedtime schedule, changing the sleeping environment, or revisiting the bedtime routine.

Seek Professional Advice If Needed: If your child continues to have difficulty adjusting or experiencing sleep issues, consider seeking advice from a sleep specialist. They can provide guidance and support to help your child develop healthy sleep habits.

Celebrating the Milestone
Transitioning from a crib to a bed is a significant milestone for your child. Celebrate this achievement to reinforce positive feelings about the change. Here are some ways to celebrate:

• Praise your child for successfully moving from crib to bed. Positive reinforcement helps build their confidence and encourages them to embrace the new sleeping arrangement.
• Incorporate a fun and special bedtime ritual to celebrate the transition. This could be a new bedtime story, a small reward, or a special activity your child looks forward to.
• Share the experience with family and friends to create a sense of accomplishment. Your child will feel proud of their achievement when others acknowledge and celebrate it.

Good Luck Moving from Crib to Big Kid Bed
Moving from crib to bed is an important transition for both parents and children. By preparing in advance, establishing a consistent bedtime routine, and addressing any challenges with patience and understanding, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition. With these tips, you can make the move from crib to bed a positive and rewarding experience for your child.

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I get this question from moms all the time, so I thought I'd touch on it here.  

“My 10-month-old goes to bed with a bottle and wakes for a bottle in the night. How do I break her of this habit?”

Good question! When you put your baby in bed at night, including the bottle in her routine is fine. You could start with a bath, pyjamas, her bottle, and a story or two.

You really want to avoid giving her the bottle until she falls asleep or putting her in her crib with the bottle. You do not want your baby to fall asleep with a bottle in her mouth because if she wakes up in the middle of the night, she thinks she needs that bottle again to sleep. If you come with her bottle and feed her to sleep or put it into the crib, she sucks herself back to sleep with the bottle.

Not only is that hard for her sleep strategies, but it is also very damaging to her teeth, which are coming in, so start the bottle earlier in your routine. You can have a bath, then her bottle, brush her teeth and then come back for some stories, but you should be putting her into the crib awake and without a bottle. If you follow gentle sleep training guidelines, I will give you some strategies to deal with the two weeks it will probably take to get her on track, learning a new strategy for getting herself to sleep.

You don’t have to leave the room; you can stay with her if you like, but she really does need to start connecting the steps that are involved in putting herself to sleep independently so that she is not relying on that bottle! Otherwise, she will most likely keep waking for that bottle. It could go on well into the second year, so you really want to make sure you break this habit now. Then, when she wakes in the night requesting a bottle, you’ll have to decline that request.

You can go in, you can stay with her and “ride it out,” basically, but she will learn a new way to sleep, and she will start sleeping a solid night, which will be better for her. It will be better for her in the sense that she is not falling asleep with the bottle in her mouth and, so, it may take about two weeks, but it is definitely for the best.

If you are having trouble dropping your little sleepers nightly bottle habit and you want a tailored plan and support to help you teach them independent sleep skills and strategies book your Free 20-Minute Sleep Evaluation Call to learn more about how I can help change your life into one where everyone gets the sleep they need.

As a parent, it's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when it comes to your toddler's sleep habits. You may find yourself exhausted from trying to get them to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.

This is where a Sleep Consultant ​like Erin at To the Moon and Back can help. Sleep consultants specialize in helping families create healthy sleep habits for their children, and here are some reasons why you should consider using one:

1. Tailored Sleep Plan: A sleep consultant can create a personalized sleep plan for your child, taking into account their age, sleep needs, and your family's unique situation. This plan can include things like a consistent bedtime routine, sleep training techniques, and strategies for dealing with common sleep challenges.
2. Professional Expertise: Sleep consultants have the expertise and knowledge to identify sleep issues and provide effective solutions. They stay up-to-date on the latest research in pediatric sleep and have experience working with children of different ages and sleep needs.
3. Consistency: One of the most important things for a toddler's sleep is consistency. A sleep consultant can help you establish a consistent sleep routine and provide ongoing support to ensure you stay on track.
4. Support: A sleep consultant can provide you with ongoing support throughout the sleep training process. They can answer any questions you have, offer guidance and encouragement, and help you stay motivated.
5. Improved Sleep: Ultimately, the goal of working with a sleep consultant is to improve your child's sleep. Better sleep can lead to improved behavior, cognitive function, and overall health for your child, as well as better sleep and less stress for you as a parent.

