Search Results

Moving your baby or twins from the bassinet to the crib can sometimes be a tricky transition. The shift to a larger sleep space can have your baby (and you!) feeling uneasy. Once your baby has gotten used to a certain sleep space, introducing a new crib can cause some fussiness.  In this blog, we are going to discuss the benefits of using a bassinet, how to transition once you are ready and the length of the transition process. Can a Newborn Sleep in a Crib or do they Need a Bassinet? First things first- a newborn does not NEED a bassinet. Many families opt out of using a bassinet and go straight to having their little one sleep in a crib from the day they come home from the hospital. However, many families find using a bassinet for the first few months to be a convenient option -myself included! Whether your newborn is sleeping in a crib or a bassinet, it is important to follow safe sleep guidelines. Pros to using a Bassinet: -More easily moveable from room to room. -Smaller sleep space that newborns tend to enjoy. Pros to going straight to a Crib: -There is one less transition to make in the future. -More cost effective as a crib can be used for 2.5-4 years. How Long Can Babies Sleep in a Bassinet? Bassinets tend to be useful during the first few months of life (3-5 months).  There is no exact age that a baby needs to transition out of a bassinet. However, once they are able to sit up independently, push up on their hands and knees or if they outgrow the manufactures height and weight limits, it is safe to say it’s time to say goodbye to the bassinet. How to Transition from the Bassinet to the Crib Transitioning your baby might seem confusing at first. A consistent bedtime routine, patience and a safe sleep space are important factors needed to make the process as seamless as possible. You may also practice naps in there first to get your child used to the space smells and feels of the new bed. Here is what you need when transitioning your baby from a bassinet to a crib: A Full-Sized Crib Please skip the “mini-crib” stage and go directly to a full-sized crib. This is the typical size crib that you normally see. This will allow enough space for your child to grow and will alleviate yet another transition from the mini crib to the full-sized crib later on.  When purchasing a crib, you don’t need to get the fanciest and most expensive one out there. Most cribs are the same – the more expensive ones may have somewhat of a better esthetic appeal, but that’s it. My suggestion to new parents is to buy a crib that has one side higher than the other (if you can). This could help you in the future. A nice hack that we often recommend is in case your child ever decides to try and climb out of the crib at an early age is to turn the crib around so that the higher side is facing the door, and the shorter side is against a wall. It’s not something you think of when you have a newborn, but trust me, they grow and learn and develop these skills incredibly fast! Safety is always our top priority at Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting and we recommend trying your best to keep baby in the crib until as close to 3 years old. A Firm Crib Mattress A firm crib mattress prevents your baby from getting into dangerous positions in the middle of the night or during a nap. Similarly, you’ll want to make sure the crib mattress has only a fitted sheet on it and nothing else. No blankets, stuffed toys, or anything else but your baby should be in the crib. After 12 months old, it is OK to introduce a lovey or small stuffed toy in the crib. A Consistent Bedtime Routine Children thrive with predictability and routine. Having a consistent and predictable bedtime routine is the most important part of this transition.  A typical bedtime routine for a child ages 4-12 months includes a feeding at the beginning of the bedtime routine followed by the same sequence of events every single night! That could include a hygiene routine/bath, reading a story/singing a song/saying a prayer, turning on the white noise, placing in the crib and lights out! Check out this article we wrote for more extensive bedtime routine examples for baby, twins and toddlers. Key Takeaways & Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep in the Crib for the First Time Transitioning your baby or twins from the bassinet to the crib is a big change. Make sure to choose the appropriate time to make this change based off of your child’s development and your family’s needs. Always ensure you are providing your baby with a safe sleep environment and be sure to create a predictable bedtime routine if you haven’t already! Like with any change – we always suggest making one change at a time (if you can).  Try not to make a change when going through life events such as a move, illness, or introduction of a new pet or sibling. As experienced moms and sleep consultants, we are here to support you and your family through your sleep journey. Transitioning to a crib can be a great time to sleep train, as well, (if baby is at least 16 weeks old). You don’t have to go at this alone! if you are feeling overwhelmed, be sure to book a free discovery call to learn more about our 2 week plans with 1:1 sleep coaching OR book a 45 minute sleep strategy call to have your questions answered and common issues troubleshooted. Stellina Ferri is the author of this article. Stellina is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and mom of three. She supports families through the journey of better sleep as a consultant with Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She lives in the Boston, MA area with her family. Learn more about Stellina!

Can you sleep train your baby wearing boots and bar? Sleep training a baby can be a challenging task, especially when they are diagnosed with clubfoot and have to wear boots and bars to sleep. If your baby is undergoing the Ponsetti treatment for clubfoot, they will likely be required to wear the boots and bar to bed each night for 4-5 years. The good news is your child can sleep through the night during that time. Clubfoot treatment requires consistent wear of boots and bar to correct the foot deformity. However, this doesn't mean sleep training is impossible. With patience, consistency, and adherence to medical advice, you can help your baby sleep independently while wearing boots and bars. As a mom to a clubfoot child, I look forward to exploring some effective strategies for sleep training, incorporating foot stretches into bedtime routines, changing socks regularly, and utilizing a bar cover. Understanding Clubfoot Treatment Before diving into sleep training techniques, it's essential to understand the basics of clubfoot treatment. Clubfoot is a congenital condition, sometimes positional, where a baby's foot is twisted inward. Treatment typically involves the Ponseti method, which includes gentle manipulation of the foot followed by the application of plaster casts, a tenotomy, or tendon release, and, eventually, the use of boots and bar to maintain correction. To read about our daughter’s journey from diagnosis to graduation of boots and bar at age four, checkout  this post: Clubfoot Journey: Our Daughter's Clubfoot Correction. Part 1. How to Establish Independent Sleep through Sleep Training 1. It’s never a bad idea to discuss sleep training with your pediatrician. They know your family and child best and can give you the green light to move baby to their room or wean night feedings. Sleep training doesn’t necessarily mean night weaning, though. More information on that here. Your orthopedic surgeon will have given you a protocol for boots and bar wear, so as mentioned above. If you are sleep training, your child will likely be wearing the equipment for nights and possibly naps. 2.  Establish a bedtime routine: Consistency is key when it comes to sleep training. Create a calming bedtime routine that allows your child to transition from awake time to a period of sleep and separation. As a sleep consultant, I can’t stress the importance of a child’s bedtime routine. It can be so easy and straightforward that any caregiver can implement! Incorporate foot stretches as part of your baby’s bedtime routine as it’s a great time of day to dedicate the time to it. Stretching is incredibly important in your child’s clubfoot journey. Stretching will help maintain flexibility, prevent stiffness and even relapse. 3. Adjusting to boots and bar: Our personal experience was boots and bar directly place once the final cast was removed. The final cast was put on after the tendon release. We came home with a baby who was uncomfortable, grouchy and tired. It was a new normal for all of us. Listening to the stretching regimen and wear schedule was very overwhelming. I feel like our daughter transitioned okay into the brace and sleep was about as it was before. We felt that the brace was heavy and really pulled on her hips and knees, so there was a period where she slept with a small towel rolled up and placed under her knees. 4. Sleep environment to help your baby sleep through the night: Create a conducive sleep environment for your baby by ensuring the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Consider using a white noise machine or box fan to create preserve their sleep from outside noises. Boots and bar can be pretty noisy when bumping the side of the crib, so the white noise will help muffle this, as well. I also encourage your little one to wear a sleep sack. The sleep sack will keep the boots and bar contained so that your baby doesn’t play with them or undo the straps. 5. Encourage self-soothing: Teach your baby to self-soothe by allowing them to fall asleep independently. While it may be tempting to intervene at the first sign of fussiness, giving your baby the opportunity to self-soothe can help them develop healthy sleep habits. 