Problem:
An 11-month-old baby had never been able to sleep in his own cot. The baby was waking multiple times throughout the night, with intervals as short as 30 minutes, and on a good night, four times. His mother, concerned about his sleep, was co-sleeping with him, going to bed at 7 PM each night to accommodate his sleep schedule. The baby was also frequently breastfeeding at night, adding to the challenges.
The mother had previously tried sleep training using an online guide, but after a distressing experience where the baby cried for over two hours at a time, she gave up after three days. The crying led to deep concerns about whether sleep training could harm their attachment and the baby’s long-term development.
Parent’s Priorities:
The parents were committed to finding a solution that was gentle, responsive, and respectful of their child’s needs. They wanted to avoid any approach that might damage their attachment to the baby or his long-term emotional development. Their priority was to implement a plan that would allow the baby to learn to sleep independently, but with a caring, supportive approach.
Strategy:
1. Full History and Temperament Assessment:
The first step was taking a comprehensive history, including an understanding of the baby’s temperament and personality. This helped ensure that any sleep approach would align with the baby’s natural needs and developmental stage.
2. Age-Appropriate Feeding and Sleep Schedule:
An appropriate feeding and sleep schedule was established, considering the baby’s age and developmental needs. A clear schedule for both day naps and night sleep was implemented to help the baby develop a sense of routine.
3. Bedtime Routine:
A soothing, age-appropriate bedtime routine was introduced, which included calming activities designed to signal that it was time for sleep. This routine was kept consistent to help the baby feel secure and comfortable as he transitioned to his own cot.
4. Responsive Sleep Training:
On the first night of implementing the new plan, the strategy was to be responsive to any crying, offering comfort and support while keeping the baby in his cot. Initially, the baby was upset and resisted being separated from his mother’s bed, expressing his displeasure through crying. However, after about 15 minutes of comforting, he calmed down and was able to independently settle to sleep.
5. Progress and Success:
After this initial period of discomfort, the baby slept through the entire night, which was a significant improvement. The following nights saw continued success, with the baby gradually becoming more comfortable sleeping independently in his cot.
Outcome:
By the end of the first week, the baby was consistently sleeping in his own cot through the night 7pm-7am. The parents were relieved to see that their baby was not only learning to sleep independently but also felt reassured by the gentle, responsive approach they had chosen. The mother was also able to regain some much-needed rest, and the family’s sleep dynamic improved significantly.