With the joy that comes with receiving a newborn comes with sleepless nights, irritation, exhaustion, and loads of crying. The sleeping part is always challenging, as newborns have no particular sleeping pattern. Though they're to nap for 16-17 hours a day, that doesn't guarantee a continuous designated time within the day. Actually, they can have small naps, adding up to 16 hours.

The calculations are quite frustrating, especially when you need rest. Babies tend to sleep peacefully in your arms, which is very attractive. The challenge comes when put to bed to nap on their own. Babies can't self-soothe themselves until a parent nurses them to sleep. This might take a while as they don't have regular sleep cycles until 3 to 6 months of age when they can sleep for extended stretches. A parent/guardian can train your kid for good sleep routines as early as a few weeks after birth.

All babies offer different child developmental phases. They can learn to sleep independently between 3 and 6 months old unless they are ill or have any other problem. The main thing is to stay confident and be patient to help your child adjust to falling asleep independently. As they cry, pick them up, embrace them, and put them slowly back to sleep. The small baby will study the ability to self-soothe alone but will need more time to learn the procedure.

Sleeping independently

Sleeping independently is a vivid term for many parents as we all try to teach our kids to sleep on their own. It takes time, lots of effort, and frustration. However, with consistency, the child will adapt to routines.

Tips on teaching my baby to sleep independently.

The training needs a lot of patience and learning about the baby's sleeping pattern.

  Feed the child before bed.

A full stomach plays a huge role in a baby's sleeping routine. It's a great catch to help them relax and fall asleep quickly.

  Retain a consistent daily routine.

Creating a regular routine allows the child to master and follow the pattern without any issues. Reintroducing different schedules within the set routine will distort the child's daily habits, making training difficult. Parents need to have time for eating, sleeping, playing, or bathing.

  Establish a safe and comfortable bedroom.

Offer your baby a conducive, peaceful, and well-aired sleeping area. Try eliminating distractions that will interrupt the baby from sleeping. The temperature should be warm, and the bedroom should have proper lighting.

  Talk to, sing, and play around bedtime.

Talk and sing lullaby songs for the baby as sleeping time approaches. This offers assurance and soothes the baby.

  Acquire good activity during the daytime.

If the baby knows how to walk, exercise will be an advantage to the baby's body. The toddler can play with family members or friends, which will make the baby tired quickly, making the kid fall asleep quickly.

  Check out for tired signs.

Babies express their tired sessions differently; some will throw tantrums while others will sleep. Parents should study their child's tired habits to know the proper time to sleep.

The signs include;

• Yawning.
• Rubbing their eyes
• Staring with helpless eyes
• Crying
• Tantrums

  Offering a warm bath.

Regular baths and massage will keep the baby warm and relaxed. This will allow the child to sleep without any fuss and for longer periods.

  Give them space

A parent should not rush into the baby's bedroom whenever the baby cries; let the kid worry and cry for a few minutes before attending to them. Rushing will make sleep training longer than expected. Let the baby try and fall asleep again on their own.

  Be patient with the baby.

Sometimes, it can take a long time for the baby to sleep independently, giving the kid more time to learn sleeping skills. Don't compare your child with others, as development is unique to every baby.

  Put down your baby before sleep.

Don’t allow your kid to fall asleep in your arms; try to lay the baby down into their cot while they are still awake.

  Soothe the baby.

When you put your baby on the cot, you may stand out of the scene; talk in a soothing voice to reassure your baby that you are still there for them.

Soothing the baby can be of many forms;

• Rub their back, legs, or arms.
• Communicate with a soothing voice.
• Lay the baby back down in their baby cot.
• Sing for them lullaby songs.

Hang a favorite toy or pet

As you lay the baby down on the cot, especially for six months and above, just put a soft toy next to them. They will keep admiring the toy as it swings and finally fall asleep.

  Shift to another room.

Bedroom shifting is hard and, heartbreaking and sometimes impossible with many parents. However, one can try the separation as the child's age advances. However, if it doesn't work, parents can select a section in their sleeping room that is distant from their own bed. Gradually, the shifting should come, but not too late to avoid tantrums.

  Try a baby sleeping bag.

If the baby can't sleep peacefully and moves about the covers on the bed, one can try to put the child in the sleeping bag to check whether the baby will be comfortable and have a peaceful sleep.

Conclusion

Children who develop healthy sleep habits early on are healthier and happier. If your kid is not getting enough sleep, start by training the skills of sleeping independently.