6. You baby may sleep in an awkward position: This is okay. Our baby slept in very peculiar ways once she became mobile. She often slept sitting up and forehead on bar, her feet would float in the air during sleep onset, and the most popular was knees under belly and bum in the air. Incorporating Foot Stretches into your Baby’s Bedtime Routine Foot stretches are an essential component of clubfoot treatment and can be seamlessly incorporated into your baby's bedtime routine. Here's how to do it: Gently remove your baby's boots and bars before bedtime. In the beginning, they can spend 15 minutes outside of the boots and bar at a time. This may mean you will move bath time to a different time of day for now. Place your baby on their back and gently stretch their feet by holding their ankle and applying gentle pressure to the affected foot, moving it in the way your doctor has shown you. Your baby may feel uncomfortable, and that is okay. Continuing to do the stretches will allow your child’s foot to acclimate quicker. Repeat the stretches on both feet, focusing on maintaining flexibility and range of motion. Once the stretches are complete, put your baby's boots and bars back on and proceed with the rest of the bedtime routine. Once your child is sitting up, they will enjoy sitting in your lap facing out to watch someone else do the stretches. Changing Socks Regularly Regular sock changes are important to prevent skin irritation, blisters and discomfort caused by prolonged wear of boots and bar. It may take some time to find the ‘perfect’ sock and that’s okay. We preferred taller socks to cover the calf. Here are some tips for changing socks: ·      Use soft, breathable socks that provide adequate cushioning and support. ·      Change your baby's socks at least once a day, preferably during the bedtime routine and in the morning. Baby’s feet will get sweaty! ·      Inspect your baby's feet regularly for any signs of redness, irritation, or pressure sores, and consult with your doctor if you notice any concerns. Using a Bar Cover Bar covers are protective sleeves designed to cover the metal bars of the orthopedic brace, preventing them from causing discomfort or injury to your baby or damage to their bed or another person (ouch!). You find where we purchase ours here. https://26thaveclubfootessentials.com/ Here's how to use them effectively: Choose a bar cover that is lightweight and easy to take off. Choose a design that you like- you can have more than one! Ensure the bar covers fit securely over the bars of the brace, with no loose or dangling parts that could pose a choking hazard. Wash bar covers regularly to keep them clean and free from bacteria or allergens that could irritate your baby's skin. Sleep training a baby wearing boots and bars after a clubfoot diagnosis requires patience, consistency, and adherence to medical advice. By consulting with your doctor, establishing a bedtime routine, incorporating foot stretches, changing socks regularly, and using bar covers, you can help your baby sleep independently while ensuring they receive the necessary treatment for clubfoot. As a mom to a clubfoot cutie, I understand the stressful journey you are on to ensure your child’s feet get the best care and with the best possible outcome for full correction. As always, if you feel like your child would benefit from a second opinion, reach out so I can share our personal story (also see the article linked further above). Lindsay Loring is a mom to twin girls and a certified pediatric sleep consult with Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She lives in the metro St. Louis, MO and helps families worldwide find predictable routines with sleep.

First off, I am just going to say I HATE CRYING! As a mom to 3 little ones born 17 months apart (twin girls followed by a singleton son), it is safe to say that there was and still is a decent amount of crying happening in my household. Luckily, that crying is NOT surrounding any sort of pain or serious issue. I understand that small children are allowed to have big emotions. This morning, I gave my 3-year-old the wrong color bowl and you would have thought the world was officially ending. Toddler parents, I see you. Thankfully, I’ve learned how to cope with hearing lots of crying and whining throughout the day as mom. However, no matter how experienced of a parent I become, crying is and always will be very triggering for me. I am always doing everything in my power to mitigate crying in my household! OK, I am glad I got that off my chest! Now, onto the subject of this article – How much crying is involved with sleep training?  If you are thinking about sleep training your child, this question may have crossed your mind. Is there such a thing as too much crying?  What is the typical amount of crying to expect? And can crying be avoided during the sleep training process? Crying Related to Sleep Training Methods Before diving into crying itself, we first need to address the different types of sleep training methods. I want you to imagine a spectrum and on one end is the “gentle/no cry sleep training method” and on the other end is the “cry it out” method also known as “extinction”. These are the two extremes seen in the sleep training world. DISCLAIMER – we don’t use “cry it out/extinction” at Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. More on that later. The “gentle/no cry” method could take months or even years to fully work and get your child to a place of independent sleep, whereas the “cry it out” method could take just a few nights. The problem that I have with both methods is that there is no plan attached to them. These are mere statements that imply no crying at all with the gentle method and tons of crying with the cry it out method. These “methods” are very gray and subjective. Sleep training is much more than crying vs. not crying. At Tweet Dreamzz we always like to tell parents that we are NOT in the crying business – we are in the SLEEP business. Our main goal is always to get your child (and you!) the appropriate amount of sleep with the least amount of crying possible! How Much Crying is Really Involved in Sleep Training? Inevitably when it comes to making changes with your child, guess what happens? Your child protests! Why? Because change is HARD for all of us, including children.  When it comes to change, the easiest and most appropriate way for your child to protest is by crying ☹ If you have decided to or are thinking about sleep training your child or twins you should know that there will be some crying. I will not sugarcoat that fact. You should always expect night one to be the hardest, but you know the great thing about following a sleep training plan vs. just a method such as “cry method” vs. “no cry” is?  By nights two, three and four you should be seeing NOTICEABLE improvement! Seriously! Within just a few nights of being consistent with proper timing of bedtime, discontinuation of sleep props and a nighttime method, you are well on your way to consolidated rest. Hooray! You may be wondering to yourself - Ok, that’s great but how much crying are we actually talking about? Let’s talk numbers… Every child is different, and I will say that some parents are truly amazed at the fact that with the proper timing and bedtime routine (among other things), their child only cries minimally on night one and then falls right to sleep. I would say the average amount of crying for night one can be 30-40 minutes. That doesn’t mean the child or twins are crying that entire time. There are likely breaks in between and you are equipped with the tools and know how to wait, listen, observe, and respond to your child. Crying and Sleep Training Based on of Age ·      What to Expect with Babies (4-12 Months) Within the first 3-4 nights of sleep training, you should notice that baby is taking less time to fall asleep. They continue to stay awake and alert during feedings and bedtime routine and they are making progress connecting their naptime sleep cycles. ·      What to Expect with Toddlers (12-36 Months) Within the first week of sleep training a toddler you should notice less bedtime fights, a reduction in how long it takes them to fall asleep at night and a decrease in the number of night wakings. They will also be more accepting of their nap and happier and more rested throughout the day. ·      What to Expect with Preschoolers (3-6 Years Old) Within the first week of sleep training a preschool aged child you should expect a significantly improved bedtime routine that involves clear expectations that are being followed and night wakings that are decreasing. You will also notice less emotional meltdowns if those were present before. Is there Such a Thing as “Too Much Crying” when Sleep Training? Often parents are reluctant to begin or follow through with sleep training because they are concerned about abandonment issues or if they are damaging their child by allowing some crying throughout the sleep training process. The good thing is that there is NO RESEARCH to back up any claims that children suffer from abandonment or have any long or short-term effects from sleep training.  In fact, there IS research that shows negative effects of lack of sleep or sleep deprivation for both parents and children. We can all agree that broken sleep SUCKS! Sleep is the foundation of our health. When we sleep well, we are able to function better throughout the day, we are less susceptible to illness, and we FEEL better. For children, a lot of growth happens during sleep because secretions of human growth hormone peak throughout the night. Basically, SLEEP RULES! There are SO many benefits to achieving consolidated sleep for children. A few nights of some difficulty is a small price to pay for what lies on the other end of sleep training. That is an independent sleeper with a lifelong skill. Unfortunately, I don’t have a crystal ball and I can’t tell you how much crying may be involved in sleep training your child or twins. What I can tell you is that sleep training can be hard because change is hard. However, it is up to you to decide if you’ll make a change that will ultimately allow for a better quality of life in a matter of days, or if you’ll settle for more crying in the long run due to nightly inconsistencies. The important thing to remember is you should see progress. If you are not seeing progress in that your child is able to self-soothe and put themselves to sleep quicker than previous attempts, you may want to double check the routine using our baby sleep guide here. If everything looks great and you are being consistent, but still not seeing success, chat with a sleep consultant. At certified pediatric sleep consultants, we are experienced in finding red flags that may point to the conclusion that your baby is not ready to sleep train. At Tweet Dreamzz we know that if you are contacting us, your child or twins are part of a loving home and environment and that you CARE about their health and sleep.  Crying is part of the process, but it is NOT permanent. When you work with us, you can rest assured knowing we are behind the scenes calculating wake times, bedtimes, feed times and routines to ensure optimal sleep for you are your little one(s) with the least amount of crying possible! We would love to be a part of helping you raise a healthy, confident and rested child! Book a free discovery call here and we’d be happy to dive deeper into your specific situation. Stellina Ferri is the author of this article. Stellina is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and mom of three. She supports families through the journey of better sleep as a consultant with Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She lives in the Boston, MA area with her family. Learn more about Stellina!

