My son was always a light sleeper, so for a few months both my partner and I became typical "zombie parents." Now that he's older, he sleeps better, but he'll always be an early riser; a few hours of sleep is more than enough for him. But I remember when he was a baby and what a nightmare it was. teach him to sleepAt first, it all seemed very complicated, and when night fell it was like a challenge, but Then I discovered it's easier than we think.
The babies They sleep as much as they needWe parents are the ones who get anxious when we see that we're getting few hours of sleep and that we'll soon have to get up early for work. But a baby It shouldn't be adapted to your schedule. To rest, whether you like it or not, you're the one who has to adapt to their schedule and needs. What's more, your baby You need security and peace of mind. every day so I can enjoy sleep.
During the first days of a newborn's life you will focus on what is best for the baby and the sleepless nights it seems that it is something that must happen. But when your baby is several weeks old and everything remains the same, when in the third month you continue to sleep badly ... then you will no longer know what it is about not being tired. But you should know that there are babies (mine was not one of them) that They start sleeping through the night when they reach 4 months oldBut we must teach them to do it with all the love and affection.
We must avoid what many parents do unintentionally, which is to include them bad sleep habits which will cause children to develop bad sleep habits that can continue for many years. If your baby is 6 months old and seems like a night owlThen you'll need to know that it's never too early (or too late) to teach sleep skills. Want to know what worked for me with my little owl? Don't miss a thing because the last thing you want is for your baby to cry too much or suffer, and you'll all get better sleep. You'll just need... patience and a week (or perhaps less).
The importance of routines
If you want your child to know they should sleep at night, you must help them understand when the best time to sleep is, and that can only be achieved by doing daily routines. Many babies have mixed days and nights Because they take naps of the same length during the day and at night, and only wake up to meet their basic needs. But babies can be taught the differences between day and night from the very beginning.
Place the crib near a window to wake him up with the sun's rays that will enter thanks to having the blinds raised (but never in direct sunlight). natural light organizes circadian rhythmsDaytime naps should be taken with the windows open and the usual household noise. If they wake up from a nap in daylight, they'll know it's time to wake up; if they wake up in the dark at night, they'll learn to fall back asleep.
At night You will need to include calming rituals Before putting him in his crib, you'll need to follow some very specific routines. Give him dinner, put on his pajamas, and after singing him a song or telling him a story, Put him in his crib with the lights off.Many experts emphasize that a relatively early bedtime (approximately between 19:00 p.m. and 20:30 p.m.) helps to avoid excessive tiredness.
Not all rituals are equally relaxing: for some babies, the bath activates themObserve if your child gets excited by the water. If so, postpone bath time and save it for the evening. Light reading, a little massage, and calm.
Differentiate night and day
You need to feed him at night. without stimuliWith the lights dimmed to create a relaxing atmosphere. During mealtimes, you can increase their activity level. tickling her feetSinging songs to him, etc. This way the baby will begin to notice the difference between daytime and nighttime feedings.
Most babies begin to distinguish between day and night. between 8 and 10 weeksHelp him by maintaining light and normal life at home during the day, and at night, predictable and quiet environmentAvoid playing during nighttime awakenings: attend to them, feed them, and return them to the crib.
Put him in the crib while he's still awake
It is very important that when you go to put your child to bed in their crib Don't do it while you're asleepBecause then every time he wakes up at night, he'll want you to do the same thing and will want you to put him back to sleep completely. If you put him to sleep, he won't be able to learn to fall asleep on his own, but that doesn't mean you can't give him the time he needs to fall asleep. affection, hugs and presence forever.
After each night's routine, you can cuddle him, sing to him, tell him a story, stay by his side for a while… but it's very important that you put him in his crib. while he is still drowsy but awakeHe might cry the first few times, but just stay by his side and tell him that Mommy will be there the whole time, but let him fall asleep on his own. Make sure that He's got everything covered. (Clean diaper, satisfied hunger, comfortable temperature) so as not to diminish their sense of security. Do not turn on the light or take them out of the crib.
Resources that help in this phase: pacifier (decreases the risk of SIDS), swaddling the newborn with a blanket or sleeping bag if it's not rolling yet, soft white noise and a dark room with a comfortable temperature.
Babies learn to hold on
If you ever give in and let him fall asleep in your lap, or pick him up from the crib when he cries to help him sleep and calm down, you should know that babies They learn that crying produces results And he will cry more and more intensely to achieve his goal, which is to make you put him to sleep. It is important that when your baby protests you extend the response time a little in a couple of minutes until he is able to fall asleep on his own.
cute sleeping baby
You'll see how, with lots of love and affection, your baby will want their bedtime routines, but when it's time to put them in the crib, They will know that now is the time to sleep until the next feeding... and he'll fall asleep on his own.
When to start and which method to choose?
Many experts agree that between 4 and 6 months Most babies are ready to lengthen their nighttime sleep and reduce feedings. Even so, Every baby is different.Some need more time. If you have any doubts, consult your pediatrician, especially if you suspect... reflux, Sleep apnea or other condition.
There are various approaches, and all of them can work if you are consistent and respectful with the baby's temperament:
- With intervals and accompaniment (inspired by proven methods): put them to bed sleepy and return at short intervals to soothe them without picking them up, gradually shortening your intervention.