A Sleep Consultant can be a valuable resource for parents struggling with their toddler's sleep. They can provide a personalized sleep plan, professional expertise, consistency, ongoing support, and ultimately, help improve your child's sleep habits.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or exhausted by your child's sleep habits, consider working with a sleep consultant to help create healthy sleep habits for your family.

Book your Free 20-minute Sleep Evaluation Call to learn more about Erin's programs and how she can help change your family's life into one that sleeps well. 

Establishing consistent nap routines for your baby or toddler can significantly enhance their overall health and development. A well-rested toddler shows marked improvements in mood and cognitive functioning, making naps a key part of their daily regimen. In this guide, we'll provide expert tips on setting a reliable nap schedule. Each step is designed to help parents craft a nap routine that adapts to their child's growing needs. We want to offer practical advice that you can start using today to improve your child's sleep patterns. Stay tuned as we explore how to make these quiet hours as beneficial as possible.

Decode Your Child’s Sleep Patterns

Each child's sleep needs differ by age. Infants typically require 14-17 hours of sleep daily, while toddlers need about 11-14 hours. Recognizing these varying requirements is essential for setting appropriate nap schedules. To identify when your child needs rest, look for cues such as yawning, eye rubbing, and decreased activity. These signs suggest tiredness and the need for sleep.

As children grow, their slumber needs evolve, necessitating adjustments to their sleep routines. An approach that soothes an infant might not suit a toddler, highlighting the importance of adapting strategies as your child develops.

Understanding and responding to these changing needs are key to establishing a successful sleep routine. Observing your child's behaviour and adjusting their sleep schedule will help them get the necessary rest to support their health and development. Thus, maintaining a flexible approach is crucial for fostering effective slumber patterns.

Create a Conducive Sleep Environment

Creating an ideal environment for your child’s daytime sleep can significantly improve their ability to fall and stay asleep. Below, we explore how to optimize sleep settings and the impact of maintaining a consistent slumber space.

Optimize the Sleep Setting
For starters, ensure the room is dark and quiet. You might use blackout curtains to block out daylight and a white noise machine to drown out household or street noise. These elements create a soothing atmosphere that signals it’s time for rest. Also, keep the room at a comfortable temperature—neither too hot nor too cold. Typically, a cooler room, around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, encourages better sleep. Access our free Dressing Guide to make sure that your baby is not to hot or to cold in their sleep environment. 

Maintain Consistency in Sleep Space
Equally important is the consistency of where your baby or toddler sleeps. Always using the same room and crib or bed for sleep periods reinforces to your child that this place is for resting. Introduce a sleep-friendly object, like a soft blanket or a special stuffed animal, only used during slumber times. This consistency in environment and cues simplifies the sleep process and helps with forming a reliable routine.

Develop a Pre-nap Routine

Consistent nap routines begin with crafting a calming pre-nap ritual. A routine signals to your child that slumber time is approaching. Start with dimming the lights and engaging in quiet activities. A favourite book or some soothing music can set a restful mood. These cues help babies and toddlers anticipate that it's time to wind down.

Next, consistency is key. Try to perform this routine at the same time and in the same order each day. This predictability makes children feel secure and helps ease them into slumber more readily. Keeping the pre-nap period relaxed aids in smoother transitions to sleep.

Lastly, remain flexible within the framework of your routine. Minor adjustments will accommodate your child's evolving needs and occasional shifts in daily activities. This approach keeps the nap schedule flexible yet stable, promoting sustained restful periods for your child.