As sleep consultants we are often asked, when is the best time to sleep train? The answer to this question depends on a lot of factors, however any time after 16 weeks of age is fair game. The important thing to remember is that it is NEVER too late to sleep train! The right time to sleep train is whenever you feel that the current way you are approaching sleep is becoming unsustainable for your family and you want to make a change. At Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting, we are here to support you and help you decide when is the best time to sleep train for you and your family. What is Sleep Training? Before we get into when the best time to sleep train is, let’s address what sleep training is. Sleep training is teaching your child independent sleep skills so that when they have a normal biological waking (in the middle of the night or during a nap) they are able to check in with their surroundings and put themselves back to sleep without needing an outside factor to assist them back to sleep (bottle, nursing, rocking, etc.). Sleep Training a Baby (0-6 Months) The earliest you can begin sleep training is 4 months old. Sleep training at this age can be very successful. However, it’s important to note that we are likely still keeping one overnight feeding at this age. Check out this article we wrote on sleep training and keeping one night feeding. We love helping families sleep train their children at any age! However, one of my favorite ages to work with is babies between 5-6 months old. At this age, baby has likely gone through the 4-month sleep regression and there are less variables at play. Most babies are starting to roll at this age too which can aid in sleep. Many babies WANT to sleep on their bellies, but before they can get to that milestone, sleep is primarily on their backs (supine position). As kids grow older, they start to become more mobile, they get more teeth, they have language explosions and they become toddlers who have tons of emotions and lots to say! These things can be distractions to sleep. I find that setting the foundation early can really help avoid many sleep regressions that children go through as they grow. I am also someone who just loves sleep and does not have a high threshold for lack of sleep, hence why I sleep trained all of my children on the earlier side. Sleep Training a Baby (6-12 Months) If you are someone who didn’t feel it right to sleep train on the earlier side, fear not! Beginning sleep training anywhere from 7-12 months old has its positives. Typically, we can get baby on a very easy to follow 2 nap schedule at this age. You get the dedicated breaks you need, and your child will be getting the appropriate amount of daytime rest-It’s a win-win! At this age, we can usually drop all night feedings if they are still present (pending any medical concerns) and truly achieve a full 10-12 hours of consolidated nighttime sleep. The sleep training process can be pretty seamless at this age assuming the timing of sleep is accurate, and a plan is being followed with consistency. Sleep Training a Toddler (13-36 Months) It is no secret that time FLIES when watching our children grow. If your child is a toddler and you are encountering bedtime battles, it is NOT too late to sleep train and achieve the peaceful nights rest your entire family deserves.  Sleep training a toddler is different than sleep training a baby. Sleep is a biological need. Children know how to sleep and eventually they will fall asleep. However, it is the things surrounding sleep that we typically need to work on when it comes to toddlers. As always, a calming and predictable bedtime routine is a must as children thrive when consistency and routine are present. With toddlers, we can often introduce some other tools such as a color clock, bedtime chart and a comfort item into the plan to aid in the process. A lot of the time with toddlers we are working to break previous habits and behaviors. Although, it can be more difficult to sleep train a toddler as they have a voice and can get up and leave their bed if not in a crib, they DO understand rewards and positive reinforcement. Motivation and praise for accomplishing a task is very motivating to them. You are not doomed if your toddler isn’t sleeping through the night. There is plenty that can be done to get them on the right track, sleeping independently and for the appropriate amount of time. At Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting we’ve seen it all and we absolutely LOVE coaching toddler parents. Sleep Training a Preschooler (3-6 Years) When it comes to sleep training, there is nothing more rewarding than working with a family of a 3–6-year-old that has NEVER slept through the night. It requires perseverance and diligence, but it is extremely rewarding for all parties. When sleep training a preschooler, you need first need to acknowledge what your current reality is. Maybe your child is getting up 3-4 times in the night and coming into your room. Maybe you have co-slept from the beginning or perhaps stumbled into some unsustainable habits due to illness, travel or the introduction of a new sibling. Whatever it may be, we are NOT judging you. We get what it’s like to be in the trenches and doing whatever you feel is right in the moment in order to survive and get some rest. Whatever your current reality is with your preschooler, it is important to acknowledge that they are more than capable of sleeping a full 10-12 hours at night. When sleep training a preschooler it often involves retraining the actions of the parents and caretakers as well as building confidence surrounding sleep for the child. It is important to expect protest at this age. Change is hard! Especially when you are radically changing the way things have been doing for months or years. Teaching new skills to our children can be challenging and frustrating at first. As parents, it’s not our job to remove them from these situations but instead to help them through these learning experiences whatever they may be. They are going to learn how to ride a bike, how to read, how to tie their shoes, use the potty and they can also learn how to sleep independently! Additional Sleep Tips for your Preschooler Similar to sleep training babies and toddlers, it is imperative that you always have a clear and consistent bedtime routine. It is CRUCIAL at this age to set certain boundaries and stick to them. Your preschooler deserves to know what to expect surrounding bedtime and what is expected of them. At this age, instilling confidence during the bedtime routine through words can really help build their confidence and help them BELIEVE they are able to sleep in their bed the whole night. You should expect to offer physical and emotional support to your preschooler throughout the process. There are several strategies that can be used at this age and their progress will be unique to them! With that being said, we generally see immense success with consistency in a two-week time frame. You shouldn’t feel pressure to sleep train early, late or at all if you don’t want to! The success of sleep training often hinges on the parents' readiness to commit to the process consistently. Before embarking on sleep training, assess your own physical and emotional readiness. It's crucial to ensure that you can commit to a plan no matter the age of your child. If you want to sleep train but don’t know where to begin, reach out to us a book a free discovery call! We’ll walk you through the process and help you decide if it’s a good time for your family to sleep train your child or twins! Stellina Ferri is the author of this article. Stellina is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and mom of three. She supports families through the journey of better sleep as a consultant with Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She lives in the Boston, MA area with her family. Learn more about Stellina!

