Independent Sleep at 10 weeks
As a first-time mom, I quickly learned that sleep plays a crucial role in a baby's well-being. At first, like many others, I believed that rocking and holding my child to sleep was the only way to ensure they slept peacefully. However, as I delved deeper into the world of parenting I realized that did not work for us. LOL!
I received valuable advice from my neighbor, and I discovered that babies can learn to sleep on their own as early as 8 to 10 weeks. With this newfound knowledge, I successfully helped both my kids learn to sleep independently, and now I'd like to share these tips with you.
Tip 1: Ensure Full Feedings during Awake Hours
The primary reason babies wake up during the night is hunger. For breastfed infants, they typically require about 24 to 28 ounces of milk daily. If you’re breastfeeding, I recommend weighing your baby to know how much milk they are taking in and keep track of how many ounces they are drinking in a day. To minimize nighttime awakenings, consider offering an extra small feed before putting your baby to bed. A well-fed baby is more likely to sleep soundly through the night.
Look up a baby feeding chart to know the right amount for your baby.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Diaper Size
Diaper discomfort can disrupt a baby's sleep, so it's essential to choose the right size. If your baby falls within the weight range for two diaper sizes, opt for the larger size for nighttime use. This way, you can ensure that the diaper doesn't become a reason for your baby to wake up.
For example: If your baby is 12 lbs and can still fit in size 2 but also fits in size 3, put a size 3 on for night time sleep.
We use Huggies diapers because we found other brands leaked, especially at night and for naps. Huggies rarely leaked for us.
Tip 3: Know Awake Time and Observe Sleep Cues
Babies have specific awake time windows, and identifying these cues can be beneficial in establishing a healthy sleep routine. When you notice signs of tiredness, such as yawning or eye rubbing, start the bedtime or naptime routine promptly. Consistency is key to helping your baby adjust to a sleep schedule.
Here’s a link for a video I watched to learn about all baby cues.
Tip 4: Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Setting up a conducive sleep environment is essential for helping babies sleep better. Use a sound machine to create a calming ambiance, invest in blackout curtains to block out excess light, and maintain a cool temperature in the room. These familiar conditions mimic the womb and encourage uninterrupted sleep.
Here’s a list of my recommended sleep products:
Tip 5: Teach Self-Soothing Techniques
While it may be challenging to resist picking up a crying baby, teaching them to self-soothe is vital for independent sleep habits. I heard that rocking or holding a baby until they become drowsy or fall asleep can be as distruptive to their sleep as if you, an adult, went to sleep with a pillow and blanket and then woke up to find your pillow and blanket gone and your neck hurting from being in a different position.
Idealy you want to be laying your baby down in their own bed (bassinet, crib, floorbed, etc.) at about 5 minutes before the end of their awake time. You want to ensure the baby is fed, clean, and the environment set. Say a quick sweet goodnight key phrase and then allow baby to self-soothe.
A gentle method involves giving your baby some time to self-soothe before intervening. For example, try checking on them after 10 minutes without picking them up, and repeat the process until they settle. This gradual approach helps them learn to soothe themselves back to sleep.
Understanding the importance of sleep for your baby and helping them sleep independently can be a game-changer for your family's well-being. By ensuring they are well-fed during the awake hours, using the right diaper size, identifying sleep cues, and creating a sleep-friendly environment, you can establish a healthy sleep routine. While it might be challenging to let your baby self-soothe, this gentle approach will eventually help them learn their preferred method of falling back asleep independently. Remember, every baby is different, so be patient and find the approach that works best for your little one. With time and consistency, you and your baby will both enjoy restful nights.
