• Uncategorized

    “You’ll Create a Bad Habit”—Why That’s Not True About Contact Naps (And What Actually Matters)

     

    You finally get your baby to sleep after what feels like a marathon of rocking, bouncing, and feeding. They’re warm and relaxed against your chest, and for a moment, all is calm. But then the voice creeps in:

    “You’re creating a bad habit.”
    “You’ll never get anything done if you let them nap on you.”
    “They’ll never learn to sleep alone.”

    Contact naps (the very thing that feels so natural and peaceful) are often painted as a “bad habit.” You’re told that letting your baby nap on you means you’re creating sleep problems, that you’ll spoil them, or that they’ll never learn independence.

    But what if I told you that those messages are outdated, fear-based, and not supported by research?

    In this blog, I’m breaking down the three most common myths about contact naps, sharing what the science actually says, and offering gentle, supportive strategies for families who may want to move away from contact naps—when and if it feels right.

    Myth #1: “You’re Creating a Sleep Crutch That Will Be Impossible to Break”

    Let’s start with the big one. The idea that holding your baby for naps will create a lifelong dependency is one of the most damaging and persistent myths in modern parenting culture.

    The Truth: Contact naps support regulation—not dependence.

    Your baby isn’t using you as a sleep crutch. They’re using you the way nature intended.

    From a biological standpoint, babies are born incredibly immature compared to other mammals. Their nervous systems are still developing, and they rely on co-regulation, that is, regulating their emotions and physiology through the presence and touch of a caregiver.

    Touch helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels. In fact, skin-to-skin contact has been shown to regulate infant heart rate, body temperature, and even brain development.

    Napping on your body is not a flaw, it’s actually a design feature! It’s deeply calming and it is also neuroprotective, especially during the early months when your baby is learning how to feel safe in the world.

    💡 Reframe:

    You’re not creating a crutch! You’re providing safety and security. And this is what sets the stage for confidence and independence later on.

    Myth #2: “They’ll Never Learn to Sleep On Their Own If You Don’t Teach Them Now”

    This one often gets thrown around in parenting circles, sleep training forums, and unsolicited advice from strangers at the supermarket 🫠

    The Truth: Sleep is developmental, not a skill that needs to be taught through separation.

    Just like walking, talking, and toilet training, independent sleep develops over time. Some babies start sleeping independently in their first year, others take longer. That’s not failure, it’s individual variation.

    What babies can’t do from birth is regulate their own emotions or nervous system. This is why contact naps often result in longer, deeper sleep—they’re getting the regulation they need to rest fully.

    There’s no research that shows contact napping prevents later independent sleep. In fact, studies suggest that responsive caregiving leads to better stress regulation and healthier emotional development overall

    💡 Reframe:

    Independence isn’t something you have to force! It’s something that develops naturally from secure attachment.

     

    Myth #3: “More Contact = Worse Sleep Later”

    This one usually comes as a warning: “Enjoy it now, but you’ll pay for it later.” 🙄

    The Truth: More contact often = better sleep now and long-term emotional health.

    For our babies, especially for high-needs or sensitive babies, contact naps are also a bit of a break from the chaos and overwhelm of the world. And far from making sleep worse, contact helps regulate your baby’s nervous system in a way that allows for deeper, more restorative sleep.

    What can actually create disrupted sleep patterns is dysregulation, which is when your baby’s stress response is activated (think overtiredness, missed cues, or feeling unsafe).

    And guess what supports regulation best? Yep—contact. Gentle, consistent connection.

    Studies on infant development show that babies who receive consistent, responsive care are more likely to develop secure attachment styles, which are linked to lower cortisol levels, more resilience, and better emotional regulation as they grow.

    💡 Reframe:

    Connection now doesn’t create problems later! It actually lays the foundation for trust, confidence, and resilience.

    Sooo… What Actually Matters?

    Instead of worrying about whether you’re creating “bad habits,” the more helpful questions to ask are:

    • Is my baby getting enough restorative sleep overall?
    • Does contact napping feel manageable and sustainable for our family right now?
    • If something isn’t working, can we shift it gently while still supporting our connection?