Transitioning twins from cribs to toddler beds can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to maintaining a peaceful bedtime routine. You may worry about a potential sleep regression during this period. However, with careful planning and effective communication, you can make this transition a positive experience for both you and your twins. In this blog post, we'll explore a step-by-step guide to switching your twins from cribs to toddler beds while sharing a room. When is the right time to move your twins to toddler beds? One key factor in ensuring a successful transition is choosing the right time. Waiting until your twins are around 3 years old provides them with more developed impulse control and a better understanding of the changes happening around them. Other factors that are out of your control may play a role in moving them earlier: Climbing out of the crib. Needing the crib for a new baby. Making the move too soon because you were trying to improve sleep. To elaborate more on the three items listed above, pump the breaks. If your child is trying to climb out, put them in a sleep sack or turn the crib around so the highest side faces out. If you have a new baby, keep the newborn in a bassinet or pack n play for a while before moving them to a crib. This will give your older twin more time in the crib. Moving to an open bed does not improve sleep. Small children do well with a physical boundary, and when that is taken away, they may regress further. When the time is right to move your twins to toddler beds, here are some tips! Involve your children in the process by communicating with them about the upcoming transition. This could look like holding a family meeting and even role playing to show your twins how they lay in the beds and what happens if they get up! Allow them to participate in choosing new bedding and helping with the crib-to-bed transformation. Remove almost everything from the room. Yes, you read that right! You will want to have a safe and non-stimulating place to sleep. Anchor the furniture, remove all toys except a few small stuffed animals and books. Clean out the closet and remove anything they can get into like lotions or creams. Using outlet protectors and cord covers can also be a good idea. Install a camera that can pan the entire room to ensure their safety. We recommend this one. Have a Plan for When They Leave the Room It's common for children, especially twins, to explore their newfound freedom by leaving their room after the transition. This is not an if they leave the room, it’s when. Having a plan in place is crucial. Consider a strategy of silently returning them to bed if they wander. Walking them back repeatedly without providing attention to the behavior helps establish boundaries. You will want to walk them back as many times as it takes for them to stay. If tucking them in becomes a stalling tactic, walk them back to the door and leave again. Repeating key phrases can be helpful, as well. It could be something as simple as ‘night night’ or something more complex. If you are using a toddler color clock, incorporating the color into the phrase can be helpful. Some children experience a honeymoon phase initially but may regress later. Being consistent with a silent return can be an effective method in such cases. Useful Tools to Use When Transitioning Your Twins to Toddler Beds The use of tools and visuals can be integral to your twin’s success in their new beds! These are not ‘magic’ tools, but they can supplement your new boundaries in a positive way. Revisit the rules each night and keep these two items in the forefront when communicating bedtime rules. “Red means bed” “What does the chart say? Let’s double check”. Toddler Clock: The Hatch Rest clock is one of our favorites at Tweet Dreamzz. When coaching families of toddlers and preschoolers in beds, we always incorporate this tool in our plans. A color clock can significantly enhance the new routine as a visual boundary for your twins. The clock isn’t the secret, but your adherence to the color is. If the color is red, it’s time for bed, if it’s green, it’s time to get up. Children often respond well to visuals, and these tools can provide a visual structure to bedtime. If your twins have a hard time waiting in the morning, start small by having them wait a few minutes. Once they have successfully waited, make sure to applaud their success. The Hatch Rest clock, with its customizable features, can help establish a consistent sleep-wake cycle. Bedtime Chart: A bedtime rules chart can outline expectations, making it easier for your twins to understand and follow the routine. Essentially, this is a visual guide for your twins to see the process from start to finish. Get your own Tweet Dreamzz Bedtime Chart here! Print it out and hang one for each in their room and at eye level. Ignoring behaviors If your twins are still napping, they may have a longer sleep onset. Between the ages of 3-4, your twins are likely still napping some days out of the week. This is perfectly normal and age appropriate. On days that your twins nap, moving bedtime later (8-8:30) can be helpful to reduce sleep onset and attention seeking behaviors. Ignoring behaviors can be helpful in the long run. This doesn’t mean you will ignore if there is a safety concern, but it does mean you should give the new setup’s novelty some time to wear off. If your twins are giggling, hugging, or getting into each other’s beds- ignore. It’s very normal for them to explore the new space and ‘see what may get your attention’. Best advice here is to allow the newness to take place and then they will begin to settle much quicker when they realize it doesn’t get your attention. Things to Remember When Transitioning Your Twins to Beds The move from cribs to beds with your twins doesn't have to be a stressful experience. By waiting until your twins are around 3 years old, involving them in the process, having a plan for room departures, and incorporating helpful tools like the Hatch Rest clock and bedtime rules chart, you can create a smooth and predictable bedtime routine that allows your twins to continue to be good sleepers. Remember, communication and consistency are key to ensuring a positive transition for both you and your twins. If you would like personalized support through this experience, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consultant. We are experienced twin moms and sleep coaches who will walk you through a successful transition! Lindsay Loring is a twin mom and senior sleep consultant at Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She has coached over 150 sets of twins on the journey to predictable sleep for the entire family. Find out what options she has for your twins today! https://www.tweetdreamzz.com/twin-sleep-plans

Welcoming twins into your family is an exhilarating and joyous experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to setting up a nursery that caters to the needs of two unique babies. The key to a successful twin nursery setup lies in focusing on essential elements that ensure safety, comfort, and peace of mind for both the babies and the parents. We’ll go over four fundamental components that should impact your registry and product checklist when planning or investing in your twins' nursery. 1. Two Convertible Cribs The main investment of any nursery is, undoubtedly, the crib. And that’s right, you will ned two. When you have twins, buying convertible cribs from the start is a game-changer. These cribs not only provide a secure and safe sleeping environment for your babies, but also adapt as your twins grow. Opting for a convertible style crib allows you to seamlessly transition from the infant stage to the toddler years, saving you the hassle and cost of purchasing new beds down the line. It’s our recommendation to buy ALL the transitional pieces that come with your cribs. If you wait 2-3 years to purchase the kits, they are often times discontinued. Safety standards should be non-negotiable, so choose cribs that meet or exceed regulatory guidelines and use them according to the AAP safe sleep guidelines recently updated in June 2021. Your babies should sleep in a crib that is flat, firm with no loose bedding, clothing or added sleep positioners. 2. Double Baby Monitor A double baby monitor is a twin parent's best friend and everyone has one these days. In the beginning, we recommend not to go with Wi-Fi at first in case the connection should be lost for any reason. Once your twins are older, you can move to a Wi-Fi, home security type camera to ensure their safety. Keeping an eye on both infants simultaneously provides an unparalleled sense of reassurance. You can find one that is split screen, or routinely toggles back and forth between cameras. In the market, you'll find a range of baby monitors, each with unique features, specifications and reviews. For a twin nursery setup, opt for a non-WiFi, double-screen camera system. Buy an extra charging cord as this seems to be what will break first, and not the monitor itself. These monitors typically come equipped with split-screen capabilities, allowing you to monitor both cribs simultaneously. A non-WiFi system minimizes potential security risks and ensures a reliable connection. Look for monitors with high-resolution cameras, infrared night vision, and two-way communication features, facilitating real-time interaction with your twins. Investing in a quality double baby monitor not only enhances your ability to monitor your babies but also contributes to your peace of mind, allowing you to navigate parenthood with confidence. Having 24/7 eyes on our children come with its positives and negatives. Try to step away when needed and don’t hover too much or stress yourself out if your babies are safe in their beds. 3. Sound Machine Twins sharing a room can create a a layer of variables that aren’t relevant with a singleton. Most twins parent’s biggest fear is them waking each other up! We can 100% relate with that sentiment, so a sound machine, such as the versatile Hatch, should be a tool you are using to preserve your twins’ sleep. Sound machines not only drown out ambient noise but also establish a consistent and soothing auditory environment for your twins. Using a sound machine at a safe-level and on a setting like white, pink or brown noises can reduce the time it takes your twins to fall asleep, and protects the restorative, deep sleep they need to be rested. The Hatch, for example, offers customizable settings, allowing you to adjust volume levels and create specific sleep programs tailored to your babies' sleep routines. 4. Blackout Curtains Toddlers are notorious for their unpredictable sleep patterns as they gain more awareness and need for independence. This is why a dark room is very important when preserving their nap routine, for example. Blackout curtains like the SleepOut Portable Curtain are an essential element in your twin nursery setup toolkit. Use code tweetdreamzz for 10% off your purchase! These curtains not only block out sunlight, creating a dark and cozy atmosphere, but also serve as a visual cue for nap and bedtime. Most curtains sold as blackout, will let more light in than you want. The recommendation here is to layer these curtains first and then put your decorative curtains overtop. No one will ever know, and your twins will have a dark, cool room to nap in. Investing in high-quality blackout curtains ensures that your twins' sleep isn't disrupted by external light sources, fostering better nap times, and reducing chances of waking too early in the morning. As your twins’ transition from infants to toddlers, the darkened environment becomes even more critical, helping them associate darkness with sleep and promoting healthy sleep habits. Toddlers are curious and adventurous. They may want to play, fight or interact with each other! Keeping the room as dark as possible will help reduce these behaviors. As twin sleep consultants, we know the importance of creating a twin nursery setup with consideration to safety and practicality. Twins are unique individuals who are going through a shared experience, and as moms to twins, we very much understand that! Remember these four things when setting up your twin's nursery: Convertible cribs Double baby monitors Quality Sound machines Blackout curtains These items will help you form the foundation of a successful sleep environment for your twins. By investing in these key elements, you're not only prioritizing your babies' well-being but also setting the stage for a more manageable and enjoyable parenting journey. Lindsay Loring is the author of this article. Lindsay has had the pleasure of working with over 150 sets of twins on the journey to safe & predictable sleep patterns. Your twins nursery deserves your thoughtful investment to allow for great nap time routines and easy bedtimes with your twins. If you are looking for specific help with your twins’ sleep routines, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lindsay at Lindsay@tweetdreamzz.com