Schedule Naps

Setting up a nap schedule involves understanding both timing and consistency. Here are some steps to create a routine that supports your child’s natural sleep cycles and family life. 

Focus on Establishing Consistent Nap Routines
​For infants and toddlers, establishing consistent nap routines is crucial for daily harmony and developmental progress. Initially, observe your child to pinpoint the times they naturally grow sleepy. This observation aids in forming a schedule that aligns with their internal clock. Consistency in these nap times helps stabilize their overall sleep patterns, enhancing night rest and mood during wakeful hours. 
Unsure of your baby or toddlers sleep cues? Get our free download to help with your baby or toddler's sleep needs schedule. 

Balance Flexibility and Structure
Next, balance this newfound schedule with the reality of daily activities. For instance, you might need to adjust nap times for family outings or special occasions. However, strive to keep these adjustments minimal. A flexible approach allows for life’s unpredictabilities while maintaining enough structure to give your child the rest they need. This balance is key to a routine that fits smoothly into your family’s lifestyle.

Troubleshoot Common Nap Time Challenges

Adjusting to changing situations can pose several challenges for maintaining consistent nap times. Changes like travel, alterations in daily routines, or moving to a new home can disrupt a toddler’s sense of normalcy, making rest periods difficult. During these times, keeping some elements of their nap routine constant can provide comfort and stability.

Specifically, moving introduces a new set of environmental stimuli that can unsettle young children. Prioritizing the setup of your child's sleeping area in your new home can recreate a familiar and soothing space, helping them adjust more smoothly. During this transition, maintaining the regular timing of naps can reinforce a sense of routine amidst the change.

For families on the move, Allstate Moving and Storage can be an invaluable resource. This moving company’s efficient and careful handling of your relocation details allows you to focus more on your child’s needs during the move.

Closing Lines

In conclusion, several effective strategies exist for setting up consistent sleep schedules for our little ones. Establishing consistent nap routines can significantly enhance both their mood and overall development. However, patience and perseverance are key, as each child's needs might differ. Should challenges arise, addressing them swiftly and creatively ensures that sleep disruptions are merely temporary setbacks. Your dedication to these methods will nurture your child's sleep habits successfully. 

If you're having trouble with your baby or toddler's naps it's time to reach out for help. Get my Free Sleep Needs Chart to help schedule your baby or toddler's naps. See the main page and sign up for this free resource and others.

Are you ready to work one-on-one with me to change your family's sleep?
Book your Free 20-minute Sleep Evaluation Call and we will discuss how I can help you and your baby or toddler get the sleep they require to be the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves possible. 

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Throughout the sleep training process, I'm often asked how to keep baby awake through their feeding during the bedtime routine.


When you're working on sleep training, my number one rule is to keep your baby wide awake through any feeds. 


Nine times out of ten, the problem is that the bottle or breast has become a sleep prop. If you don't break the connection your baby has between the feed and sleep, the process will be so much more complicated.

It can cause night wake-ups, and then when they wake up at night, they will still have the idea that they need a bottle or breast to get back to sleep at night. 


I suggest moving the feeding up in the bedtime routine. Most people have a feeding as the last step. That can be tricky, especially if they're not napping great yet. They could be tired by the time bedtime comes. By the time they've had a bath, and you've got jammies on, reading stories, and then you're going into a feed, they might be way too exhausted even to try to stay awake for the feed.

Then you're fighting a battle of tickling and talking to them and trying to keep them awake, and they're so tired they really can't help you out. I suggest you move it up to before the bath.

Have the feed, then the bath, jammies, stories, and then bed. That will help break any connection they have with the bottle related to sleep.

If that feels a bit early in the routine, move it immediately after the bath. Sometimes, the tub stimulates children a little, so the feed can help calm them down. Most children really like their bath, so they'll be a bit more awake when you get to the feed.

