10 Tips for Parents to Avoid Sleep Mistake

All parents can agree that newborn babies have erratic sleep cycles. However, you can provide a better sleep schedule for your newborn with these simple ten tips:

1. Watch for Clues:
   Babies tend to send out “clues” that they are becoming sleepy. When that happens, don’t try to let them fight it but let them fall asleep naturally.
2. Too Reliant on Sleep Methods:
   When you try methods to make them fall asleep, this is going to create a “sleep crutch” later on where they rely on this to fall asleep. It is best to “wean” them off these crutches.
3. Switching to a Bed Too Soon:
   Making the switch from crib to bed too soon can disrupt your child’s sleep habits, a gradual change is best recommended.
4. Have a Familiar Sleep Zone:
   Going on walks or car rides might be more harmful than useful because they aren’t getting a truly restful sleep. Instead, they need a designated “sleep zone” at home.
5. Consistent Schedules:
   Always keep a consistent sleep schedule whenever possible as kids rely heavily on routine.
6. Staying up Late in Hopes of Sleeping in:
   This doesn’t work most of the time and only means a crankier baby in the morning.
7. Parents Need to be on the Same Page:
   Both parents need to know the sleep schedule and how important it is for baby.
8. Giving up Too Soon:
   Don’t give up on a new schedule after only a week! It will take time to get on a new schedule with your child.
9. Co-sleeping on Accident:
   Co-sleeping is another crutch that your child will rely on and will eventually need to be weaned off of. Try to avoid if possible or keep it as a last resort.
10. Dark Nights:
    When they do sleep, it should be dark to help with their sleep cycle.