Having two babies at once means you need to be a little bit more prepared when it comes to how your babies will eat, sleep, play and leave the house. I found that having the right gear made it easier for me to accomplish tasks throughout the day. We’d love to hear what twin products you swear by. Leave us your recommendations by sending us a DM on Instagram! A Compact Twin Stroller – It goes without saying that your stroller will be your best friend when you have twins.  There are plenty of strollers on the market that can “grow with your child”. These types of strollers allow you to transition from attaching the car seats, bassinets & toddler seats to one universal base. Although, I can see the utility in this design, I found that the stroller I originally purchased came with A LOT of pieces (bassinets, toddler seats, multiple kinds of wheels and canopies). It was extremely bulky and barely fit into my trunk! Once my twins could sit up and were a bit less fragile (around 5/6 months), I found myself wanting to take them on walks, but I didn’t feel like lugging around a stroller that took a lot of effort to pack and unpack. Enter the Dream On Me Volgo Twin Umbrella Stroller . This stroller is extremely compact and foldable. It rides smoothly and is an affordable option. My twins are almost 3 and we still use it from time to time as it can hold up to 40lbs per seat! I highly recommend this stroller as it is affordable, compact, and easy to assemble and use! Feeding Pillow for Twins –  The Twin Z Pillow is probably the most recommended twin product out there. My twins spent a countless amount of time in their Twin Z Pillow. It’s very useful for nursing or bottle feedings mothers alike. Just remember to always be present while your twins are using the pillow, and the pillow is not certified safe for sleep. Large Play Mat- I highly suggest getting a large size play mat that can fit both twins. It offers a change of scenery and a safe place for them to roll around. I used this famous Fisher Price Rainforest Themed playmat for my twins. Pro tip – you can easily switch out the hanging toys every so often to make it even more exciting for them! Portable Bouncer Seats – Another item we invested in was 2 portable Baby Bjorn Bouncer Seats. My twins spent a lot of time in these from birth – 8 months old. We often traveled with these as they are compact and comfortable seats. I have vivid memories of my twins drinking their bottles in these seats as it became a convenient way to feed them. You can also purchase some hanging toy attachments to keep your little ones entertained while they bounce around in their stylish seats. Activity Centers – Once the twins could roll around, we started to use the Joovy Skip Hop Activity Centers to keep them contained but entertained. I loved these because you can easily adjust the height to ensure your little one’s feet are touching the ground. These can also be transitioned into a toddler table after your twins outgrow the initial activity center use. Definitely register for two of these! Portable Bath Seats – Bathing twins at the same time can pose to be a challenge and a safety concern. I found that using these portable bath seats made bath time a whole lot easier! These bath seats suction into the bathtub making them easy to use and transport in case you need an option for bathing at grandma’s house. At almost 3 years old, my twins are still sitting in these seats in the bathtub. The back support and containment factor allows me to feel more confident in bathing them together and by myself. Highly recommend! Light Car Seats for Twins- As a twin mom, I knew I would need a lot of help doing things; however, I wanted the option to do things by myself if I was feeling up for it. That’s why I purchased the lightest car seats on the market – The Nuna Pipa Lite. At just 6.9lbs, it makes it a little easier to carry two by yourself. Sound Machines – As sleep consultants and twin moms we are pro-white noise. Be sure to use it at a safe decibel and far enoug away from your child's bed. I found that placing this sound machine in between my twins’ cribs worked wonders for blocking out noises from outside as well as those inevitable noises they both made throughout the night. I purchased a few of these to use on the go as well. You can’t go wrong at such a great price! Toddler Clock for Twin Toddlers- The sound machine and toddler clock that I love is the Hatch Rest. First or Second generation are both on the market and very similar, they’ve upgraded from Bluetooth to WIFI, and the App is very intuitive with program scheduling, etc. This is a must have product when converting to toddler beds with twins! To access our FULL list of favorite products as moms to twins and sleep consultants, visit our Amazon Storefront. At Tweet Dreamzz, we are a team of twin moms and sleep consultants dedicated to helping families with twins and multiples achieve better, predictable sleep with implementation of a schedule and routines the entire family will benefit from! Find out more about our twin sleep offerings here!

Hi Mama, I see you… your baby or toddler has woken up in the middle of the night again and you don’t know what to do. You’re so exhausted and desperate for some sleep that you bring one or both twins into bed with you just so you can get a little shut eye under your belt and be able to function the next morning. You’re not alone and it’s not uncommon for parents to get into the habit of co-sleeping, especially if it helps everyone get some amount of consolidated sleep every night. Not to mention the fact that those baby cuddles in the middle of the night are something truly special. But now you find yourself in a position where co-sleeping just isn’t working for you anymore and you don’t remember the last time you had your bed to yourself. Everyone has their own journey when it comes to parenting and there is no one size fits all when it comes to baby and toddler sleep. However, if you’re starting to feel like your co-sleeping journey is coming to an end but don’t know where to begin, keep reading. What is Co-Sleeping? Co-sleeping is when children sleep on the same surface as another person such as their parents or siblings. Co-sleeping and bed-sharing are the same thing. Room-sharing is NOT the same as co-sleeping. Room-sharing is when children share the same room as another person(s) but have their own sleep space such as a crib, bassinet, or another bed. It is definitely possible to teach children independent sleep skills while they are room-sharing with parents. This is a common setup in the early days. When is the Best Time to Stop Co-Sleeping The best time is whenever YOU are ready and can commit to a plan. However, I do like to mention that the AAP clearly states that they discourage co-sleeping or bed-sharing as it can have some serious safety risks. Infants especially do best when sleeping on their own flat and bare sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet. Keep in mind that twins should be sleeping separately as well and not in the same bedspace. Room-sharing with your twins or single baby is just fine though! In fact, many twins often do room-share. How to Stop Co-Sleeping with your Twins Be consistent – It’s not fair to your baby or twins if you let them co-sleep with you sometimes but not all the time. Little children do not yet understand why they would be able to sleep with you on some nights but not on others. Most children do best with clear boundaries and expectations. If you revert to old habits even once throughout the process of establishing new sleep skills, you are reinforcing the very behavior that you are trying to terminate. Consistency is KEY! Spend Lots of Time in Your Child’s New Sleep Space It’s only natural for a child to be apprehensive about sleeping in a new place. This is why we recommend spending lots of time in your child’s new room/sleep space prior to saying farewell to co-sleeping. For a young child, this could involve playing with some toys or games in their room during the day or letting them explore around while you sort the laundry. For a toddler or preschool aged child, this could look like picking out some new sheets or stuffed toys for his or her bedroom in advance and having them help you set up the new items. Utilizing a bedtime chart such as this one can prove to be really helpful in the transition. Introduce a Transitional Object If your child is 12 months or older, we find that introducing a transitional object such as a new lovey or stuffed toy can work wonders. Be sure to involve your child in this process. Talk to them about their new buddy for sleep. Remember to keep the lovey or stuffed toy STRICTLY for sleep. This will ensure that this item is special. Give the new friend a name and keep it close during all sleep routines. It will also be a cue for sleep! How to Create a New Bedtime Routine for your Twins If you’ve been following us for a while, you already know that we firmly believe in a regular and consistent bedtime routine. The same sequence of events every night before bed cues your baby or twins that sleep is on the way. Kids do best when they know what to expect. Check out this article we wrote on easy bedtime routine ideas for babies, twins and toddlers. The article shares our thoughts on how to make the last hour or so before bed a relaxing time for you and your children to bond and get ready for a period of separation. Start the Process at Night You’ll want to start this process at night time vs. nap time. The drive to sleep is much higher at nighttime because your baby or twins’ bodies are creating melatonin (the sleepy hormone). This helps their body accept sleep more easily. You can then proceed with the new changes during the daytime the next day. Have a Plan a Sleep Training Plan to Help you Discontinue Co-Sleeping This transition can be challenging for your child AND you. That’s why having a plan is important, so you know the exact steps needed for success. At Tweet Dreamzz we’ve worked with plenty of previously co-sleeping parents with great success! There are a few different approaches we can take as we know every family is different. Depending on age, we typically see great progress with the following two methods: 1) Stay in the Room/Chair/Sleep Lady Shuffle: Also known as “camping out”. This method works by gradually weaning parental presence from the baby or twin’s bedroom. This sleep training method allows you to soothe your child or twins while in the room. Eventually your presence is weaned by you moving further and further away until you are eventually out of the room. Soothing can look like rubbing back/tummy, loud shushing and hand holding to name a few. The important thing to remember here is success is marked by when. your child puts themselves to sleep. They will practice this every night and continue to get better at their own strategy. 2) Timed Intervals/Leave & Check: With this method, parents go through their bedtime routine and then leave their child or twins in the room after ensuring that everything is OK. They re-enter based on strategically timed check-ins. We recommend waiting at least 10 minutes before doing a check-in. It's also recommended to refer to a crying scale to be sure you can recognize self-settling. Both methods listed above always have your child’s safety and well-being at the top of our list! If you’re ready to stop co-sleeping but need some individualized support to get you to your end goal, we are here to help. Book a free discovery call today & view our sleep training offerings. We can be that resource for your family to ensure that everyone in your family is getting the sleep they need and in their own beds! Stellina Ferri is the author of this article. Stellina is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and mom of three (including twins!) She supports families through the journey of better sleep as a consultant with Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She lives in the Boston, MA area with her family. Find out what solutions she has for you by Booking a free call!