Then, you can move on to the next steps. The good news is that the better naps get, the less tired they'll be by bedtime, so that's something to look forward to.

The more the separation between the bottle and sleep develops, the less likely they are to try to fall asleep at the bottle. You'll find that with time, even if they are exhausted, they won't use the feeding as a prop.

There won't be a connection there anymore. Your baby will happily have their feed and then put themselves to sleep just fine when they get to the crib.

Relocating comes with various tasks and emotions, not least of which is the concern over how it will affect your family's sleep patterns. Sleep coaching during a move emerges as a critical element in navigating this transition smoothly. It's about more than boxes and new addresses; it's about ensuring the well-being of your children during a period of significant change. So, whether moving within the busy cities of Canada or to a quiet countryside, let's find out how to minimize the impact on your child's sleep and make the transition as seamless as possible for your entire family.

Understanding the Impact of Moving on Sleep
With its inherent disruption of daily routines and familiar surroundings, the act of moving poses a challenge to maintaining healthy sleep habits during relocation. The shift to a new environment can unsettle children, making the comforting consistency of bedtime routines more important than ever. This is about the physical aspects of where they sleep and the emotional security that routine provides.

A child's sense of stability is closely tied to their sleeping environment and patterns. Thus, when families travel across Canada, the unfamiliarity of new bedrooms and the absence of their usual nighttime cues can lead to sleep disturbances. This makes maintaining healthy sleep habits during relocation into your moving plan not just beneficial but essential.

Pre-Move Preparation for Sleep Consistency
In the lead-up to a move, laying a solid foundation for your child’s sleep habits is indispensable. Sleep coaching during a move isn't just about the days surrounding the relocation but also about the weeks beforehand. Incorporating strategies for maintaining sleep consistency well in advance can significantly ease the transition. Here’s how to prepare:
​

• Time zone adjustment: Begin gradually adjusting your child’s sleep schedule to match the time zone of your new home. This slow shift is especially important for minimizing jet lag.
• Familiarize new sleep cues: If possible, introduce your child to elements they'll encounter in their new sleeping environment. This might mean adapting to a different level of light or noise, mimicking the conditions of the new home to make the adjustment smoother.
• Maintain a sleep diary: Keeping track of sleep patterns can be especially helpful during this time. Note what works and any sleep disturbances, using this information to tweak routines as needed.
• Open dialogues about the move: Talk with your child about the move, addressing any concerns or fears. A calm, reassured child is more likely to maintain healthy sleep patterns.

Always keep in mind that preparing your family for a move involves more than just packing. By focusing on sleep coaching during this transitional phase, you’re setting the stage for a smoother adaptation to your new home.

Maintaining Sleep Routines During the Move
When embarking on a move across the country, the turmoil of the cross country move in Canada and hiring movers can easily disrupt your child’s established sleep routines. The key to minimizing this disruption is preparation and flexibility, ensuring that your child's sleep needs remain a top priority amid the chaos of packing boxes and travel plans. Choosing the right company can also play a role in maintaining sleep routines. A smooth moving process reduces stress for everyone, allowing parents to focus more on their children's needs during this time of change.

Here are practical tips to help maintain sleep routines during the move:

1. Even if your schedule is unpredictable, try to keep nap times and bedtimes consistent.
2. Maintain familiar bedtime rituals to provide comfort, whether it's reading a favorite book or singing a specific lullaby.
3. Make sure comfort items like favorite blankets or stuffed animals are not packed away.
4. Create a sleep-friendly environment by using portable blackout curtains and familiar nightlights to make new spaces feel more like home.

Re-establishing Sleep Routines Post-Move
Once you've arrived at your new home, take the time to set up your child’s sleep environment. This doesn’t just mean assembling the crib or bed but also ensuring the room feels safe and comfortable.

Reintroduce established sleep routines as soon as possible, but be prepared for some adjustment time. Every child reacts differently to a new environment, and some may take longer to acclimate. If your child struggles more than expected, especially if your kids are experiencing night terrors, it's important to address these issues patiently and persistently. Revisit comforting bedtime routines and consider if additional support, such as from a pediatric sleep consultant, is needed.

