Are you a tired parent?
(Of course you are, that’s a silly question.)
Well, welcome! You’ve arrived at your saving grace. We’ve created a blueprint for exhausted parents just like you.
If you’re craving sleep we know your baby must be too. We all know very well that sleep is vital to proper brain development and that your little one needs an incredible amount of it! If baby isn’t sleeping, nobody is sleeping.
Maybe your baby won’t sleep. Maybe you’re battling nap time. Maybe it’s just all a struggle. Never fear! Carolina Dream Tree is here to give you some quick tips and tricks to help you get through it.
Establish a bedtime routine!
This tip comes with a small caveat. Establish a simple bedtime routine. Often we see parents try to make their routine 5+ steps every single night. That may be fine for a week or so but imagine being sleep deprived and needing to complete each step! Keep it simple, sweet, and connecting. Some parents choose to have one last nightly feed, read a book, swaddle and rock baby to sleep. Whatever you establish, know that you’ll likely have to do this for the foreseeable future in order to soothe your baby off to dreamland.
Swaddle, swaddle, swaddle!
Newborn babies are used to being warm, held close, and feeling secure. When your little is born they have what is referred to as a “startle reflex”, meaning their bodies will often startle them awake without warning. While this reflex will fade, until your baby grows out of it most parents find it incredibly helpful to wrap those little arms up. The AAP does recommend leaving the swaddle behind once baby can roll independently so if you notice that milestone, work on weaning off it.
Not sure how to do it properly? A simple fix is a swaddle sack. This genius invention is a blanket that zips around baby and allows you to burrito them super quickly and simply. 3 steps to a swaddled baby!
Establish a bedtime (and it may be earlier than you thought).
One very important aspect that parents miss is an overtired baby doesn’t necessarily look “tired”. They’re fussy and often hyper-alert. When your baby is tearfully bright-eyed, it’s often difficult to soothe them to sleep. “Conventional” wisdom would tell you to keep your baby up during the day or later in the evening so they sleep at night when the opposite is actually true! Sleep begets sleep. Get your sweet one sleeping better by establishing a consistent bedtime and sticking to it.
Sleep train!
Yes, we’re aware this is probably an obvious one coming from a Charlotte sleep coach but hear us out.
When your baby is awake, you’re awake. When your baby is tired, you’re tired. We’ve already talked about the dangers of sleep deprivation and why it’s important for parents to get adequate (not just sporadic) sleep. Helping your baby learn to sleep independently can be one of the greatest gifts you give your family.
When is the appropriate time to sleep train? That answer depends on you. Our method begins sleep training about 12 weeks of age but some families aren’t quite ready at that moment. By using a customized method we’re able to create a sleep solution just for you no matter what age your little one is.
Sleep is the word and the solution. Finding ways to help your baby sleep can mean the difference between a well-rested and productive day and one that requires unspeakable amounts of caffeine to support it. No matter what, Carolina Dream Tree is here to help you and your family thrive.