Read this FIRST: Your 2 year old still needs to nap! Second- Let us answer these questions: Does a 2 year old need a nap? YES Should my 2 year old take a nap every day? YES When does a 2 year old stop napping? NEVER How to keep a nap with my 2-year-old? Keep reading! Two year olds can be challenging and exhausting. I believe I cried the most during this stage as my twins turned from agreeable toddlers to cranky, irrational kiddos who often fought their sleep, as well. Let’s get into the reasons why your 2 year old is fighting their nap or bedtime. Your toddler may be regressing for several reasons: 1. Their schedule isn’t right for them anymore. 2. They are undergoing a language explosion or periods of separation anxiety. 3. They require a parent, pacifier or bottle to soothe them to sleep and those things no longer work for them anymore. 4. They are regressing because they are two and that is what two years old do. Two-year-olds can often lose their confidence in their sleep abilities where they resist sleep routines at every turn. After reading these, you may be feeling lost on what to do now. The good news is that a toddler who has repeatedly boycotted their nap, can go on to nap for another year or more- YES, it’s possible! Suggested 2-Year-old Sleep Schedule Your two-year-old needs about 6 hours awake before their nap and 5 hours awake after their nap. If your child has a different desired wake time, you can adjust accordingly to your family’s schedule. An example Schedule Looks Like 6:30/7 wake 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Nap/Crib time 7:45/8:00 PM Bedtime *You can practice more crib time, here, if your child is happy in their crib and the schedule is working. What to do when your toddler is going through a sleep regression? Sleep regressions can be inevitable for a few reasons. Your child is developing rapidly and those skills they are learning can be exciting to practice in the crib. Your two-year-old may spend the entire nap period babbling and singing away, and although frustrating, it’s completely normal. Checkout our podcast episode on how we handle sleep anxiety with our kids- This age group comes up many times! The important thing to remember is that just because your toddler has been skipping their nap, it doesn’t mean they are done in the long run. Continue to offer the nap at an age-appropriate time of day and before you know it, your child will start napping again. In addition, toddlers need a transition to sleep almost moreso than a baby. Their sleep pressure is much lower now and they are very much aware of sequences of events and more. Practice a nap time routine with your two-year-old to encourage them to nap. 2-Year-Old Nap Time Routine About 15 minutes before nap time, head into your child’s room. Change their clothes and give them a fresh diaper, if needed. Put them in a sleep sack. Yes, this is 100% recommended to help cue them for sleep and discourage trying to climb out of the crib. Here is our favorite sleep sack for two- and three-year-olds! Once your child is ready, sit on the floor or in a chair and read a book. First words books are great and so are short story board books. Turn on the sound machine, use your key words, give a hug and place child in their crib. Communicate you will see them after nap time, close the door and leave the room. Practicing a two-hour crib time can be helpful when trying to elongate nap lengths. This routine is a great place to start if your toddler requires you to lay with them, they need a bottle to sleep, or some other sleep prop is in play. If you have big changes to sleep routines to make, be sure to start at bedtime first. You will want to practice the new routine at bedtime at least ONCE before making any changes at bedtime. If you have no idea how to start or implement sleep changes with your 2- year old, view our toddler sleep training packages and know that we are here to help! Why is your sleep trained two year old screaming and crying at bedtime or nap time? This age is known for regressing. Not all kids regress, but some do. Things like starting a new daycare, getting a new sibling, parent working more, family stress, or no reason at all can disrupt your child’s sleep. One day they happily go to their crib and the next day they are clinging to you in fear. This can feel alarming and unsettling. The best way to get through this regression is to not change your approach and boundary around sleep if you wish to continue to have an independent sleeper. Check that there isn’t anything to tweak from earlier in the article and then move forward with your usual routine. If you need to revisit the basics of sleep training by incorporating some check-ins for comfort go for it! Sleep training can be successful again at older ages! Generally speaking, children stop napping around 3-5 years old. Using the suggestions in this article you can help your 2 year old to start napping again for at least another year or longer. Key take aways to help your toddler to continue to nap include: 1. Check the schedule. 2. Continue or develop a nap time routine. 3. Drop sleep props that your child requires to take a nap. 4. Build your child’s sleep confidence by practicing a consistent and predictable sleep routine. As a sleep consultant and mom to twins, Lindsay Loring understands the struggles parents face when it comes to their baby and toddler’s sleep. Lindsay is a sleep coach located in St. Louis, MO where she helps families world-wide achieve predictable and restful sleep routines. Learn more about Lindsay and enlist her help by booking a free sleep evaluation call! www.tweetdreamzz.com/book-now

Is Your baby in a sleep regression? You've made it through the early months of sleepless nights and maybe even established some semblance of a sleep routine for your baby or twins! However, just when you thought you were in the clear, the dreaded 8-month sleep regression strikes. But fear not, this too shall pass. In this blog post, we'll explore what the 8-month sleep regression is, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can manage to get your good sleeper back. What is the 8-Month Sleep Regression? The 8-month sleep regression is a common phase that many babies go through. I vividly remember all 3 of my children going through this regression. It typically occurs around the 8th month of life and can last for several weeks. Sometimes babies are experiencing it earlier at 7-months old or later at 9-months old. During this regression, your baby's sleep patterns may change, and they may experience more frequent night awakenings, shorter naps, or have difficulty falling asleep. Sigh. Why Does a Sleep Regression Happen? Several factors contribute to the 8-month sleep regression: Developmental Milestones: At 8 months, babies often reach significant developmental milestones, such as crawling, standing, or even taking their first steps. These new skills can excite and stimulate them, making it challenging to settle down for sleep. They may want to practice their new skills in their crib and completely skip a nap (face to palm) Separation Anxiety: Around this age, babies may develop separation anxiety, becoming more attached to their primary caregivers. Object permanence has set in and your baby knows that you exist even when they cannot see you. They may wake up in the night seeking comfort and reassurance. Continue to project confidence at sleep times with a nice, cheery voice while staying consistent with their typical sleep routine. Teething: Teething can be a source of discomfort and pain for some babies, which can disrupt their sleep patterns. Teething is suspected to cause inflammation pain for 1-2 days prior to eruption. Keep a close eye on your baby and their mood throughout the day. If they seem okay, that’s great! Cortisol levels drop before bedtime, though, so check with your pediatrician about giving a dose of ibuprofen, for example. Nap Transition is Necessary: We often see babies transition from 3-2 naps anywhere from 6-9 months range. If your baby is experiencing early morning wakings or short naps, it is entirely possible that it’s time to make the switch to two clocked-naps throughout the day. Tips for Managing Your Baby’s Sleep Regression Consistent Bedtime Routine: Stick to a soothing bedtime routine that helps signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. Check out this post for ideas on creating a consistent bedtime routine for your baby or twins. Daytime Naps: Ensure your baby gets enough daytime sleep to prevent overtiredness. Short naps during the day can lead to more frequent night awakenings. Similarly, you’ll want to make sure that they are not getting TOO much daytime sleep either as that could be effecting their night sleep. Coping with Separation Anxiety: Separation anxiety happens because you are your child’s main source of security and comfort. Playing games like “peek-a-boo” during the day reinforces the understanding of object permanence and the idea that when you leave you always come back. Focus on your reunion after work or after nap time. Give baby a great big smile and warm cuddle. Also, keep your “good-byes” short. Prolonging your departure can give your baby the idea there is something to fear. Teething Relief: If teething is a concern, provide appropriate teething toys or remedies recommended by your pediatrician to alleviate discomfort. Avoid Sleep Props: Try to avoid creating sleep associations that your baby will rely on, such as rocking or feeding them to sleep. Encourage self-soothing skills and lay baby down fully awake for all sleep periods. Adjust Sleep Environment: Ensure the sleep environment is conducive to rest. A dark, cool room with a comfortable & safe crib can help your baby sleep better. