How can I soothe my extra-fussy baby? Some babies can be extra-fussy, which can make things even more difficult at sleep times. For instance, babies who were exposed to opioids and other substances during pregnancy may be extra fussy. There may be times when your baby is very fussy and you feel [...]
How can I help my child with autism settle down and get ready for bed? Many children with autism and other developmental conditions have difficulty calming down and preparing for sleep. The first goal is to help them understand the elements of the bedtime routine. A visual schedule and consistent [...]
How can I do sleep training with as little crying as possible? All parents and caregivers hope to teach their little ones to sleep through the night with as little crying as possible. There are a few things you can do to help that, but the most important thing is that you go at your own pace and [...]
How can my active toddler settle at bedtime? First, avoid caffeine such as soda, iced tea, or dark chocolate. Second, avoid electronics for about an hour before bed. Finally, having a consistent bedtime and a consistent bedtime routine will help your little one settle a bit and know it is time for [...]
Are some children better sleepers than others? Yes – definitely. Individual differences certainly matter. A common experience of parents who have more than one child is that every child is different. This is true in several areas and sleep is not an exception. Some children are deep sleepers, [...]
How can I teach my baby to self-soothe at bedtime? It’s all about setting the stage for him to learn to settle himself down on his own as long as he is old enough (around 12 weeks old, give or take) – and it can take some practice, and definitely some consistency! By the end of this process, [...]
I’m uncomfortable having my baby fall asleep on her own at bedtime. Is there any other way to help her sleep better? Some people are quite uncomfortable having their little ones fall asleep on their own at bedtime – and that is completely fine! It might be something they are not used to or [...]
Is it safe to let my baby sleep with pacifiers that have stuffed animals or a ribbon attached to them? Those pacifiers with little toys on them are adorable. But their safety when your baby is sleeping really depends on your little one’s age and the product. If your little one is less than 12 [...]
My child has autism. How will he sleep? Sleep problems are common for children with autism. However, these problems are treatable with many common strategies such as consistency and a calming routine. Techniques may need to be individualized to represent what your child really enjoys, what helps [...]
How do I get him to stay in his room overnight? Getting a toddler to stay in his room overnight can be tough. Start by creating a bedroom environment that is relaxing, dark, and quiet, with or without a nightlight. Be sure to have very clear expectations and to be consistent. If he comes to you in [...]