Many of these recommendations do not seem to match my parenting style, cultural beliefs, or generally what my family does. What can I take away from this website?
Great question. I’m sure that many families might not choose to use some of the strategies on this website for a variety of reasons – and that’s ok!
There is certainly not a one-size-fits-all approach to helping your little one sleep. That is true across a variety of families and even within families. For instance, as you may have seen in some of the posts, families from some cultural groups tend to co-sleep more than others.
In terms of individual children, if you have more than one child, you probably know that they’re all different. With your first, sleep might have been a breeze! But with your second, perhaps nightmare is a better word to describe her sleep. Similarly, one strategy may work for one family while something totally different is best for another. The safety recommendations are a bit more universal, though.
As you go through this website, know that the information provided is from a group of people who really like sleep and helping families with sleep. Decide what works best you. Perhaps you prefer one expert’s style over another, or one type of bedtime routine over another.
Again – there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep, or parenting in general. Know that you are the expert of your family and child. You and your health care provider will be the best judges of what is best for your little one.
About Dr. Erin Leichman