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Stick to your established sleep routines and strategies, even during the regression. Babies thrive on predictability. Consider Sleep Training with the help from Tweet Dreamzz: If sleep troubles persist, please reach out to us for help and schedule a free discovery call! 8 months is a great time to begin teaching your child independent sleep skills that will allow these regressions to pass without notice of much disruption. How to Avoid Sleep Regressions Avoiding or minimizing sleep regressions for your baby is possible. By following independent routines, your baby or toddler can breeze past them much quicker as they don’t rely on outside factors to put them back to sleep. Keep a tight hold on an independent bedtime routine to help your baby through their sleep regression faster. Example of an independent bedtime routine for your baby: Feed in a well-lit area about 30-45 minutes before lights out. Complete your baby’s hygiene routine like taking a bath or a warm washcloth followed by lotion. Get baby dressed for bed with a clean diaper, pajamas and a sleep sack. Read a story or sing a song. Give baby a kiss or cuddle and lay them in their crib awake. Turn out the lights and leave the room. The 8-month sleep regression can be a challenging time for you and your baby, but it is a phase that will eventually pass. By understanding the reasons behind it and implementing these management strategies, you can help ease the transition and get your baby back on track to restful nights and peaceful naps. Remember, every baby is unique, so be patient, flexible, and don't hesitate to seek professional advice if needed. You've got this! Stellina Ferri is the author of this article. Stellina is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and mom of three. She supports families through the journey of better sleep as a consultant with Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She lives in the Boston, MA area with her family. Find out what solutions she has for you by Booking a free call!

Welcoming a newborn into your life is a magical and life-changing experience. However, the joy of parenthood often comes with sleepless nights and exhaustion (especially in the beginning). Newborn sleep patterns can be erratic and confusing, leaving you in search of answers. Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns Newborns sleep a lot, but their sleep is quite different from that of older babies. To better understand newborn sleep, it's essential to be aware of the following factors that are driving their sleep habits. What do newborn sleep cycles look like? Newborns have shorter sleep cycles than adults, typically lasting 45 minutes to an hour. These cycles consist of active (REM) sleep and quiet (non-REM) sleep. REM sleep is when babies often appear restless, with rapid eye movements and occasional body twitches. Sometimes they can appear to be awake since they are moving so much and may even have periods of eye opening. Don’t be fooled though, your baby may still be sleeping even though he/she has moments of moving and twitching. How many hours do newborns sleep? Newborns sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day on average, but this sleep is divided into frequent, short naps instead of consolidated stretches. You yourself may be feeling extra tired due to the around the clock wakeups. Power through the best you can by making safe sleep choices, asking for help when needed and relishing in the fact that this is a short season of your baby’s development. Why is your newborn awake all night? A newborn's circadian rhythm, or internal body clock, is not fully developed. This means that newborns do not yet have a clear distinction between day and night, which can lead to erratic sleep patterns. It is not until closer to 16 weeks when sleep hormones are becoming present that their circadian rhythm becomes more regulated. How often should your newborn eat at night? Newborns wake up frequently because they have small stomachs and need to feed often. Feeding is a primary reason for sleep disruptions during the early weeks of life and it is important to remember that it is completely normal for a newborn to wake up multiple times during the night to eat. It’s not uncommon for your newborn to be on a 24-hour feed cycle at first. Before you make any changes in your baby’s nighttime eating patterns, contact your pediatrician for advice. How to Help your Newborn Sleep Longer While newborn sleep can be challenging, there are strategies to encourage better sleep habits for both your baby and you: Create a Soothing Environment: Make your baby's sleep space comfortable and safe. A consistent sleep environment can signal to your baby that it's time to rest. Keep their room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature at night-time. During the day, expose your baby to lots of light and noises to assist their circadian rhythm development. Swaddle Your Baby: Swaddling can help mimic the cozy feeling of the womb, making your baby feel secure by minimizing their startle reflex and promoting better sleep. There are several easy to use swaddle products on the market now such as Velcro and zipper swaddles that are typically easier to use than a blanket. Practice Safe Sleep: Always put your baby to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Avoid loose bedding, toys, or crib bumpers in the crib. Establish a Routine: While newborns don't have a set circadian rhythm, establishing a bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. This might include a warm bath, gentle rocking, or reading a book. Feed on Demand: Newborns need to feed frequently, so be responsive to their hunger cues. Nighttime feedings are expected during the early weeks. Share the Load: If possible, share nighttime responsibilities with your partner or ask for help from family and friends. Getting some uninterrupted sleep can make a world of difference. What Time Should a Newborn Go to Bed at Night? Newborns prefer a late bedtime of 9-10 pm. Anything earlier than that may be treated as a nap or your baby fights sleep altogether. Your baby will want to feed frequently leading up to bedtime which could look like a marathon nursing session or adding additional ounces to that time of day. Your baby is naturally getting themselves full before their longest stretches of sleep. What does a newborn bedtime routine look like? Around 8 weeks old, your baby will start to identify the sequences of events leading up to sleep. Keep your routine short but meaningful. A sample bedtime routine may look like: Reasons Why your Newborn is Fighting Sleep Colic, Reflux & Gas: If your baby experiences colic, reflux or gas, consult your pediatrician for guidance on soothing techniques and potential dietary changes. Be sure to burp baby after each feeding. Keeping baby upright for a bit of time after each feeding may alleviate regurgitation. There are several over the counter remedies such as Gripe Water and Mylicon. Your healthcare provider is your best friend when it comes to managing your baby’s tummy troubles. Nighttime Wakings: Around 8 weeks, pending no health concerns, you can typically try to encourage longer stretches of nighttime sleep by reducing stimulation during nighttime feedings and nighttime diaper changes. Feed baby every 2-3 hours during the day in an effort to make sure they are receiving the greatest amount of calories prior to bedtime. Sleeping on Back: Newborns are not used to sleeping on their backs. You may notice that when placed on their back, your baby fights sleep or they only sleep for a short period of time. This is frustrating, but please be aware of the importance of your baby being placed on their back to sleep. Updated safe sleep guidelines can be found here. Continue to place your baby on their back and view each time as practice and progress for them to get adjusted. Use crib or bassinet side soothing to help them calm and return to sleep in the desired position. Research sleep resources for your baby: If you're struggling with persistent newborn sleep issues check out our comprehensive Newborn Sleep Guide. Our guide includes patterns to follow every day to help you and your baby get the rest you need and deserve from 0-3 months old. What does a sample newborn schedule look like? Keep going! Navigating newborn sleep can be challenging, but understanding their sleep patterns and implementing predictable sleep routines can make a significant difference for both you and your baby. By laying the foundations of independent sleep described inside our newborn sleep guide you will learn the intricacies of each day with a newborn and how to optimize sleep, when possible. Remember that it's okay to ask for help and that, as your baby grows, their sleep patterns will change and become more predictable. It’s also important to note that each baby is different, and you may see big swings in sleep skills when it comes to your different children or even identical twins. Stellina Ferri is the author of this article. Stellina is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and mom of three. She supports families through the journey of better sleep as a consultant with Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She lives in the Boston, MA area with her family. Find out what solutions she has for you by Booking a free call!