    There’s no “right” way to do sleep. There’s only what works for you and your baby.

    If You’re Ready to Move Away from Contact Naps

    First things first: You don’t need to change anything unless contact naps no longer feel sustainable for you.

    But if you’re ready to explore other options, here’s a gentle, connection-first approach:

    Step 1: Start with just one nap a day

    Pick the nap with the best chance of success (hint: it’s often the first of the day as this is almost like an extension of night sleep). Try transferring your baby to their cot after they fall asleep on you, or begin the nap in that space while offering physical touch (patting, shushing, lying nearby) if they are comfortable with this.

    Step 2: Don’t stress about perfection.

    Babies learn through patterns. If it doesn’t “work” on day one, it doesn’t mean it’s a failure! It’s a process and repetition builds familiarity and safety.

    Step 3: Pull the pin if it’s not working

    If your baby is struggling with the shift, try babywearing or stroller naps while gradually introducing a new sleep space.

    Step 4: Keep helping them to regulate

    It’s not just about where your baby sleeps, it is also about how supported your baby feels while you are making changes. Co-regulating with your baby over many thousands of interactions is what helps them to develop their self regulation skills. It won’t happen overnight, and that is completely normal.

    Step 5: Tweak as needed

    I often say to my clients, working on infant sleep is both an art and a science! Stay curious about your child – watch their tired cues, consider whether they have enough sleep pressure, and tweak and adjust as needed.

    Let’s Stop Calling Connection a Problem

    Contact naps are not a parenting fail. They’re not a habit you need to “break.” They’re a biologically normal, deeply nurturing part of early life for many families.

    You haven’t “spoiled” your baby by letting them nap on you. You’ve regulated their nervous system. You’re helping them build a resilient and securely attached brain. You’re making them feel safe.

    And if/when you want to change how naps happen? You can. You don’t need to use sleep training. You don’t need to withdraw connection to gain a little space. You can guide your baby through change with responsiveness, respect, and trust.

    So let’s stop calling connection a bad habit—and start calling it what it truly is: The foundation of great sleep.

    And if you need help moving away from contact naps? Check out my DIY Gentle Sleep Guides and let me help you!

     

  • Sleep

    5 Reasons Your Child’s Sleep Isn’t Improving—And What to Do Instead of Sleep Training

    So you’ve tried everything—following wake windows, adjusting naps, tweaking bedtime… but your child’s sleep still isn’t improving. The pressure to sleep train is everywhere, yet something about it doesn’t feel right to you.

    Here’s what I want you to know. Healthy sleep doesn’t require sleep training. But it does require understanding what’s really going on.

    Many common sleep disruptions aren’t because your child is being “difficult” or because they need to learn to “self-soothe.” Instead, they stem from biological rhythms, developmental progressions, and emotional regulation. The problem? The most widely shared sleep advice often oversimplifies sleep science and ignores individual needs.

    If you’re struggling, here’s what might be happening, and what you can do instead of sleep training.

    1. You’re Following a Generic Sleep Schedule Meant for Someone Else’s Child

    Why This Happens

    • → You search for help and come across sleep schedules based on specific wake windows or hours of sleep.
    • → These charts look authoritative but are actually based on averages, not guarantees.
    • → Most sleep charts list the maximum recommended sleep, not what every child needs.

    In reality, children’s sleep needs vary widely. Some babies naturally function well on 11 hours of total sleep a day, while others need 15 hours. The idea that every 8-month-old should nap twice a day for exactly 3 hours total is an oversimplification.

    When a schedule is off, you’ll see signs like:
    ✅ Split nights (child wakes for long periods overnight)
    ✅ Frequent early wakings (before 6 AM)
    ✅ Bedtime resistance (they aren’t tired enough yet)

    What to Do Instead

    • → Observe your child’s natural rhythms—when do they naturally get tired?
    • → Adjust wake times and naps based on their cues, not a strict chart.
    • → Use a sleep log for a week to find patterns instead of forcing a set schedule.

    💡 Case Study: One of my clients was following an 8 month old schedule with a 7 PM bedtime. Her baby fought bedtime daily and woke at 5 AM. After tracking his natural rhythms, she moved bedtime to 8 PM, shortened daytime naps slightly, and he began waking at 6:30 AM naturally.

