From the Guidelines
To help a strong-willed infant self-soothe and transition to a consistent sleep schedule, it is crucial to establish a consistent bedtime routine, create an environment conducive to sleep, and promote positive sleep hygiene practices, as recommended by the most recent study 1. To achieve this, consider the following strategies:
- Implement a consistent sleep routine that includes a calming pre-sleep activity, such as reading or listening to quiet music, to signal to the infant that it's time for sleep 1.
- Create a sleep-conducive environment by ensuring the room is dark, quiet, and comfortable, and provide security objects, such as blankets or toys, to help the infant feel secure 1.
- Limit daytime naps to prevent interference with nighttime sleep quality, and consider moving the afternoon nap earlier, around 12-1pm, to help the infant develop a consistent sleep schedule 1.
- Gradually work on putting the infant down drowsy but awake to help them develop self-soothing skills, which is essential for independent sleep and can help reduce the need for an afternoon nap. In terms of consulting a pediatrician or sleep specialist, it is highly recommended to seek personalized guidance from a pediatrician or pediatric sleep specialist who can provide tailored advice for the specific situation, especially if the infant's sleep challenges persist or worsen over time 1. Additionally, consider the following:
- Responding to the infant's developmental needs, rather than viewing sleep challenges as a battle of wills, can lead to better outcomes for both the child and parents.
- Consistency, patience, and a calm approach are essential when helping an infant transition to a consistent sleep schedule and develop self-soothing skills.
- Further follow-up and referral to a specialist may be necessary if the infant's sleep challenges persist or worsen over time, as recommended by the practice pathway for identifying, evaluating, and managing insomnia in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders 1.
From the Research
Strategies for Self-Soothing and Sleep Schedule
To help a strong-willed infant self-soothe and transition to a consistent sleep schedule, several strategies can be employed:
- Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, as shown to be beneficial in improving multiple aspects of infant and toddler sleep, as well as maternal mood 2.
- Promoting good sleep hygiene, with a sleep-promoting environment and a bedtime routine in infancy, and throughout childhood, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 3.
- Encouraging self-soothing behaviors, such as giving the infant time to settle down on their own when they are fussy, and using a consistent sleep aid, such as a pacifier or a lovey 4.
- Gradually transitioning the infant to a consistent sleep schedule, taking into account their individual needs and developmental stage 5.
Consulting a Pediatrician or Sleep Specialist
It is recommended to consult a pediatrician or sleep specialist for guidance on sleep training and addressing tantrums:
- Pediatricians can provide guidance on sleep regulation, physiology, and development, as well as recommendations for optimal sleep duration and patterns 3, 5.
- Sleep specialists can offer expert advice on sleep training and addressing sleep problems, and can help develop a personalized plan to promote healthy sleep habits 3, 5.
- A pediatrician or sleep specialist can also help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to sleep problems or tantrums, and provide guidance on how to address these issues 3, 5.
Additional Considerations
When it comes to eliminating the need for an afternoon nap, it's essential to consider the individual needs and developmental stage of the infant:
- Infants typically need multiple naps throughout the day, but as they get older, they may be able to transition to one or no naps 6.
- A consistent bedtime routine and good sleep hygiene can help promote a smooth transition to a consistent sleep schedule, and may help reduce the need for an afternoon nap 2, 6.