“When will my baby sleep through the night?” is one of the most common questions parents have about their baby’s sleep. The early weeks after birth often involve sleepless nights for both parents and baby. However, understanding what to expect and learning strategies to encourage better sleep can provide reassurance that things will improve over time. We know how challenging sleep training can be, which is why we’ve teamed up with Moms on Call to help answer your most pressing questions.
As pediatric nurses, Moms on Call co-founders Jennifer Walker, RN, BSN, and Laura Hunter, LPN spent years taking after-hours calls from concerned parents in a busy pediatric practice. From their experience, they developed a simple, easy-to-follow guide addressing the most common concerns during a baby’s early years. Here’s their expert advice on sleep training!
Q: What sleep training tips can you share for first-time moms or parents? |
First, ensure that the baby is healthy and gaining weight. You are working with the baby’s natural rhythm and routines to establish healthy sleeping habits that benefit the entire family. Having a baby on a consistent schedule will help ensure your success. Here are a few things to keep in mind before jumping in:
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Q: While there are no set rules regarding sleep training, what are some tips you have for sleep training your baby? What should the nighttime routine look like? |
There are a few things you can do for a baby that positively affect nighttime sleep and set them up for success when you plan to implement staying out at night at age-appropriate intervals outlined in the Moms on Call (MOC) books and begin allowing the baby to self soothe.
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Q: Are there any other resources that you would recommend for first-time parents? |
It’s essential to remember that every baby is unique. Take time to understand your baby’s sleep cues, experiment with different approaches, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from healthcare professionals if needed. Rest assured, everyone will eventually get a full night’s sleep, and you have the tools and strategies to guide you through this phase.
Quick Q&A
| Q: If my baby falls asleep in a car seat, bouncer, swing, etc., should I leave them there to finish their nap or move them to their crib? | Q: Why is back sleeping safer for babies? Any tips for babies that have reflux? | Q: Any tips for colicky babies to help them sleep better? | Q: Are there alternative ways to safely bond with your baby without the risks associated with co-sleeping? |
| The safest place to sleep is a crib, bassinet, or other firm, flat surface that meets the CPSC safety guidelines. In those cases, if there is more than half the nap left when we return home, we move the baby to their designated sleep space. We can have an occasional nap in the swing, stroller, or car seat if they are strapped in and always supervised by a parent/caregiver. | Back sleep is best because babies cannot roll over purposefully until 4-6 months of age. Babies who sleep on their tummies may have a decrease in oxygen resulting in difficulty arousing. A firm, flat surface for sleep times is a must! For babies with reflux, it is recommended that they are on a routine for feeding at the same consistent times each day and night. | Colic is defined as an infant who is healthy, grows well, and has crying sessions of 2-3 hours several times a week, usually in the evenings. What we have found at MOC is these episodes can be reduced with a consistent routine, swaddling correctly if under 12 weeks and the use of a high-quality sound machine. | At Moms on Call, we do not recommend co-sleeping. Instead, we can bond with the baby during contact naps or carrier naps, where the parent is alert and awake during nap time. Other times we can bond with your little one is during their “playtime” and bedtime routine. We can get down to their level at tummy time, talk to them, make faces, encourage them, etc.! Then at bedtime, we have that sweet time before bed where we bathe the baby, read books, and snuggle them with love! |