    2. Sleep Pressure Isn’t Lining Up with Sleep Needs

    Why This Happens

    • → You’re told “sleep breeds sleep,” but too much sleep can also backfire.
    • → Overtiredness doesn’t prevent sleep. Dysregulation does.
    • → If a child is already well-rested within their 24-hour cycle, forcing more sleep won’t help.

    Key myth: Overtired babies won’t sleep. The reality? Being overtired causes stress hormones to rise, which leads to dysregulation. 

    Many overtired babies do fall asleep, but their nervous system remains dysregulated, causing more frequent waking.

    Similarly, too much daytime sleep can lead to more night wakings because sleep needs were already met.

    What to Do Instead

    • → Instead of assuming “more sleep is better,” focus on total 24 hour sleep balance.
    • → If your child struggles with bedtime resistance or split nights, try trimming naps slightly and see how they adjust.
    • → If they’re overtired, focus on nervous system regulation (lots of connection, low-stimulation wind-down time) instead of worrying about wake windows.

    💡 Case Study: I worked with the parents of a 14 month old who napping 3.5 hours daily, yet waking at 4 AM every night. His sleep total was 14.5 hours (high for his age). We shortened naps to 2.5 hours, and his morning wake time shifted to 6:30 AM.

    3. Your Child’s Sleep Environment Is Sending Mixed Signals

    Why This Happens

    • → Sleep is highly sensory-driven—light, temperature, noise, and consistency all play a role.
    • → Sleep associations (nursing to sleep, rocking) aren’t inherently bad at all, and if they’re working for you, there’s absolutely no need to change these. But for some children, if they wake up in a different environment than they fell asleep in, it can be disorienting. 
    • → Parents sometimes assume a child “hates the cot” when it’s actually about comfort or security needs.

    What to Do Instead

    • → Ensure environmental consistency: The space where they fall asleep should feel the same if they wake in the night.
    • → Follow safe sleep guidelines while making their sleep space feel calm and comfortable (e.g., breathable sleep sacks, room temperature adjustments).
    • → Try small adjustments first, like blackout curtains or white noise, before assuming something bigger needs fixing.

    💡 Case Study: A toddler who struggled to transition to their own sleep space improved when parents kept a consistent bedtime routine and adjusted the room lighting and temperature to match what they were used to.

    4. Emotional and Developmental Changes Are Affecting Sleep

    Why This Happens

    • → Sleep “regressions” aren’t bad—they’re a sign of brain development.
    • → Separation anxiety peaks around 9-10 months and again at 18 months, which can lead to increased wake ups.
    • → Milestones like crawling, walking, or talking cause temporary sleep disruptions.

    Sleep is deeply tied to emotional security and nervous system regulation. A child who is learning a new skill or feeling anxious about separation will naturally seek more comfort at night.

    What to Do Instead

    • → Instead of trying to “fix” regressions, support them.
    • → During the day, offer extra connection (baby wearing, skin-to-skin, playtime) to help them feel secure at night.
    • → Expect temporary wake-ups and respond with calm reassurance rather than trying to “correct” the behaviour.

    💡 Case Study: A client of mine whose toddler suddenly started waking every two hours at 18 months found that extra connection time before bed (reading, cuddling) led to reduced wakings within a week.

    5. You’re Focused on Independent Sleep Before Your Child Is Ready

    Why This Happens

    • → Many parents feel pressured to have their baby “sleep through the night alone.”
    • → Sleep training culture makes parents fear supporting their child = bad sleep habits.
    • → But sleep is a developmental process, not a skill that can be forced.

    The reality? Children gradually develop sleep independence when they’re emotionally and neurologically ready. Some sleep through early, while others take 2-3 years to consistently sleep all night.

    What to Do Instead

    • → Normalise nighttime comfort needs—it’s biologically normal.
    • → Find sustainable, safe ways to support sleep, such as room-sharing, comforting touch, or gentle sleep associations.
    • → Trust that independence comes naturally when needs are met, rather than forcing it early.

