Blog
Three R’s for Good Sleep
Posted August 6, 2009
In my new book The Manual - Birth to 3 Months, I stress that babies gain a sense of security when their Routines are predictable and will come to rely on the Regularity of a consistant schedule. Reduction of stimulation is the final key to helping your baby learn self-calming skills.
Stimulation -just the right amount and no more - is already provided during feedings, diaper changes and short, cuddley playtimes. Don't believe the marketing ploys designed to make you buy brightly colored products to hang all around your baby's environment. In fact, over-stimulation is a common cause of sleep deprivation in newborns.
The Manual - Good for parents, Great for babies! Download your copy today (ebook).
Filed under: Daily Routines, Feeding and Eating, News from Kitty, Sleep
Daylight Savings Time is Over on November 1: Tips to Help Your Child Adjust
Posted October 20, 2009
Just when you think your child has a predictable sleep routine, along comes a time change. YIKES! Is your well-oiled machine about to fall off the rails?
Maybe not. A little planning ahead helps and once you've done what you can to prepare, your child will gradually re-set his/her clock.
As with most changes in sleep patterns, it will take about 3 nights and 4 or 5 mornings for your child to get in tune with the new schedule.
Below is a chart from the sleep store (online store in New Zealand) which describes an ideal 3-day adjustment plan for babies up to about 1 year. In my opinion, the same plan will fit for toddlers.
The trick for parents is handling the mornings when your child is still waking according to their biological clock setting. Be sure you resist going in when they wake up early, even if they cry. By being left to sort the time out for themsleves, their little bio clocks will make the quickest transition for them.
Assuming a 7pm bedtime:
| Day | Routine during the day | Bedtime |
| Wednesday | Usual sleep & feed times | 7.00pm |
| Thursday | Sleep & feed times 15 mins later, (eg first feed at 7.15am not 7am). | 7.15pm |
| Friday |
Sleep & feed times 30 mins later (eg first feed at 7.30am not 7am). |
7.30pm |
| Saturday | Sleep& feed times 45 mins later (eg first feed at 7.45am not 7am). | 7.45pm |
| Sunday |
Wake your child at 7am (new time), then your usual routine times for feeds & sleeps. |
7.00pm (new time) |
- If your baby or toddler wants to sleep in a bit later (after you start adjusting their bedtime, then allow this.
- Try and adjust the routine from the first feed of the day by 15 mins each day. if your baby can't last first thing in the morning, just try to make the routine adjustments as the day goes on.
- Put your clock back on Saturday night before you go to bed.
- Check your smoke alarms at the same times.
Filed under: Daily Routines, Sleep
Daily Routine For a 5 Month Old
Posted May 10, 2009
Hi Kitty,
I have a 5 month old and am wondering what a typical day should look like with regard to his schedule. I introduced solids at 5 months, so that is part of our day. I have taken your sleep classes and they have worked wonderfully with my first and great for night times with my second, but we are still working on napping. I read your last Connect newsletter regarding this.
I'm very happy sleep training has worked well for you. For your 5 month old's schedule, here is one to consider:
7 AM if awake, milk feeding #1
8:30 - 10:30 in bed for nap #1
10:30 if awake, milk feeding #2
Noon - 2 PM in bed for nap #2
2 PM if awake milk feeding #3 followed a little later by solid food if you like this time of day (1 x day only at this age is my recommendation)
3:30 - 5:30 in bed for nap #3
5:30 up if awake, last milk feeding sometime between 6 and 7:15 , then bath (optional) , dressing, song/story
8 PM into bed awake for the night.
Tell me what you think of this. It's ideal, of course, and you may have tweaks you need to make.
Filed under: Daily Routines
