This that I could NOT Live without to get baby boy to sleep.

So, hubby and I have tried MANY variations on helping baby boy sleep, not only through the night, but also get him to sleep, without being dependent on one of us, and keep him asleep, but also help form good sleeping habits early on. 


Naturally, there were things we were simply NOT willing to compromise on. I understand some people are, and do, that's their business, and of course each child is different, and it's all an experimenting game, HOWEVER, this is what we have set, we love it, it works, so I'm gonna share it.


But FIRST: Here is what we were UNWILLING to compromise with;
1) We did not want to bed share, co-sleep, which ever you call it. First of all, I have a mama nth of a husband and a huge 70 pound dog. No way in heck was I gonna take chances with them alone. Second, I roll, toss and turn. I change positions often in the night. Not to mention I'm up like a thousand times because I have to pee, and since I get dry mouth sleeping I keep water by the bed and drink it at night, which only fuels my need to pee more. Third, hubby and have sex on the bed. Yep, two grown, consenting married adults, gasp, we actually find each other attractive still and want to have sex, lol. Fourth, I like my space to sleep. I don't like being touched once I'm asleep. Yes I like to snuggle as I'm falling asleep, but not once I am asleep. Fifth, I am a tummy sleeper. Need I say more?


2) We were not willing for him to become dependent on one of us to fall and go to sleep. Sure as a YOUNG infant it's okay. BUT now that habits are forming and he's understanding more each day, not okay, at least to us. We don't want to have to rock him to sleep, or nurse him to sleep. Sure when he's not feeling well there is ALWAYS an exception, BUT, not a habit we want to make. So yes, we do lay him in HIS CRIB, and let him fall to sleep on his own. Sometimes it takes a little crying, sometimes it does not. Just depends on the night. 


3) We weren't willing to compromise on safety. What I mean by that, is children who sleep in their own beds, are safer, and pose a lower risk to sids in their first few months. ALSO, children who are started YOUNGER on sleep training, sleep better through childhood into adult hood, which means their over all health is better.


4) We weren't willing to compromise on distractions. This means NO stuffed animals, no mobiles, no crib toys, etc. We wanted Jayden to associate crib/bed, to sleep at night time. We use the pack and play for naps, so he knows it's nap time.


7) No night lights. None. We don't want him to become dependent on a night light to sleep. We still may come to a phase where he will "want" "need" one, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it.


Now, the things we settled on, and that work WONDERFUL!




1) Paci: (aka Binki, pacifier, etc), babies have this amazing ability to suckle in their sleep. It's a comfort thing. So, we let Jayden just happily suck away on his paci at night, all night. 


2) Womb bear, or an app on your smart phone/droid/IPhone that makes a similar sound, like the waves one we have found. Nothing calms him down better than that. 


3) Security animal head mini blanket. Oddly enough, it comforts him. Has mommy and daddy's scent on it.


4) Daddy and I sleep with his sheet and blanket for the next night in our bed, so it has our scent on it. Oddly enough Jayden sleeps better when he smells us. In fact this is a proven study.


5) Humidifier. Yep, every night. We use it. Helps pull mucus out and keep it most so it doesn't get stuck and cause congestion. Sure we have to wipe his face in the morning and changes his sheets more often, but, if it means he sleeps better because he has nothing blocking his air passages, then so be it.


6) We keep the room cool, and bundle him up. He's like mama and dada on this one. We like to snuggle under the blankets and have a cool room. It's also safer, since babies in warmer environments are exposed to a higher risk of SIDS.


7) Complete silence and darkness. We have blackout curtains, to prevent noise and light from coming in. 


8) We allow Jayden to sleep how he is most comfortable. Even if that means on his tummy. 


9) I feed him, asleep, at 10pm. Every night. Keeps him fuller longer, and asleep longer.


10) He stays IN HIS crib from 8pm-8am, so he KNOWS, that's night night sleeping time. No exceptions for now. We will adjust as needed.


11) Set bed time routine. Dinner, a little slow down play or cuddle time. Bath time, then read a story, then it's into bed he goes. 




Well, that's it for night. Have a great night and rest of the week. Until next time!