    💡 Case Study: A family I worked with who transitioned their baby from a bassinet to a cot near their bed found that their child slept more peacefully with the comfort of a nearby presence, allowing for gradual independence at their own pace.

    Final Thoughts.

    • It’s not about “fixing” sleep. It’s about understanding it. Sleep isn’t something that needs to be “trained”—it evolves naturally when a child’s biological, emotional, and environmental needs are met.

      If your child’s sleep isn’t improving, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong—it’s because mainstream advice often ignores what actually matters.

    What to Do Now:

    → Which sleep struggle resonated with you most? Share in the comments!
    → Get started on improving your child’s sleep without sleep training, with my free Gentle Sleep Starter Kit!

  • Sleep

    Understanding the 4-Month Sleep Regression: What’s Really Happening and How to Navigate It

    The 4-month sleep regression: a topic that never fails to light up the mums’ group chat and worry even the most laid-back of new parents. But what’s really happening? Let’s break it down and understand what is essentially a phase in your baby’s development.

    What Is the 4-Month Sleep Regression?

    Well, first of all, it doesn’t just happen exactly at 4 months! Occurring between 3-5 months of age, this “regression” rears its head while your baby’s sleep architecture is getting a HUGE upgrade!

    As a newborn, your baby’s sleep was pretty straightforward with just active sleep (like REM sleep) and quiet sleep (like NREM sleep). But now, your baby will gain two whole extra stages! They go through NREM1, NREM2, NREM3, and finally REM sleep. Why does this make a difference? The first two stages are light sleep, which means your baby is likely to be more easily disturbed, especially while they are getting used to having all of these new types of sleep. This is why you might see more frequent night waking and shorter naps during this phase – adjusting to this new sleep architecture takes time for your little one!

    Why Is This Change Happening?

    This shift from a simple sleep pattern to a more complex one is a natural part of your baby’s growth. Your baby’s sleep cycles are maturing, evolving from the basic newborn pattern to something more similar to adult sleep. These changes typically happen between 2-6 months and can cause temporary disruptions in sleep as your baby adjusts.

    What Else Might Be Impacting Sleep?

    During this period, there’s also a lot happening developmentally. Here’s a closer look at the milestones that can affect sleep:

    Decreasing Sleep Needs

    Newborns sleep a LOT! But as your baby grows and exits the newborn stage, they begin to need less sleep than they did when they had just been born. This is a normal part of development, and while it’s easy to wish your little one would sleep like they did in those early newborn days, remember this development is actually progress – your little one is maturing and growing!

    Learning New Skills

    Your baby might be learning to roll, or sit supported, and chances are they are much more active now during the day. Learning new skills requires new connections forming in the brain, and as your baby grows and strengthens these connections (called synapses), it can literally wake them up at night!

    Generally, once your baby masters the new skill and adjusts to their newfound mobility, their sleep improves. Providing ample opportunity to practice these skills during the day can result in less of an attraction to wake and practice at night.

    More Distracted in General

    Your little one is waking up to the world and there’s just so much to see and take in! This can also mean that feeding is more distracted, which can mean that your baby may begin taking more feeds overnight when it is quiet and dark and there aren’t as many distractions. Babies become more alert, aware, and distractible in the daytime. This can result in resisting sleep and shifting their calorie intake more into the night. Keeping this in mind while trying to keep daytime feeds as low-key and boring as possible to reduce distractions can make a big difference!

    Tips for Navigating the 4-Month Sleep Regression

    Understanding these changes can help you navigate this phase more smoothly. Here are some actionable tips:

    Maintain a Consistent Bedtime Routine

    Consistency is key. Establish a calming bedtime routine that signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down. This might include a bath, gentle rocking, or reading a story.

    Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

    Ensure your baby’s sleep environment is conducive to rest. This means a dark, cool, and quiet room. Consider using white noise to mask household sounds that could disturb your baby’s sleep.

    Practice New Skills During the Day

    Give your baby plenty of time to practice new motor skills during the day. This can help reduce the urge to practice these skills during the night.

    Keep Encouraging Feeds

    If your baby is more distractible during daytime feeds, try to create a calm feeding environment to encourage them to keep taking in calories during the daytime.

