Hypotheses regarding baby’s sleep habits abound, but what is real?
There is so much information circulating baby care – both on the internet and in the famous “word of mouth” – that it is really difficult to know what is real and what can be ignored. With that in mind, she spoke to baby sleep specialist Heide Skudder (The Parent and The Baby Coach). The sun on some myths and truths regarding young children’s bedtime. Look down!
The child needs a routine
REAL. This information is old knowledge, but it is always worth remembering! Heide confirms that, yes, kids love a well-defined routine, even if the custom has come under fire of late. ” The word “routine” has been somewhat demonized in recent years and most new parents are now afraid to even talk about it», underlines the professional. According to her, there is a false belief that having a routine means not listening to the baby’s needs and only feeding him at certain times, for example.
“That’s not true,” he points out. For the coach, a routine (without rigidity) is good for both the child and the parents, especially those who have more difficulty with organization. Maintaining a certain order in everyday life is good for the little one’s sleep. Also, knowing his sleeping habits will make his daily life easier.
Babies are “made” not to sleep
MYTH. During pregnancy, have you heard that you should enjoy the last few nights of sleep while the baby is not born? Heide warns that spreading this kind of information does a disservice: “New parents are convinced that sleepless nights are normal and that they should just do what they can to survive, instead of waiting for better nights.”
For the specialist, although babies frequently wake up to be nursed, believing that they were actually made to stay awake is cruel, «when, in fact, with a little support and a loving approach, evenings could improve a lot“, He explains.
This means that the possibility of looking for ways to make your baby’s sleep easier — whether it’s by establishing a routine, changing certain habits, or even seeking professional help — can’t be ruled out just because they say it’s normal not to sleep.
Babies love the touch
REAL. Imagine spending literally 40 weeks inside mommy and then finding yourself alone in a crib. For Heide, it’s normal for little ones to find the transition from womb to mattress strange, so the ideal is to look for ways to do it more gently. “That connection is important to you and your baby, so enjoy the newborn cuddles. practice laying him down, lowering his feet first and then his head. If he moves or seems upset, hold him on his side while you pet him to sleep and put him on his back.”
According to the coach, this way of lowering the feet first and then the head is a fundamental technique for the little ones who do not like to leave the womb.
You have to choose between being a loving parent or not.
MYTH. According to the specialist, the many rules spread by other parents and coaches about what a kind father or mother is or is not can disturb those who have recently had a child and blame themselves for the fact that their instincts are different from those of others they recommend.
But for her “the truth is that all parents who love and take care of their children are affectionate and try to put the child to sleep, because they want to do something instead of just believing that it is normal. affection – we might even argue this is one way to show compassion to both yourself and the child“.
You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.
REAL. Neither ask nor invest money in this task. However, if you are thinking of buying that chair that vibrates and rotates by itself, for example, the expert points out: “Instead of spending on tech gadgets, I’d recommend new parents invest less than half that money (or not even that!) by discussing issues with a good sleep coach”guide.
According to Heide, excellent advice can be given that will make the help of any products superfluous. “From my perspective, I see it a lot more in helping slowly shape early sleep than spending a lot of money on things that will only help for a short period of time.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
