It is a big achievement for your child to sleep on their own. While it is a sigh of relief for you, your little one will take their first step towards being independent and confident later in life. Some babies achieve this milestone only in a few months, whereas some take years to do the same. It depends on the parents’ perspective a lot too. But it is always better to make your baby self-sufficient. Most parents may wonder “When can I let my baby sleep alone?”
The answer to this question is a simple “it depends”. This aspect varies from family to family and from one baby to another. During childhood, you may find it cozy and cute to sleep with your baby. But if this becomes a habit then your baby will never get comfortable without you. Here are a few pointers to know about letting your baby sleep alone.
In This Article
- Why Should You Consider Making Your Baby Sleep Alone?
- When Is The ‘Right Time’ For My Baby To Sleep Alone?
- Should I Consider My Baby’s Health Before I Let Them Sleep Alone?
- How Do I Get My Baby To Sleep Alone?
- Helpful Tips To Make Your Child Sleep Alone
- FAQ’s
Why Should You Consider Making Your Baby Sleep Alone?
There are many positive points behind letting your baby sleep alone. Here are some you must know
1. The Baby Will Value Your Presence
If you stay always with your baby, even while they sleep, then your baby will feel that you have nothing else to do than pamper them. This will make them feel that you will bear their every tantrum and give in to every demand of theirs.
On the other hand, if you let your kid have their own time in bed activity, they will not become clingy or stubborn. They will value your work and enjoy the time with you fully whenever they get it.
2. Your Baby Will Become Self-sufficient
Up until the first year of your baby, you can easily carry them and gently rock or cuddle to put them to sleep. But if you do the same every time they are crying for sleep, it becomes a habit. And as your baby is becoming a toddler, you will find it difficult to carry them for long.
So, it is better that you make them self-sufficient for at least sleeping purposes. You can introduce bedtime stories, play a gentle tune, or pat them gently on the back at the beginning. They will learn to calm themselves down with the help of stories and music even when you are not present.
3. Sleeping Separately Will Increase Your Baby’s Self-esteem
Children think of themselves with high regard when they can take care of themselves independently. When your guests and relatives will praise this quality of your little one, they will get more confident and more independent in life.
4. You Can Prepare Your Child For School Trips And Boarding Schools
If you two are working parents and feel boarding school is the only way out, then you must sleep train your kid early. Otherwise, they will feel helpless at night when they won’t get you. Even if your kid goes to a normal school, they will have to participate in school trips, excursions, cadre trips, and trekking.
If the child is not self-sufficient then they will not get the scope to explore the world around them. Letting your kid sleep alone is one vital step to prepare your kid for school trips.
When Is The ‘Right Time’ For My Baby To Sleep Alone?
Often parents find it extremely difficult to let their kids sleep alone. And often the baby is not ready to sleep without parents. Thus, it is important to know the proper time to introduce a new bedroom to your baby.
It is best to keep your baby in your room for the first 6 months. During the initial 2/3 months, your baby will wake up and cry every 2 hours as they require feeding. Going to another room each time to feed may seem tiring to you. You can get a cradle beside your bed for the baby.
In between 4 to 6 months your baby’s sleeping pattern will change, and they will sleep soundly at night for at least 5 to 6 hours. So, you can utilize this time for your baby to sleep alone in another room. But of course, you will have to install a baby monitor to check the activities of your baby.
Should I Consider My Baby’s Health Before I Let Them Sleep Alone?
You must consider the health condition of your baby before letting them sleep alone. If your baby has any serious health issues then talk to the doctor first before putting your baby in a separate room. Some problems like respiratory issues will need frequent observation. In that case, your doctor may suggest you keep your baby with you.
How Do I Get My Baby To Sleep Alone?
If you are getting your baby to sleep alone in the first few months, it will not take much effort. You will just have to rock the cradle to soothe the baby and be there until they fall asleep. Things get difficult when your baby is 2 or 3 years old or older and has a habit of sleeping beside you. For such babies, you need to follow these steps.
- Make the environment of the baby’s room warm and cozy.
- Dim the lights and put on a Lori or gentle lullaby on your phone, Alexa, or Siri.
- Readout stories calmly in a gentle poised voice.
- Put on a warmer or blanket to make your baby feel comfortable and secure.
- Slowly leave the room without causing any noise when your baby gets sleepy.
Helpful Tips to Make Your Child Sleep Alone
Now that you know how to make your baby sleep alone and are ready to let your baby sleep in a separate room, here are some tips for your help
- Create a bedtime routine and follow it every day.
- Eat dinner with your kid at the same time every day so that they can get enough time with you
- Promise to reward your baby if they successfully sleep alone
- Do not budge every time your baby cries to sleep with you. They will never learn to sleep alone.
- Do not put on a heavy blanket if your baby is too small and unable to roll on or sit. Use a room heater or sleeping bag instead. It will decrease the risk of SIDS.
- Buy a good-quality baby monitor so that you get informed if your baby wakes up at midnight.
Let your kid sleep alone. It is a healthy practice that will benefit your kid later in life. The sooner you make your child independent the higher they can fly on their own.
FAQ’s
1. Can I Sleep if Baby is Awake in Her Crib?
You can let your baby awake in the crib and notice their movements from the child monitor. You can also sleep if you like but if you are anxious then wait until your baby falls asleep on his/her own.
2. Does Co-sleeping Make Baby Clingy?
Some kids can get clingy and over-dependent on their parents if their parents try to do everything on their behalf. Thus not letting the baby sleep on its own can make them clingy.
3. Is it Okay to Let Baby Sleep Through The Night Without Feeding?
Yes, as your baby crosses 6 months and starts eating solids it will take more time to digest and your baby will not feel hungry at midnight. So you can let your baby sleep overnight without feeding if he/she is not crying for it.