    Stay Responsive

    Respond to your baby’s needs at night with reassurance and comfort and help them to resettle. There’s no such thing as bad habits when it comes to settling your baby, but if you’re finding you are doing lots of resettling and it is becoming unsustainable, it might be time to talk about finding you a new settling strategy that suits your baby and your parenting style and allows you both to get some extra rest.

    Conclusion

    Every baby’s journey through the 4-month sleep regression is unique. Some babies will be quite affected whereas others might experience only minor bumps in the road. But if you’ve been having trouble throughout this period for more than a couple of weeks, please reach out and we can talk about ways to improve sleep for you and your little one. You can also download my free guide Better Sleep 101 which has tons of gentle, easy-to-implement strategies to get you and your little one’s sleep back on track!

    If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out and we can make a plan to get you more sleep!

  • Parenting

    Navigating Modern Parenting: How Gentle Sleep Coaching Can Help You Enjoy Quiet Nights

    Modern parenting is a balancing act like never before. As parents today, we’re inundated with a mix of traditional expectations and high modern standards. We’re supposed to manage careers, maintain perfect households, and ensure our children not only keep up but excel. But in our digital age that is always switched on, the needs of our little ones – in particular their sleep patterns – have remained unchanged. And often, these sleep needs clash with our fast-paced lifestyle – and this is where the challenges start.

    In this blog, I delve into the challenges modern parents face, the enduring nature of our children’s sleep patterns, and the powerful bridge that gentle sleep coaching and holistic approaches can create to connect these seemingly disparate worlds.

    Why is modern parenting so challenging?

    Modern parents face a unique set of challenges. The concept of ‘the village’ — once a bustling network of support that helped raise a child— has shifted. In the past, extended families and community networks played a pivotal role in child-rearing, providing support and relief to new parents. While many parents today still enjoy the benefits of support from friends and family, the comprehensive support system that once existed now sometimes feels diluted. This isolation impacts not just day-to-day parenting but also how we guide our children through the crucial stages of their development, such as sleep.

    Sleep is a biological necessity, a time when the brain consolidates learning and the body rejuvenates. However, the natural rhythm of a baby’s sleep cycle often collides with the fast pace of modern life. We’re living in an era where the expectation is for parents to ‘do it all’ — balance work, manage a home, and raise children who thrive in all aspects of life, all while adhering to a societal benchmark that sometimes feels out of reach, and parents are faced with the idea that modern babies should adapt to contemporary schedules seamlessly.

    The Role of Gentle Sleep Coaching

    So how can we bridge this disconnect? Gentle, holistic sleep approaches consider every aspect of a child’s life from their diet and daily routine to the sleep environment and emotional well-being. Using a holistic approach means looking beyond the immediate challenge of getting a child to sleep through the night to understand and address the underlying factors contributing to sleep disruptions. Gentle sleep coaching is rooted in understanding and working with a child’s natural sleep tendencies rather than against them or forcing something unnatural. This method focuses on gradually teaching children to sleep better without causing distress for either the child or the parent.

    How Gentle Sleep Coaching Works

    So, how does it work exactly?

    All it takes are 3 simple steps to achieve restful sleep for your child, overcome bedtime challenges, and realise a transformation towards peaceful nights and happier mornings.

    Step 1: Personalised Sleep Assessment

    We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s current sleep habits and your family’s routines. This step involves detailed questionnaires and discussions to understand the specific challenges you are facing. By assessing the sleep environment and your child’s behaviours, we lay the groundwork for a tailored sleep plan that respects your parenting style and meets your child’s unique needs.

    Step 2: Customised Sleep Plan Development

    Based on the assessment, I develop a personalised sleep plan that includes gentle sleep coaching methods tailored specifically to your child. This plan will guide you through implementing routines and strategies that encourage healthy sleep habits. We focus on gentle transitions and attachment-focused techniques that foster independence and security, all without the stress and tears associated with traditional sleep training methods.

    Step 3: Ongoing Support and Adjustment

    As you implement the sleep plan, you won’t be alone. You’ll receive ongoing support through follow-up calls and unlimited email access, allowing me to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. This step ensures that we continue to make progress, solidifying the transformation and ensuring long-term success. These steps are designed to be straightforward and stress-free, guiding you through a transformation that leads to better sleep for your child and more peaceful evenings for your family.

