Parenting a high-demand baby — it’s a phrase that can send shivers down any new parent’s spine.
Why? Because it means sleepless nights, endless lullabies, and countless attempts at soothing a restless child.
But here’s the thing – getting your high-demand baby to sleep doesn’t have to feel like a mission impossible.
Believe me, I’ve been through this rollercoaster ride and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way.
In this article, I’m going to share my top 5 tricks that have worked wonders in putting my high-demand baby to sleep. Trust me, it’s not as hard as you might think.
1) Establish a consistent bedtime routine
Consistency — it’s the unsung hero in the world of parenting a high-demand baby.
See, babies crave predictability. It gives them a sense of security and comfort, which is vital for sleep.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help signal your baby that it’s time to wind down and sleep.
This routine might include activities like a warm bath, a gentle massage, reading a bedtime story, or singing lullabies.
But here’s the thing: the specific activities matter less than the consistency of doing them.
Your baby might not respond right away, but don’t lose heart. It takes time for new routines to take effect.
Once your baby gets used to this routine, you’ll find it much easier to put them to sleep. It’s not magic, but sometimes it can feel like it.
2) Understand the concept of sleep associations
Ever wondered why some lullabies or white noise sounds seem to soothe babies to sleep?
Well, it’s all down to something psychologists call ‘sleep associations’.
Put simply, sleep associations are cues that signal to our brains that it’s time to sleep. For adults, this might be reading a book in bed or dimming the lights.
For babies, especially high-demand ones, creating positive sleep associations can be a game-changer.
This could be something as simple as a particular lullaby you sing every night or a special blanket they only get at bedtime.
The key is consistency. The more regularly these sleep associations are used at bedtime, the stronger the signal to your baby’s brain that it’s time to sleep.
And who knows? Your baby might just start looking forward to bedtime. How’s that for a win-win?
3) Be mindful of creating negative sleep associations
While we’ve talked about the importance of positive sleep associations, it’s equally crucial to be aware of negative ones.
A negative sleep association is something that might initially help your baby fall asleep, but in the long run, it could lead to more wake-ups during the night.
Common negative sleep associations include feeding or rocking your baby to sleep. Now, you might be thinking, “But my baby falls asleep easily when I do that!”
And you’re right.
However, if your baby gets used to falling asleep in your arms or while feeding, they might struggle to go back to sleep on their own when they wake up in the middle of the night.
While it might feel counter-intuitive, try to put your baby down when they’re drowsy but not fully asleep. This helps them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently – a skill that’ll serve them (and you!) in the long term.
4) Prioritize your own sleep
Ever heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”?
It’s especially true when you’re trying to soothe a high-demand baby to sleep.
The truth is, your own well-being plays a significant role in how well you can respond to your baby’s needs. And yes, that includes their sleep needs too.
When you’re exhausted, you’re likely to be less patient and more stressed, which your baby can pick up on. Keep in mind that babies are surprisingly intuitive. They can sense your stress and anxiety which can, in turn, make it more difficult for them to relax and fall asleep.
Don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself. Get some rest when you can, eat healthily, and try to squeeze in some ‘me time’ whenever possible.
Trust me, a well-rested parent is much better equipped to handle the challenges of parenting a high-demand baby. Plus, it sets a great example for your child about the importance of self-care.
5) Keep a positive mindset
Imagine this. It’s 3 AM. Your baby is wide awake, and you’re on your fifth attempt at getting them back to sleep. You’re exhausted, frustrated, and on the verge of tears.
Here’s the question: How do you feel about your baby in that moment?
It’s easy to let frustration take over and start viewing your baby’s sleep habits as a battle you’re trying to win. But here’s another question: What if we change our perspective?
Instead of seeing your child’s sleep habits as a problem, view it as a challenge that you both are trying to overcome together.
Your baby isn’t giving you a hard time, they’re having a hard time. They’re not purposefully staying awake just to make you lose sleep. They’re struggling with sleep just as much as you are.
Keep a positive mindset. Be patient with both yourself and your baby. This shift in perspective can make a world of difference in how you approach sleep training your high-demand baby.
What’s your bedtime story?
As we wrap up this journey of exploring ways to soothe high-demand babies to sleep, it’s essential to bear in mind that everyone’s parenting journey is unique.
Your bedtime story might look different from mine, or from the parent next door. And that’s okay.
Perhaps these final thoughts can guide you in your own bedtime journey:
- Respect your baby’s individuality. What works for one baby might not work for another.
- Celebrate small victories. Every successful bedtime is a win.
- Never underestimate the power of a calm and patient presence.
- Always remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
As you reflect on these strategies and tips, remember to trust your instincts, be patient with yourself and your baby, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
After all, these sleepless nights won’t last forever. But the precious memories you’re making with your little one surely will.
