From hourly wakes to STTN without sleep training

I get asked this question every day!

How? Surely there is lots of crying? Leaving baby to cry? Nope! I don’t even work on self settling!

Let me explain how!

Before I explain what helped this baby, I feel context is needed.

This baby is 6 months old, he was waking every 1-2 hours, he was chest sleeping on mum, sleeping next to her was not enough… He needed contact all the time, a classic high needs baby!

We had an in-depth review

During this review I assessed a sleep diary and full sleep questionnaire, I got to know him, his temperament. We discussed his behaviours at night at length, his day routine and behaviours. And I saw some clear signs of a baby that needed a different routine, and a focus on connection, and sensory.

Step 1

This baby showed signs of being a classic FOMO baby, he was an early mover, very active, and I introduced some sensory activities into his day and bedtime routine to help him sleep well.

Step 2

I implemented a new routine for day time, based on his unique sleep needs. I began getting him used to some naps out of contact, so he could become more comfortable in his cot overnight.

Step 3

We focused on connection through the day and in the bedtime routine, and ensured he went to sleep with love and support, calm so he knew he was safe at night, and responded to every cry, every need.

At first…..

He kept waking, mum was anxious I could tell that this wasn’t going to work. I continued to reassure her and build her confidence. We stook with this plan, and 10 days in we had a baby sleeping through the night.

Sleeping through was not the goal!

I want to highlight, the parents goal was not for this boy to sleep through! He is a young baby, and I am always realistic that night waking is to be expected, but longer stretches is something we can achieve. But by tailoring a plan to his unique temperament wand this is simply how he has responded.

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