    Gentle and holistic sleep coaching isn’t just about improving sleep—it’s about enhancing the quality of life for your entire family. By understanding and adapting to your child’s needs, you can overcome the challenges posed by modern parenting pressures. Remember, the goal isn’t just to change how your child sleeps but to transform how your family experiences each day and night.

    Transformative Impacts of Gentle Sleep Coaching

    Parents who embrace my method often find that not only does their child’s sleep improve, but so does their overall family dynamic. There’s less stress at bedtime and more time for connection and relaxation. And as the child learns to sleep better, parents find that their evenings also transform into a period of peace and personal time. They’re able to get back to quiet evenings and a child-free bed, and they are able to do it in a way that feels right for their family.

    Navigating modern parenting requires resources that align with both our heritage and the demands of today. Gentle sleep coaching and holistic sleep practices are those resources, offering a way to experience restful nights within the framework of a busy modern life.

    If you’re a parent looking for guidance on how to improve your family’s sleep in a way that feels supportive and aligned with your values, get your free Better Sleep 101 guide and subscribe to my newsletter ‘The Village’, both of which are focused on gentle sleep coaching and parenting in a way that feels good. Let’s bridge the gap between the expectations of modern parenting and the unchanged nature of our children’s sleep, together, one restful night at a time.

  • Parenting, Sleep

    4 Ways to Improve Sleep without Sleep Training

    Tackling your little one’s sleep challenges can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle with half the pieces missing. If the thought of traditional sleep training doesn’t sit right with you, don’t worry. Settling strategies are just one piece of the puzzle, and there’s often a lot we can do to improve sleep without needing to do formal sleep training. I’ve put some of my top tips below.

    This blog post includes affiliate links/codes. If you buy something through one of these links or use our codes, we may earn an affiliate commission. 

    1. Optimise the Sleep Environment

    First, we want to optimise the sleep environment to set the scene for a good night’s rest. It’s about creating a space that says, “It’s time to sleep.” Here are a few tips that can work wonders:

    •  A Dark, Quiet Room: Consider blackout curtains and a consistent, soothing sound (hello, white noise machine). For my own children, I personally use the Glow Dreaming machine. You can use my discount code for 15% off: YOUNGSLEEPSUPPORT
    •  Comfortable Temperature: Keep the room cool, around 18-20°C, this is the optimal temperature for sleep. Layer your little one accordingly.
    •  Safe Sleep Space: A firm mattress and a clutter-free cot.

    2. Ruling Out Red Flags

    There are some things, such as certain medical conditions, or illness, or hitting developmental milestones, that are known to impact sleep. It’s crucial to identify and rule out these physical discomforts as they are often the hidden culprits behind sleep disturbances. Your GP is the person to help you here – and in my Better Sleep 101 freebie, I’ve put together a list of some of the red flags I regularly see as a Sleep Consultant to give you some ideas on when it might be time to consult your doctor. 

    3. Having The Right Routine

    A consistent and calming bedtime routine is your secret weapon! But it’s not just about what you do before bed; it’s also about ensuring your baby isn’t under or overtired. Here’s the deal:

    •  Avoiding Overtiredness: When our little ones are overtired, their bodies release cortisol, a stress hormone that can make it harder for them to fall and stay asleep. So we want to make sure your little one is getting adequate day sleep to set them up for a good night’s rest.
    •  Preventing Undertiredness: On the flip side, an undertired baby may struggle to settle down. Balance is key. Using an age-appropriate wake window or schedule during the day can go a long way to ensure your little one is ready for sleep at bedtime.
    •  The Pre-Sleep Routine: Bath, book, bed – or whatever works for you. The goal is to create a series of predictable, calming activities that signal to your baby that sleep time is near.

    Remember, routines take time to establish. Patience and consistency are your best friends here.

    4. Sunlight and Play During the Day

    What happens during the day is just as important as the night routine. Morning sunlight helps regulate your baby’s internal clock, while playtime and activities are crucial for burning off energy. A well-balanced day often leads to a better night’s sleep.

