Top 3 Infant Sleep Myths
The world is full of information. You can find details about anything and everything on the internet, the TV and via other easily accessible sources. So, how do you separate the myths from the facts, especially when it comes to your little ones’ sleep schedules and bedtime routines? Well, keep reading because I’m about to share my top 3 infant sleep myths to help you decide what’s fact and what’s fiction.
Giving a baby a dummy at bedtime means they will become reliant on it for sleep.
A dummy is a perfectly good tool to use when it comes to bedtime routine techniques. As long as it’s used correctly, it is a great way to soothe your little one and get them relaxed and ready for sleep. The best way to avoid dependency is to take the dummy away before they actually go to sleep.
Dream feeds don’t actually work.
Dream feeds are a widely known technique for helping babies settle for longer so you can achieve a longer rest period. The only time I’d suggest avoiding dream feeds is if a baby is susceptible to digestive issues or reflux as feeding can actually stimulate them enough to cause them to fully wake up. Also, it’s best to stop dream feeds at around the 12-week mark.
You should always try to sleep when your baby is asleep.
Now, this is simply impossible. Sure, it’s good to try and catch up on shuteye when you can, but babies don’t sleep for very long at all, especially during the day. You’d be just closing your eyes and bub would be ready to wake up to feed again. This is why it’s great to have a support system in place – partner, friend, family – someone to take care of a few feeds so you can get a solid few hours of shuteye during the day or through the night.
If you have any questions at all about the above infant sleep myths, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a FREE 20-minute sleep consultation. I’d love to help you figure out a sleep schedule that works for you and your little ones.