Sleep Training - What I'm learning...

Several people have asked me about the process thus far - so here's a list of what seems to be most important to learn in this process so far:

1. Optimal Wake Time -- very tricky to figure out, but you need to know how long your baby can stay awake before becoming overtired or overstimulated. Henry's current waketime is 1 hour 15 min - 1 hour 30 min. Another trick of wake time is that if he wakes up from a nap early, and doesn't eat for 30 more minutes, he may be going to bed right after eating ... it just happens sometimes.
   
2. Watch for Sleep Cues -- these are the signs you need to know for when baby's awake time is over, and they're ready for sleep. If you miss them - you risk baby becoming overtired/stimulated - and then they can't easily fall asleep. I know - it's wierd that the more tired they are, the harder it is to go to sleep. Henry's cues are: a small whine, and rapid leg kicks.
   
3. The Routines -- Henry now knows his nap routine - and tries to fight it. This is his signal that he knows he's going in the crib (or where ever) and he's going to be put to sleep.
4. Flexibility -- Just because we're aiming for a schedule, does not mean that it works every single time. You just gotta go with what you think is best, read baby's cues as best you can, and see what happens!

For those of you beginning or going to begin the training - feel free to leave comments so others can share in your success or worries!

Sidenote: Victory! Henry just took a 2 hour morning nap in his pack n play! Does this means he sleeps better in our room? Or is it a fluke? We shall see!!

Henry Mercer - 13 Weeks

I'm taking his 3 month photos today - check back for those!