So, you're probably asking yourself, "Why on earth are you writing a blog on a topic that you admittedly know very little about." The answer is quite simple: this is what I would do in this situation. This is the Babywise way. And, although, this issue hasn't historically been my own, I do have nieces, nephews, friends, friends of friends that have dealt with this extensively. When they ask me how to "cure" their baby, I simply give the Babywise response on how to handle a N3.
First of all, the answer isn't always cut and dry, black or white. There are several reasons why your baby isn't sleeping. I don't think my sister will mind me sharing that she recently dealt with her daughter not napping. After becoming exasperated and helpless, she learned that her daughter was dealing with several different medical issues (none too serious or life-threatening). Regardless, her sweet angel didn't feel well, and she couldn't rest. If you have several children, you can probably tell when your baby is sick, but for a first time mom, this can sometimes be challenging. I have 3, and I still have trouble with this! Let me just say: if your newborn seems fussy most of the time and is not easily calmed, then talk to your doctor first and foremost. There might be an underlying problem that, if identified, can help your baby feel better and rest well.
Once this issue is cleared, and you know that your baby (most likely) is comfortable, then the focus should be solely on achieving solid naps. But, here is the million dollar question: HOW DO WE DO THIS? Cat napping is an epidemic, I tell ya. Not only that, but it is incredibly frustrating for the exhausted mom that just needs a break to complete housework, take a shower (for crying out loud), or gain some semblance of sanity. Are we asking for too much?! : )
So, here we go. Let's cure the N3. Step one: get rid of all temporary fixes. I'm talking about pacifiers, propped up bottles, excessive swinging, anything that you think "soothes" your baby into sleep. Newsflash: these are exactly what I just called them... TEMPORARY solutions to your overall problem. Using any of these are quick fixes and will ultimately ensure that your baby will not sleep solidly or consistently for naps or at bedtime.
Mark my words. I have done all of these things. Yes, yours truly has fallen prey to the lure of such enticing "fixes." Why? Because I was like you --- beyond tired. And what happened? It backfired. The paci falls out and baby cries. He/she now relies on the sucking motion to fall into sleep. So, either you have to sneak in there and put the paci back in, and hope that the process is seamless, listen to baby cry, or just pick your still-sleepy (and probably fussy) baby up and deal with the ramifications of another missed nap.
Realizing your ultimate goal is half the battle. In my experience, the best nappers are able to fall asleep on their own, with no additional assistance. As I have said before: saddle up because your baby is going to initially cry. This is inevitable. But when you know that your baby is full, feeling well, and sleepy, then lay him/her down in the crib, pack n play, whatever you choose to use. And, do this consistently, close to the same time every day. Your baby should be getting a morning, early afternoon, and evening nap on most days. These will space out as your baby grows and the nap times will lengthen, but in the first few months of life, your baby needs the foundation of a healthy nap regimen.
If you need specifics on what a day in the life of a Babywise tot consists of, then refer to my previous blogs where I outline a typical routine. I really hope this helps, and I hope that if you are struggling with this that you find success in eliminating sleep aids. I should note that this isn't easy to achieve. Following Babywise is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot of groundwork that has to be done in order to shape your child into an excellent napper and nighttime sleeper. As always, the work is worth the result. Everyone is happier in the long run; I truly believe that or I would not dedicate a blog to the cause.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions that I did not cover, then let me know. I will try my best to help.
Happy Sleeping!
-Lindsey
Once this issue is cleared, and you know that your baby (most likely) is comfortable, then the focus should be solely on achieving solid naps. But, here is the million dollar question: HOW DO WE DO THIS? Cat napping is an epidemic, I tell ya. Not only that, but it is incredibly frustrating for the exhausted mom that just needs a break to complete housework, take a shower (for crying out loud), or gain some semblance of sanity. Are we asking for too much?! : )
So, here we go. Let's cure the N3. Step one: get rid of all temporary fixes. I'm talking about pacifiers, propped up bottles, excessive swinging, anything that you think "soothes" your baby into sleep. Newsflash: these are exactly what I just called them... TEMPORARY solutions to your overall problem. Using any of these are quick fixes and will ultimately ensure that your baby will not sleep solidly or consistently for naps or at bedtime.
Mark my words. I have done all of these things. Yes, yours truly has fallen prey to the lure of such enticing "fixes." Why? Because I was like you --- beyond tired. And what happened? It backfired. The paci falls out and baby cries. He/she now relies on the sucking motion to fall into sleep. So, either you have to sneak in there and put the paci back in, and hope that the process is seamless, listen to baby cry, or just pick your still-sleepy (and probably fussy) baby up and deal with the ramifications of another missed nap.
Realizing your ultimate goal is half the battle. In my experience, the best nappers are able to fall asleep on their own, with no additional assistance. As I have said before: saddle up because your baby is going to initially cry. This is inevitable. But when you know that your baby is full, feeling well, and sleepy, then lay him/her down in the crib, pack n play, whatever you choose to use. And, do this consistently, close to the same time every day. Your baby should be getting a morning, early afternoon, and evening nap on most days. These will space out as your baby grows and the nap times will lengthen, but in the first few months of life, your baby needs the foundation of a healthy nap regimen.
If you need specifics on what a day in the life of a Babywise tot consists of, then refer to my previous blogs where I outline a typical routine. I really hope this helps, and I hope that if you are struggling with this that you find success in eliminating sleep aids. I should note that this isn't easy to achieve. Following Babywise is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot of groundwork that has to be done in order to shape your child into an excellent napper and nighttime sleeper. As always, the work is worth the result. Everyone is happier in the long run; I truly believe that or I would not dedicate a blog to the cause.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions that I did not cover, then let me know. I will try my best to help.
Happy Sleeping!
-Lindsey
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