We all know the joys and challenges of parenting, especially when it comes to getting our little ones to sleep.
You’ve probably heard about ‘sleep training,’ but what if I told you there are natural ways to make bedtime a breeze?
Sleep training involves teaching a child to fall asleep independently and return to sleep on their own if they wake up during the night, fostering self-soothing skills.
For the people who ask, “Are there any alternatives to sleep training?”, the answer is Yes, Your baby,even a newborn can sleep well without sleep training.
In this article, we’ll explore gentle tips and calming tricks that bring a cozy touch to your child’s sleep routine.
Let’s dive into the world of sweet dreams and discover simple alternatives for a peaceful night’s sleep.
This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure here.
Stick To One Strict Schedule
Here’s a mom-to-mom secret: keep bedtime and wake-up time the same every day.
It helps your baby’s body get used to a schedule. Just find a time that works for your family, and stick to it. Easy, right?
Your little one’s body will catch on, and soon they’ll be nodding off and waking up like clockwork.
It’s all about figuring out what works for you and your baby, and then sticking to that routine. Sweet dreams ahead!”
Let me repeat, STICK TO ONE STRICT SCHEDULE, if you don’t want to sleep train but want your baby to sleep perfectly.
Fix A Spot Only For Sleeping
The next tip is creating a “sleep-only zone” for our little ones.
It’s all about choosing a spot, say their crib, and making it the official snooze zone.
When it’s nap or bedtime, that’s their sleepy headquarters – no other activities are allowed. We’re sending a clear message: ‘This is where dreams happen!’
Now, here’s the trick: stick to that spot. Don’t mix it up by letting them doze off anywhere else.
We’re creating a special sleepy association. It’s like a gentle signal that whispers, ‘Time to rest, little one.’ And guess what? Babies catch on surprisingly fast.
If your family is always on the move, like frequent travelers, this might not be a perfect fit. But if you can swing it in your routine, having a dedicated sleep spot becomes a cozy, little haven for your baby.
Create A Stary Sleep Sky
Let’s add a sprinkle of magic to bedtime – ever thought about a starry sleepy sky?
Grab some glow-in-the-dark stars and make a constellation on the ceiling where your little one dozes off. It’s like a twinkling night sky, right in their room!
Let those stars shine only when it’s snooze time. When the lights go out, the stars come out to play.
It’s like a little lullaby for their eyes. With time, they’ll get the hint – stars mean it’s time to snuggle down.
Even if they wake up in the night, they’ll see those stars still shining. It’s like a celestial nightlight, telling them it’s okay to go back to dreamland.
So, let’s turn bedtime into a starry adventure, and watch those little eyes drift off to dreamland!
Use Chamomile Scent
Now let’s talk about a cozy secret weapon for bedtime – chamomile!
As per ncbi Chamomile is a very mild and natural sleep inducer (for both, babies and adults).
It’s like a sleepy-time superhero. Ever thought about turning your baby’s room into a chamomile haven? A little aromatherapy with a soothing chamomile scent can work wonders.
You can use a diffuser or put a few drops on a cloth near their bed. The room becomes a chamomile-scented dreamland.
Maybe, a gentle massage with chamomile-infused massage oil before bedtime? It’s like a mini spa session for your little one.
Chamomile is like a calm-in-a-bottle.
Cut Off Screen Time
Research buddies have found that cutting off screen time at least two to three hours before sleeptime is a golden rule.
Screens emit this thing called blue light, which messes with our sleep signals. So, the trick is to give those little eyes a break.
Three hours might sound like a lot, but trust me, it’s like giving their brains a little wind-down time. It’s all about creating a calm runway for bedtime.
Take Advantage Of White Noise
White noise! It’s like a soft, steady hum that can work wonders for bedtime.
White noise creates a calming background sound that drowns out other noises that might disturb your baby’s sleep. It’s like a sleep shield, blocking out the world’s hustle and bustle.
Whether it’s a fan, a dedicated white noise machine, or even a simple app on your phone, it can be a game-changer.
Start Safe Co-Sleeping
Now, another sleep strategy that’s all about snuggles – safe co-sleeping.
Every baby is different; for those little ones between 1 year and 18 months, sharing your bed is like having a cozy sleepover.
For the tinier tots, think about a bedside bassinet or sliding their crib into your room. It’s like having them close by without the midnight treks.
Here’s the golden rule – when they wake up, no rocking them back to sleep. Instead, just lay beside them.
It’s like a gentle reassurance that you’re right there, no need for rocking marathons.
Co-sleeping, done right, can be a sweet way to make bedtime a family affair.
Introduce A Lovey
A lovey is like a tiny companion, a super-soft comfort object that can be a game-changer for your little one’s sleep routine.
A lovey becomes a security blanket, a cuddly friend that brings comfort and a sense of familiarity to bedtime.
It’s like a little slice of coziness that stays with them through the night.
But safety first! For the tiny tots under one year old, it’s a no-go. They’re still in the exploring-everything-with-my-mouth phase, so we want to keep their sleep space clear.
Once they hit the one-year mark, though, a lovey can be a bedtime companion.
Sleepy Nighttime Story
Ok now. It is very common for moms to tell their kids a bedtime story. But let’s talk bedtime stories with a twist.
Instead of wild adventures, let’s tell calm tales. Our main character isn’t running around, they’re snuggling up for sleep.
When we share a story with a child, they’re not just listening – they’re also imagining and creating scenes in their minds.
They might even become the main characters. If the character in the story is running around, it can make their little minds active.
On the other hand, if the character is cozy, gazing at the starry night sky while cuddling with their mom, it has a soothing effect that makes them feel sleepy.
Imagine stories like a cozy lullaby, gently winding down. No action, just characters finding their way to dreamland.
The main character should go to sleep at the end of the story.
This tip works wonders for toddlers who can well understand a gentle story.
More Daylight During The Day
Here’s a simple trick with a touch of science. Let your little ones soak up the sunshine during the day – it’s like a magic ingredient for better sleep at night. Daylight means playtime!
And when it’s nap o’clock, use blackout curtains to make the room all cozy and dark.
It’s like a special sleep signal.
Science has proved that more exposure to daylight during the day improves sleep quality at night.
Make Sure The Baby Is Rested At Night
Let’s cover the bedtime basics to ensure those little ones snooze like champs.
First up, we’re the chefs in charge – make sure your cutie pies get enough yummy solids during the day. It’s like fueling them up for a night of sweet dreams.
Next on the menu: fluids. Load ’em up during the day but let’s taper off at night to avoid those midnight pit stops. It’s like a hydration game plan.
Now, let’s talk comfort. Ever heard of overnight diapers? They’re must-haves – no need for diaper changes in the wee hours. It keeps those bums comfy, letting them drift back to sleep without a fuss.
Lastly, room vibes. A room thermometer is like a sleep ally. Keep it cozy and invest in one – it’s the secret sauce to the perfect sleep temperature.
Conclusion
Bedtime can be tricky, right? But these easy tips are the best natural sleep training alternatives.
Whether it’s a cozy routine or a special lovey, find what feels right for your little one.
Featured Posts:
10 Clever Tools (GADGETS) for Moms Of Newborns & Toddlers (Game-Changers)
8 Cool Things That Ensure A Baby’s Restful, Deep Sleep
15+ Expert Sleep Training Tips For Super Restful Nights
