While a lot of our services are focused on immediate postpartum, the weeks and months after birth, we also work with families with infants and young children. Our sleep consultants work with families with babies who are four months old through age four! We work alongside parents to develop confidence and practical strategies for navigating nighttime routines. Whether your family is facing a sleep “regression” (aka growth spurt) or working towards transitioning to a toddler bed, we are here for you!

We are using the term baby often throughout this piece for ease of writing, but you may use infant or toddler instead depending on your child’s developmental stage. Also, if your baby is under four months of age, and you are curious about how to support their sleep, find our article that offers five ways to support newborn sleep habits here. 

What is Sleep Training?

This term is used all over the place, and to be honest, there can be huge variation in what it means and how it’s practiced. Many times, folks assume that sleep training means “cry it out” method, but the reality is that there are many valid ways of aligning sleep training with your values. At ABG, the goal of sleep training is to create healthy habits that support your baby in sleeping several hours through the night (after at least four-six months of age). We work towards baby being able to self-soothe and fall back asleep on their own, without your intervention. Keep in mind that nighttime wake-ups are a normal part of sleep patterns for people of all ages.

We don’t start sleep training before four-six months of age because it’s around this time that babies develop circadian rhythm, which encourages more awake time during the day and more solid sleep stretches during the night. After this point, routines can become anchors that support your baby in feeling safe, settled, and soothed as they approach nighttime sleep.

ABG’s postpartum doulas and sleep consultants are open minded and aim to support you through the right sleep training program for your family. We support co-sleeping and attachment-focused parents, parents who room-share with their children, and parents who move baby into the nursery as soon as possible. We do all of this without judgment; this is your family and your parenting style, and all families deserve high-quality, long stretches of sleep. 

What Does Sleep Training Entail?

ABG sleep consultants work with your family by writing custom sleep plans that suit your family’s unique needs, preferences, and patterns. We work with you to create and work towards realistic goals for your child depending on their individual needs and developmental stages. If that original plan doesn’t vibe with your parenting style or if you want to make a change we are always open to pivoting. Our job is to help you achieve your goals and to support you along the way. 

For families that want to process and consult with a sleep professional, but navigate daily routines on their own, we offer virtual consultations. We chat about your current sleep situation, and then ABG creates a plan just for your family. Then, you’ll get a one-hour virtual follow up to discuss what’s working, what’s not working, and what to try next. In addition, your sleep consultant is available for three weeks of text support. We are here to offer guidance, reassurance, and practical suggestions as you work through creating healthy sleep habits.

ABG also offers in-home sleep support. With this option, families with get the practical routine-building support and strategies PLUS overnight doula care to navigate wake-ups for three-four nights. We will work together to transition out of overnight doula care, so that you feel confident taking on the nighttime routines on your own. 

Tips for Setting Your Family Up for Better Baby Sleep

1. Babies thrive on routine. Consider creating a simple, predictable, and calming bedtime routine. Ideas for routine may include a relaxing bath, song, massage, and soft PJs. 
2. Make the room dark and quiet. Invest in black out curtains and a sound machine to help create a soothing sleep environment. (Psss… you might want these for your own room, in addition to the nursery if you’re not sleeping in the same room. These can be game-changers for everyone!)
3. Pause for a few seconds before responding to nighttime wakings. Babies make a lot of noise in their sleep and that pause will let you know if baby is just grunting or if they are really ready for a middle of the night feed. Give them the chance to soothe and resettle before you jump into action mode.
4. Focus on daytime feedings/meals. Check out our blog about creating sleep habits here for more info!
5. Remember that the process is not linear. You may have some really “successful” nights in a row and then hit a rough night or a rough patch. This is normal and expected! Be patient with baby and with yourself as you navigate growth and changes together. 

ABG is Here for You

We want to support you as you navigate the many complexities of baby, infant, and newborn sleep. Check out our sleep training services here! If you’re looking for something else, we offer doula support, consultations, classes, and referrals; let us know how we can support your growing family!

*Photo credit: Sandeep Kashyap on Unsplash