Tools and Resources for Sleep Coaching During a Move
Several tools and apps are designed to support children's sleep routines, many of which can be especially helpful during a move. Technology offers practical solutions, from white noise apps that drown out unfamiliar sounds to sleep trackers that help parents monitor their child’s sleep patterns. Books and online forums provide additional support, offering insights from experts and other parents through similar transitions. On top of that, you can always reach out to professional sleep counselors with years of experience who can help ensure your entire family doesn't suffer from sleep deprivation before, during, or after this transition.

Embrace New Beginnings with Restful Nights
Maintaining consistency in sleep coaching during a move is about more than just sticking to a schedule. More importantly, it's about providing stability and comfort in a time of change. So, as you prepare for your family's move to Canada, remember that the key to success lies in preparation, flexibility, and the understanding that each child's needs may differ. Whether adjusting to a new time zone or creating a sense of familiarity in a new home, the effort put into maintaining sleep routines pays off through restful nights and happier transitions. As we embrace new beginnings, let's ensure they're accompanied by the peaceful slumber our children deserve.

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​As a Certified Sleep Sense Consultant, I confess that I am unabashedly a sleep nerd. There’s something genuinely fascinating about the world of sleep – it’s like a vast, uncharted universe right inside our minds. Sleep isn’t just a nightly routine; it’s a journey into a mysterious part of our existence, a realm where the body and mind rejuvenate and engage in an intricate dance of restoration.

For many of us at Sleep Sense, our passion for sleep isn’t just professional; it’s personal. We’ve seen firsthand how a good night’s sleep can transform lives. In our experience, sleep is the closest thing to a panacea for life’s myriad challenges. It’s remarkable how many of life’s problems seem less daunting after a restful night.

Imagine a tool so powerful it enhances your memory, boosts your creativity, strengthens your immune system, and even helps you maintain a healthy weight. That’s sleep for you! Sleep is not just about shutting down for the night; it’s an essential process that keeps our bodies and minds in optimum condition.

To share our passion with you, here are 1​2 fascinating sleep facts that highlight just how incredible and bizarre the world of sleep can be:
‌
1. Humans Spend 1/3 of Their Lives Sleeping: That’s a significant investment in time, indicating just how crucial sleep is to our overall health and well-being.

​2. The Record for Longest Period Without Sleep: Randy Gardner holds this record, staying awake for 264 hours (about 11 days) in 1964, though it’s definitely not recommended to try this!

​3. Dolphins Sleep with One Eye Open: They shut down half their brain and one eye while the other half remains alert, a behaviour known as unihemispheric slow-wave sleep.

​4. Humans Are the Only Mammals That Willingly Delay Sleep: Other animals follow their natural sleep patterns unless they are interfered with.

​5. Sleep Deprivation Can Be Torturous: It has been used as a form of torture as it can lead to severe psychological and physical impairments.

​6. The “First Night Effect”: Many people don’t sleep as well in a new environment due to a survival mechanism where the brain stays more alert.

​7. Snails Can Sleep for Three Years: They can enter a state of prolonged sleep to survive when the weather is not conducive.

​8. The Shortest Sleeping Mammal: Giraffes only need about 1.9 hours of sleep daily, often in small naps of just a few minutes.

​9. Cheese Can Affect Your Dreams: Some studies suggest that eating cheese before bed can influence the nature of your dreams, though the reasons remain unclear.

​10. Pre-Industrial Sleep Patterns: Historical research suggests that before the Industrial Revolution and the advent of electric lighting, people used to have two distinct periods of sleep, known as “first” and “second” sleep, separated by a period of wakefulness during the night.

