An Effective Solution for Sleep Problems in Babies: Sleep Training

Short daytime naps, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings throughout the night... These are some of the most common sleep issues experienced by new parents. However, these challenges can actually be overcome with the right training process. Through sleep training and consulting, both babies and their parents can enjoy a more restful sleep.

Sleep, one of the most important aspects of care in the development of babies and young children, encompasses physiological, mental, and psychological dimensions. Furthermore, considering its impact on the quality of life for parents, it is an issue that affects not only individuals or families but also society and the economy. Establishing a healthy sleep routine for both babies and families is not always easy. At this point, the topic of sleep training and consulting plays a life-saving role, allowing parents to breathe a sigh of relief.

Anadolu Health Center Sleep Consultant

To learn more about the training and consulting services offered at our hospital and how sleep problems in babies are resolved, we directed our questions to Anadolu Health Center Sleep Consultant Gamze Baş.

What is sleep training and consulting?

In its simplest definition, sleep training is a process that involves helping babies who have become accustomed to sleeping while being held, nursed, rocked, or carried to break these habits and establish a regular sleep routine. Among the issues that families struggle with the most are short daytime naps, difficulty falling asleep, and frequent waking during the night. Through our sleep consulting service, we guide families in resolving these sleep problems.

From what month can sleep training be given?

The 0-3 month period is the newborn phase, and it is also a time for adapting to life after a nine-month journey. During this period, babies feed frequently to complete their developmental processes and are more prone to sleep. In fact, sleep issues may sometimes arise during these months. In the feedback we receive from families, we often hear statements like, “The first three months were wonderful, everything changed from the fourth month onward, and our entire routine was disrupted.” The reason for this is the occurrence of sleep regression, which is part of the developmental process. If the fourth-month leap is not addressed, permanent sleep problems can become inevitable. Therefore, sleep training can begin from the fourth month. During the 0-3 month period, we provide recommendations to families on soothing techniques, sleep methods, and sleep durations.

How do you guide mothers throughout this process?

The number of families who have to change their work and life preferences due to sleep issues with their baby or who experience serious problems in important psychological development topics, such as parent-child attachment, is significant. We start by listening to the sleep problems experienced by families seeking our sleep consulting service. We create a sleep program proportional to the expectations of the baby and the family. The program typically covers an average period of 30 days. We assess 24-hour periods through online consultations every morning and discuss the steps that need to be adjusted together. Depending on the family’s request, these consultations can also be conducted face-to-face. Every baby is unique, so understanding the baby well and acting according to their character is crucial for the success of the training. Sleep training is essentially about creating a behavior change. For this reason, we can consider it normal for babies to react by crying when transitioning to a new routine. What’s important is to let the baby feel that we are there for them whenever they need us throughout the entire process. In our pre-training family meetings, we discuss the possible reactions we can encounter during the behavior change and answer all questions related to the process. For training to be successful, it is essential to be determined, consistent, and to apply all the rules.

How do you implement the training? Can you explain a bit?

In the initial weeks, we regulate the baby’s sleep and feeding times and ensure their adaptation to the process. During these weeks, we do not make any changes to the sleep methods the baby is accustomed to. There may be multiple sleep aids for babies who sleep with support. However, when removing one aid, it should be replaced with a different type of support. For example, if we are removing breast support for a baby who sleeps with it, we should continue with a method the baby is accustomed to, such as being held or another sleep method. While removing all supports simultaneously is also a method, it can tire both the mother and the baby; therefore, a gradual reduction approach is more effective. In the second and third weeks, we slowly reduce the supports the baby has been accustomed to so far, and with the recommendation of a pediatrician, we also regulate nighttime feeding.

Should only the mother implement the training?

Anyone involved in the baby’s care can conduct sleep training. It is especially beneficial to seek support from someone other than the mother for babies who sleep with breast support.

How long does the baby’s sleep adjustment process take?

When our baby and family are ready, we then move on to different training methods for independent sleep on the night when the baby sleeps well. The adjustment process can vary for each baby; therefore, it is not correct to give exact durations.

What are your priorities when providing this service at Anadolu Health Center?

At our hospital, we emphasize the importance of evaluating sleep health in coordination with pediatric specialists.

We approach sleep training holistically and, when necessary, also seek support from our breastfeeding consultant within the context of the relationship between sleep and feeding.

12 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SLEEP ROUTINE!

Establish a pre-sleep routine (such as changing diapers and pajamas, taking a bath, saying goodnight to mom and dad). Your nighttime and daytime routines can differ. The important thing is to do them in the same order every day. You can keep your daytime routines between 15-30 minutes and your nighttime routines between 45-60 minutes.
It’s important to finish the bath one hour before bedtime. Bathing at bedtime can cause wakefulness.
Your baby should have a sleep companion. This helps them fall asleep comfortably and feel safe. However, the sleep companion should accompany your baby in their bed and should not be in the play area.
Prepare your child for the process by talking to them before sleep. They understand us.
Pay attention to your baby's age-appropriate sleep and wake times. For short daytime naps lasting less than 45 minutes, try to put your baby back to sleep. Wake your baby when the second hour is completed.
Use thick curtains to improve the quality of your baby’s daytime naps.
Check the temperature of their room before bedtime; being too hot or too cold can prevent them from sleeping. The ideal temperature is between 18-22 degrees Celsius. Dress your baby in comfortable, non-sweaty, and not overly thick clothing while sleeping.
Ensure that there aren’t too many toys in their room to distract them.
Do not let them watch television one hour before bedtime. As bedtime approaches, guide your baby towards calm activities. Screen time is not recommended until they are 2-3 years old.
If you are feeding them solid food, complete it one hour before sleep. For breastfeeding and formula feedings, 30 minutes beforehand is sufficient.
When your baby wakes up from nighttime sleep, do not rush to their room immediately; wait a few minutes. They may go back to sleep without needing you.
Engage in plenty of physical contact with your baby before sleep. Do not hesitate to touch them when they need it. Try to put them back to sleep as soon as they calm down.