Tips from Alison Scott-Wright on how to get your baby to sleep. Do you agree with her methods? You can post a comment at the bottom of this article.
1. It is always best to research the different methods of sleep training before deciding which one is right for you and your baby/child. For instance, my technique is a form of controlled crying and although not as harsh, there still may be a few tears – from both baby and parents! Therefore it may not be suited to every family and you may decide to choose an approach like the 'gradual retreat method' where you sleep with, and stay next to, your baby at all times.
2. If you decide to use my method, do remember it may be tough going at first, but I've found that nearly every parent who's followed my method says it wasn't nearly as bad as they were expecting it to be!
Every parent worries that any crying during that first night or two may have a detrimental effect on their baby/child's emotional development. But I've found my method to have an all-round, positive effect as the child quickly catches up on all his/her lost of hours of sleep and is so much more rested.
3. For maximum effect when using my method, it is vital that everyone involved with daily care of your baby or child understands the technique and implements it in the same way. It doesn't work – and will just confuse the child – if you implement the sleep training at bedtime but maybe Daddy or nanny uses a different method when they are in charge. Being persistent, consistent and ensuring that everyone uses my method in the same way is crucial to the success of this sleep training.
4. It is likely that over the months you may have introduced a number of 'sleep-comforts' to try to help get your little one to sleep. These may consist of a number of cuddly toys, blankets, toys, night-lights, bottles of milk or other drinks and dummies or soothers. Although these things may have initially bought you an extra hour or two of sleep they are actually, in my opinion, a hindrance to sleep.
My method advises the removal of all these 'sleep-crutches', except perhaps one teddy or blanket, and replace them with the sleepy-time reassurances which help to re-train your child to sleep totally independently, thus leading to happier and healthier sleeping all round!
5. You will need to use technique for structured daytime naps, as well as for bedtime and throughout the night. Most children up to the age of three still need a daytime sleep – although do remember every child is different and some give it up and cope well without a daytime sleep by around 24 to 30 months.
Remember, 'sleep breeds sleep' and the majority will sleep better at night if they are getting a rest and having a structured sleep during the day.
All the above pointers are further explained in my book The Sensational Baby Sleep Plan (opens in a new window), plus there is a detailed newborn plan that will lead to your baby sleeping for 11 to 12 hours, straight through the night by around eight to 10 weeks old and a section giving masses of information on acid reflux and feeding problems.
From Alison Scott-Wright.