11. Exploding Head Syndrome: This rare, misunderstood condition causes individuals to experience loud, imagined noises (such as a bomb exploding, a gunshot, or a cymbal crash) as they are drifting off to sleep. It’s a type of sleep disorder known as parasomnia and is thought to be related to stress and fatigue. 

12. The Role of the Full Moon in Sleep Patterns: Various studies have explored the impact of the lunar cycle on human sleep patterns, with some findings suggesting that people may experience poorer sleep quality during a full moon. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “lunar insomnia,” is thought to be rooted in ancient human rhythms that date back to a time when moonlight might have influenced our ancestors’ sleep-wake cycles and nocturnal activities. However, the scientific community is still debating the extent and consistency of the moon’s effect on sleep, as the evidence is inconclusive and varies between studies.

As sleep consultants, our love for sleep extends beyond its mere mechanics. We are constantly in awe of its complexities and idiosyncrasies. We believe that embracing good sleep practices can profoundly impact every aspect of life, from health to happiness. Sleep well, live well – that’s our motto. May these fun facts inspire you to cherish and prioritize your sleep, just as we do every day. Sweet dreams!

Before I get rolling here, let me say that I am not anti-pacifier. 
I mean, what mother could be? We’ve all been saved from a major baby meltdown by the quick introduction of a dummy into a baby’s mouth at the right moment. Maybe they missed their sleep window by a little bit and were getting a bit cranky; perhaps they got an unexpected bump on the head, or you had to swoop in and take the dog treat out of their mouth. Just before they go into a tantrum, in goes the pacifier, and like magic, all is well. 

Pacifiers have benefits beyond preventing tantrums, as well. The AAP found that pacifiers can reduce the risk of SIDS, possibly due to the fact that baby has a more challenging time burying their face into soft bedding if they have a pacifier sticking out of their mouth. So, given that very substantial and necessary consideration, I’m making the following recommendations based on the supposition that your baby is over a year old. 

That doesn’t mean this is irrelevant if your little one’s younger than that, but just make sure you’ve carefully considered the pros and cons of taking away the pacifier before you make a decision.

So here’s the conundrum from a sleep expert’s point of view: pacifiers can become a problem when it comes to sleep. If a baby’s accustomed to falling asleep with a pacifier in, it almost always wakes up in the night after it’s fallen out. It kicks up a fuss until mom gets up, finds it, and pops it back in its mouth.

So, first off, let’s look at why babies can’t just fall asleep with a pacifier in and then peacefully sleep through the night. Then, we can look at some strategies for getting rid of the pacifier if you and your baby are ready to take the plunge.

Sleep, for babies and adults alike, comes in cycles. Many of us are under the assumption that we fall asleep at the start of the night, go into a deeper sleep as the night goes on, and then gradually come out of it as the morning rolls around.

It’s true that we go from light sleep to deep sleep and then back again, but it happens several times a night, depending on how long you sleep. For adults, a full cycle typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. For a baby, it’s closer to 50. 

Suppose your baby won’t sleep at bedtime without a pacifier in their mouth. In that case, there’s a distinct possibility that they rely on that pacifier to sleep. When they get to the end of a sleep cycle, they get into that very light stage of sleep and might actually wake up, at which point they’re still tired, but they might have trouble getting back to sleep because “Hey! Where’s the pacifier? I can’t get to sleep without my pacifier!” 

Suppose they can’t find it or haven’t figured out how to put it in on their own yet. In that case, they’re going to get upset because they can’t get back to sleep, and they’re going to start crying for someone to come and rectify the situation. 

And that, right there, is the definition of what we in the sleep consulting field call a “sleep prop.” Sometimes, it’s feeding, sometimes it’s rocking, and sometimes it’s some crazy combination of a bunch of things, but essentially, it’s something that babies depend on to get to sleep that they can’t provide on their own when they wake up in the night.

More than anything, that’s the secret to sleeping through the night. Getting rid of sleep props is, hands down, the most critical component to getting your little one sleeping peacefully from the time you put them to bed until they wake up, happy and refreshed, in the morning.