Getting your baby to sleep can be one of the most perplexing challenges you face as a parent. As the clock ticks, you feel exhausted and anxious and often find yourself engaged in a delicate dance with your baby who seems determined to resist going to bed! While this may seem frustrating, there are several scientific and developmental reasons behind why babies fight sleep. We’ll get into some of the reasons why babies resist going to sleep and what you can do to help them get their rest (and yours too!) The Top Reasons Why We See Babies Fighting Sleep as Sleep Consultants Developmental Milestones Babies grow and develop at an astonishing rate during their early years. As they acquire new skills like rolling over, crawling, or even saying their first words, these milestones can affect their sleep patterns. When babies are on the verge of mastering a new skill, their brains can become overstimulated and cause them to resist sleep. It's almost as if they're too excited to rest and become obsessed with practicing their new skills. You’ll want to be sure to practice your babies’ new skills with them A LOT during the day, so that by the time they get into their crib, they are not only tired enough, but have also been rolling, crawling, or walking so much during the day that they won’t feel the need to practice constantly in their crib. Wondering if your baby is in a regression? Read up on the most popular ages baby can regress with their sleep. Inconsistent or Inappropriate Daytime Schedule An inconsistent sleep schedule or one that is not appropriately based off your babies age can cause them to fight sleep at night (and for naps). You will want to make sure that your baby is taking the appropriate number of naps for the correct amount of time. This may mean capping or dropping naps sometimes! Check out the Naps section on our blog for several articles that relate to babies’ naps. Separation Anxiety Babies form strong emotional bonds with their caregivers, usually their parents. Separation anxiety can start as early as six to eight months and peaks around the first birthday due to babies learning about object permanence. Object permanence in this scenario means your baby is aware that you still exist when out of sight. This can lead to babies resisting sleep because they feel uneasy when separated from their primary caregivers. As they realize that sleep involves being apart from their parent, they may cry to cling to you to stay close. Be sure to always reassure your baby that you will be back when you leave. You can practice by telling your baby you are leaving the room and will be right back – then actually come back! Attachment with your child is founded within the continuous returns after periods of separation. After 12 months, you can Introduce a transitional object such as a lovey or soft toy to help ease separations if you wish. It can be very beneficial to your child’s self-soothing when they have a comfort item to attach to. Over-tiredness or Under-tiredness Counterintuitive as it may seem, over-tiredness can make it difficult for babies to fall asleep. When babies become overtired, their bodies release stress hormones like cortisol that can lead to restlessness and difficulty calming down. This overtired state can result from a missed nap or not being put to bed at the right time. The longer a baby stays awake past their optimal sleep window, the harder it can be for them to settle down. You can manage this by making sure your baby is following the appropriate wake windows during the day, in turn preventing over-tiredness at bedtime. Similarly, if your baby is not tired enough, it will be more difficult for them to fall asleep at night. We encourage as much outdoor time as possible as it stimulates the production of melatonin. Following the appropriate daytime schedule will also ensure that your baby reaches his or her “sweet spot” bedtime based off wake windows or clock times depending on age. Wondering if your baby is on a wake time or clock-based schedule? Find out here. Sleep Associations/Sleep Props Babies, like adults, develop associations with sleep cues. If a baby becomes accustomed to falling asleep while being rocked, nursed, or with a pacifier, they might struggle to fall asleep without these associations. When they wake up in the middle of the night, they might seek out these same associations to help them fall back asleep, causing disruptions in their sleep cycle. We encourage the use of sustainable sleep associations such as white noise & a sleep sack. These are tools that cue your baby’s brain that sleep is on the way. It’s also easy to recreate these sleep associations when traveling and in the middle of the night. Unlike other sleep associations, using white noise and a sleep sack, do not require constant attention from you such as re-rocking a baby to sleep or replacing the pacifier. Find out what a bedtime routine looks like without sleep props! Disrupted Circadian Rhythms Babies are not born with a fully developed circadian rhythm, which regulates their sleep-wake cycles. It takes time for their internal clock to sync with the day-night cycle. Factors like exposure to natural light during the day and establishing a consistent bedtime routine play a crucial role in regulating their sleep patterns in the newborn days. Find out how to support your newborn to sleep via our comprehensive newborn sleep guide. Until their circadian rhythms mature around 4 months old, babies might have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at consistent times. This is developmentally normal! The earliest we recommend sleep training is 4 months old. That is because around 16 weeks of age is when a baby’s circadian rhythm is closer to that of an adult and their bodies are better able to adapt to a new routine and schedule. Teething and Discomfort Physical discomfort, like teething pain, illness or a wet or soiled diaper can make it challenging for babies to settle into sleep. Babies might resist sleeping because they're uncomfortable or in pain. It's important for parents to address these discomforts promptly to create a more conducive sleep environment. We recommend using a nighttime diaper for bedtime (or sizing up in the diaper) to try and avoid wakeups from an overly full or leaking diaper. We also suggest offering cold teethers throughout the day to aid in comforting teething pain. Watch your baby’s temperament throughout the day. If they appear irritable due to teething, you may want to ask your pediatrician about giving your baby a dose of pain reliever before bed. At night, cortisol levels drop which means those aches and pains are now more substantial. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Believe it or not, babies experience a version of FOMO too. Babies are naturally curious beings, and they become more alert and active during the day as they absorb the sights, sounds, and experiences around them. When it comes to sleep, they might resist because they don't want to miss out on any new stimuli. Perhaps they were having fun playing, but it’s now naptime and they don’t want to stop playing even though they are tired! Babies can be sensitive to changes in their environment, and they may not want to close their eyes and potentially miss something exciting happening around them. This is why it’s important to implement consistent routines and transitions around sleep times. This will help your baby smoothly transition into sleep time because they recognize the steps prior. It’s okay if your baby anticipates the transition and cries a little. It’s hard to separate, but it’s very important that your baby gets the rest they need. Additional Thoughts on Why Your Baby may be Fighting Sleep The nightly struggle of getting a baby to sleep can be a challenging experience for parents, but it's important to remember that there are valid reasons behind this behavior. Understanding these factors can help parents navigate these phases with patience and empathy. As babies continue to grow and develop, their sleep patterns will evolve. It’s naïve to think that your baby’s routine for sleep won’t evolve and change as they do. If you’re struggling, please remember that you are not alone in your journey, and we are here to help you and your family get the rest you need and deserve. Whether your baby or twins are fighting sleep due to any of the above factors, we will certainly be able to tackle the issues and come up with a plan that works and will get everyone sleeping. Even if the broken sleep has to do with milestones, scheduling concerns, discomfort, sleep associations and much more, we will have a solution for your baby! Our greatest joy is helping families feel confident in their sleep routines so that they know the entire family can get the rest they need! Stellina Ferri is the author of this article. Stellina is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and mom of three. She supports families through the journey of better sleep as a consultant with Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She lives in the Boston, MA area with her family. Learn more about Stellina!