The Sweet Spot: Unlocking the Right Time to Sleep Coach Your Little One

Sleep coaching can be a daunting prospect for parents of little ones, especially if you’re already tired from marathon days spent chasing after toddlers or dealing with the sleepless nights associated with teething or developmental leaps. But take heart – if done correctly and at the right time, sleep coaching can be a game changer! With this blog post, I’ll offer up some guidance on when it may be time to start sleep training your child so that both you and baby get the restful zzzzs (and peace) that eludes many exhausted parents.

Generally speaking, experts agree that 4-6 months is the ideal age for babies to start sleep training, as this is typically when they are able to start sleeping through the night without needing feeding or other interventions. At this age, babies are also more capable of self-soothing techniques such as sucking their thumb or using a pacifier.

Remember that if your baby has any underlying medical issues or special needs that may impact their sleep habits, you should speak with your doctor before beginning any type of sleep coaching program. Additionally, you should keep in mind that all babies develop differently and at different rates, so there may be times when an earlier or later introduction to sleep coaching is ok. It's not a competition, so always remember that your child is developing appropriately for them and try not to benchmark (it's hard, I know!) against friends' children.

Sleep is not linear, and even more sadly, there isn't a one size fits all solution (or my job would be much easier!). The only answer to 'when is the right time to sleep train' is when the time is right for you and your family. This may be because you're returning to work and need your little one to sleep so that you're not a zombie (mombie?!), or because of the imminent arrival of a sibling and you know that two non-sleepers will be just too much for one person to handle! There's a multitude of reasons, but ultimately, the answer is when it's what you have been doing, isn't working anymore and you need a little guidance to help you meet your family's sleep goals.

When starting the sleep coaching process, you should closely observe your child’s cues and try to identify any potential problems that could be causing disrupted sleep patterns. For instance, if your baby wakes often during the night due to hunger or discomfort from teething pain, trying to address these issues first can help ease some of the stress associated with introducing new sleeping habits. Additionally, having a consistent bedtime routine and making sure your baby gets plenty of daytime rest can help set the stage for sleep training success.

The most important thing to keep in mind when sleep coaching a baby or toddler is that it should be done slowly and without too much pressure. It can take several weeks or even months to get your little one into the groove of healthy sleep habits, but with patience, consistency and lots of love, sleep training can help unlock the sleep your family needs and deserves – sweet dreams!