- Without crying (progressive and close): you respond immediately and You gradually reduce your help (chair moving further away, less rocking, more voice and caresses) until the baby falls asleep on his own.
- Fading or gradual extinction: you're going withdrawing your presence Night after night, going from being by the cradle to staying further away.
- 5S for newborns (wrapped up, calming position on their side in arms, “shhh”, rocking, sucking): helpful in the first weeks to calm down, not to sleep face down in the crib.
The key is not “the perfect method”, but apply it consistentlyobserve how your baby responds and adjust without forcing.
Respectful 7-day plan (goal: sleep better in a week)
- Day 1Define a time to sleep realistic (between 19:00-20:30 PM). Design a a short and calming routine (10-20 min) that you can repeat every day. Darken the room, reduce noise, and prepare a safe environment (clear crib, comfortable temperature).
- Day 2Take care of the Naps (Depending on age, 3 naps at the beginning and then 2). Prevent it from getting to about tiredAt night, he goes to bed sleepy but awake and support him with voice and caresses from the cradle.
- Day 3: Enter a consistent nighttime responseWait 1-2 minutes before entering if there is mild protest, remain calm without lights, without taking him out of the crib, and leave as soon as he calms down.
- Day 4If you need a lot of contact, apply chair next to the cribEvery night, Move the chair away A little. If she can tolerate your voice, reduce physical contact.
- Day 5: Works the awakenings between cyclesWait a few seconds to see if it rearranges itself; if not, go inside. brief calm and salt.
- Day 6: Check out daytime habitsDaylight, walks, active play before the last nap, no screens and avoid late naps.
- Day 7: Keep the entire plan. Adjust details (time, routine duration) as needed. sleep signs of the baby. Celebrate milestones, even small ones.
This plan is flexible: if one day it becomes deregulated by teething, travel, or illnessReturn to base when you're feeling better.
Naps and rhythms by age (guideline)
- Newborn (~1 week): usually sleeps 16-18 total hours in 2-3 hour blocks. Light sleep and awakenings due to hunger are normal. Look contact and regulation.
- 1-3 months: begins to have alert periods longer. There are no strict schedules yet, but you can already expose to daylight and reduce stimulation at night.
- 4-12 months: average 12-15 horas Total. At first 3 naps; later, 2. Many babies already extend nighttime sections.
Sleep cues: yawning, rubbing eyes, vacant staresIrritability. Offer the crib before the "sleep window" has passed.
Sleep regressions and separation anxiety
It's common that, after weeks of sleeping well, your baby... wake up moreIt may coincide with growth shootsChanges in routine or travel. Around eight months, the following appears: separation anxietyHe needs to see you and check that you're still there.
How to act: keep routine and calm, offers a secure attachment object (blanket, doudou, without ties or loose pieces), make brief farewells and return if needed, with predictable responses.
Sleep safety: posture and environment
- Always face up for sleeping. If he already turns over on his own, leave him in the position he's in, but lay him on his back It remains the norm.
- Firm mattress and a clear crib: no pillows, quilts, crib bumpers, loose stuffed animals or cushions.
- To live in the same room with their own crib or bassinet, ideally until at least 6-12 months, reduces risks.
- Avoid sharing an adult bed with the baby, especially if there are soft mattresses, pillows, alcohol/tobacco consumption or extreme tiredness.
- Pacifier Sleeping together at bedtime can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If you are breastfeeding, wait a few weeks until lactation is well established.
- Do not overdressA moderate temperature and appropriate clothing. Avoid wearing a hat while sleeping.
- WrapUseful for restless newborns, always leaving free hips y stop on the first attempt to turn.
A practical guide to calming a very young baby
With newborns, the priority is not to "teach" them to sleep, but accompany with contact: arms, skin to skinGently rock, whisper, and feed on demand. If the baby cries, check on them. hunger, diaper, gas, or discomfortAvoid overstimulation (bright lights and visitors). Don't expect rigid routines at this stage.
If you're worried about sleep in the first few weeks, look for professional support to resolve doubts (for example, if there are extreme irritability or sleep far below expectations).
Additional tips that work
- comfortable environmentTurn off bright lights, use a dim night light. White noise It relaxes.
- Day care: game and daytime engagement This translates into more nighttime calm.
- Place in crib when sleepyAvoid always putting him to sleep in your arms so that he doesn't exclusively associate that with sleeping.
- Adjust expectationsThere will be easy nights and difficult ones. consistency That's what adds up.
What to avoid
- Force sleepYou can't force someone to sleep; you can facilitate the environment and the moment.
- Always get him used to being held. until he falls asleep: if you do this, it will be harder for him to fall asleep again on his own in the middle of the night.
- Eliminate naps so he sleeps more: The excessive tiredness It worsens nighttime sleep.
- Screens and active games before bed: they increase arousal and make it harder to fall asleep.
When to see the pediatrician
Seek guidance if your baby sleeps far below than expected for their age, if the awakenings are very intense and persistentif you suspect apneas, loud snoring or is there continuous setbacks Despite routines. Also if you experience pain, fever, or other signs of illness.
Creating healthy sleep habits is not a race; it's a process full of signs that your baby will give you. With clear routines, a safe environment, consistent responses, and plenty of love, Progress is noticeable in just a few days. and the rest of the whole family improves.