    Improving sleep without traditional sleep training is about understanding your baby’s unique needs, creating a conducive sleep environment, and establishing a routine that works for your family. With the right approach and a sprinkle of sleep science, we can set you on the path to better sleep!

    But sometimes, despite your best efforts, sleep can still be elusive. That’s where I come in. My 1:1 sleep coaching services are tailored to your unique family situation. Together, we can work out a plan that respects your parenting style and addresses your baby’s specific sleep needs.

  • Newborn, Parenting, Sleep

    Busting the Myth: When Waking a Sleeping Baby is Necessary

    The old adage ‘Never wake a sleeping baby’ has been whispered in nurseries and parenting circles for generations. But as many parents have learned – sometimes through sleep-deprived trial and error – this saying is more myth than truth. In the world of infant care, particularly concerning sleep, flexibility and understanding your baby’s needs are more beneficial than strictly adhering to this age-old belief.

    Understanding the Myth

    First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Why does this saying exist? In essence, it’s born from an understanding that babies need a significant amount of sleep for their growth and development. This part, at least, is true. And disrupting this sleep unnecessarily can seem counterintuitive. However, as any seasoned parent or sleep consultant will tell you, there are times when waking your baby is both safe and necessary.

    Feeding Requirements

    For newborns, especially in their early weeks, regular feeding is paramount. Babies typically need to eat every 2-3 hours. These feeding schedules mean that, yes, you might need to wake your sleeping baby to ensure they’re receiving adequate nutrition. This is particularly crucial for maintaining or increasing weight and for establishing a solid feeding schedule. Your GP or MACH nurse will advise you on the best feeding schedule for your baby.

    Managing Oversleeping During the Day

    Babies, much like adults, have sleep cycles, and too much daytime sleep can disrupt their night time rest. If you find your baby napping for extended periods during the day, but not overnight, it might be time for a gentle wake-up from those day naps. It’s all about finding a balance that ensures they are getting enough sleep overall but not so much during the day that it affects their ability to sleep at night.

    Establishing a Routine

    A consistent sleep routine is key to helping your baby understand the difference between day and night. Sometimes, this means waking them up at a consistent time each morning to set their internal clock and circadian rhythm. It can also mean waking them from naps at a regular time to help establish a predictable sleep pattern.

    The Balancing Act

    Waking a sleeping baby should of course be done gently and thoughtfully. Abrupt awakenings can be distressing for infants, leading to crankiness and difficulty settling back down. Instead, try a soft approach: gently stroking their back, softly speaking to them, or lightly opening their room’s curtains to let natural light in. The goal is to ease them out of sleep in a way that’s comforting and calm.

    Every Baby is Unique

    Remember, each baby is different. While one infant might easily slip back into sleep after a feeding, another might struggle. Understanding your baby’s unique needs and responses to sleep and wakefulness is crucial. This might mean adjusting your approach based on how they respond to being woken up for feedings or how they’re sleeping at night.

    It’s Not Just About Sleep

    Waking a sleeping baby isn’t just about managing their sleep. It’s about ensuring they’re receiving enough to eat, creating a sustainable sleep schedule, and helping them differentiate night from day. As they grow and their sleep patterns become more established, you’ll likely find fewer reasons to wake them.

    Seeking Help

    If you’re finding it challenging to manage your baby’s sleep or have concerns about their sleep patterns, don’t hesitate to seek advice. Paediatricians, sleep consultants, and experienced parents can offer invaluable advice tailored to your situation. Sometimes, a small adjustment in routine or approach can make a significant difference.

    Final Thoughts

    In conclusion, while ‘Never wake a sleeping baby’ is a saying that you might hear often, it doesn’t hold true in every situation. Understanding the nuances of your baby’s sleep needs and being flexible in your approach can ensure they’re getting the right amount of sleep, at the right times, for their healthy development.

    So, next time you’re tiptoeing around your sleeping baby, remember that sometimes it’s okay – even necessary – to gently wake them. And as always, if you need guidance or support in navigating your baby’s sleep journey, I’m here to help with expert advice and practical tips.