Sleep is important for a baby's growth and development.  Sleeping is a baby’s primary activity. Although sleeping is a natural activity for babies, some may struggle to achieve deep, consistent sleep. This is where sleep training can be useful in improving the quality of baby’s sleep.

Why babies need sleep training

Although babies spend most of their time sleeping, they have different sleep patterns and may wake up several times during the night. Sleep training assists babies in self-soothing and returning to sleep independently when they wake up at night, reducing their reliance on parents for soothing them back to sleep.

Sleep training also helps establish a more regular and consistent sleep pattern for babies. With a more consistent sleep schedule, babies can feel more secure and organized in their daily routine, which can improve overall sleep quality.

At what age can babies start sleep training?

According to the Sleep Foundation, a baby can begin sleep training as early as four months or as late as nine months of age.

During this period, many babies attain important milestones that facilitate sleep training. They can sleep for extended periods without needing nighttime feeds due to their developed digestive systems meeting nutritional requirements.

Nevertheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that readiness for sleep training varies among babies. While some may be prepared earlier, others may require additional time and support before transitioning to independent sleep routines.

Tips for successful sleep training

Before you find a sleep training strategy that works for your child, you might need to try a few different approaches. Here are some helpful hints to ensure the success of your child's sleep training.

• Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to avoid confusion for your child
• Learn to recognize your baby's sleepy cues, like yawning or eye rubbing, which are typically consistent each night. Respond promptly to these signs to prevent fussiness
• Allow your baby to initiate sleep by placing them in bed while still awake. Sleep training may be challenging if your baby is accustomed to falling asleep in a carrier
• Check your baby's diaper before bedtime and ensure they have had enough food to prevent nighttime fussiness
• Minimize stimulation by avoiding activities that might excite your baby, noisy environments, or bright lights that can disrupt their sleep

If you've tried various sleep training methods without success, don't lose hope. Consult a pediatrician to develop a strategy that is appropriate for your child's needs and level of readiness. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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