Self Settling- What it is, what it isn't and more.

Self Settling- What it is, what it isn't and more.

Are you feeling guilty about teaching your little one to self settle? 

Perhaps you are feeling confused and confounded by all the talk about  self settling, how to do it and what not to do , how to not harm your little one while doing it. 

Are you feeling conflicted over why don't you want to cuddle your baby?

For or against self settling?

Self settling has long been a topic that has people swear by it and those who really are not a fan of it.  There are arguments for and against everything.  For example,  some say give kiwifruit for first foods.  Others say don't give kiwifruit as first foods.  Both statements are right.  Kiwifruit will agree with some and not others.  So obviously those it doesn't agree with, shouldn't have it.  Those that it does agree with can have it.

Self Settling is...

Self settling is when your baby goes to sleep most times on their own without needing you to do anything for them and without needing any other props to go to sleep such as a dummy.  Most babies can self settle at times and there certainly are certain circumstances that makes self settling more likely.  Things such as catching early tired signs and giving an environment that is more conducive to sleep. Your baby’s personality  is another factor in self settling. Some babies need to have the security of a parent for longer than others.

Find the right way for you

As with most things, it is individual. I think if it is something that seems to resonate with you then perhaps it will suit.  It is worth investigating.  Even for peace of mind.

Read widely, ask people who know, talk with your immediate circle of peers and those you trust in advice about caring for your little one.

As with everything particularly now with information sharing so frequent and world wide, trying to find your way through can be really difficult.

If you decide it is not for you that is fine. Remember there is not one right way.  Just the right way for you.

If not- continue doing what you are doing for as long as it suits.

Decide for yourself whether self settling is something that suits your family.  Remember we all have different backgrounds, personalities, experiences, values and histories. Please be mindful that we are all doing our very best with what we have and know.

How much sleep is enough?

How much sleep is enough?

Many parents ask how much is enough sleep for their little ones.  This is like asking how long is a piece of string?  It is an individual thing and is best worked out by watching your baby.

Watch your baby

How much sleep your baby needs changes as they mature and is different from person (baby) to person.  A newborn generally requires much more sleep than a six month old and a twelve month old generally more than a 2 year old.  Some babies never seem to “need “ a lot of sleep.  Other babies seem to need quite a lot of sleep.  The important point is to go by your baby and what he or she needs.

Sleep Cycles

Remembering our sleep cycles, if your baby has one cycle of sleep and wakes up and is happy, then that may be enough sleep for that cycle.  If your baby wakes up after one cycle and is crying, cranky and unhappy, then we would think your baby probably needs more sleep. 

 Unless you think your baby needs a feed, nappy change, is hot or cold or has wind, if your baby wakes up crying and it has only been a short cycle, we would think that more than likely your baby needs more sleep.

If your baby is overtired , you will probably have to help your baby off to sleep again.  Babies who know how to self settle may not need to be helped to sleep.  They may simply need to be given the environment and opportunity for sleep.  This may mean back in the cot, give a pat to help them off to sleep or rock the pram etc. or just let them know you are there and that it is sleep time.

There is not one answer

As with all aspects of baby care, there is not a black and white, one answer for everyone.  Babies are individual and there are many solutions to the one problem.  The trick is to find the solution for you.

If you are struggling with working this out, call us, book a time to talk and we may be able to help you work out what will work the best for you. insyncwithinfants.com