From the Guidelines
To help a strong-willed infant self-soothe and transition to a consistent sleep schedule, I strongly recommend consulting a pediatric sleep specialist or the child's pediatrician for personalized guidance, as they can provide tailored advice based on the latest evidence and the child's specific needs. When it comes to sleep training and addressing tantrums, a consistent approach is key. According to the most recent and highest quality study available 1, promoting positive sleep hygiene through creating an environment conducive to sleep and engaging in stress-reducing activities before bed can be beneficial. Some strategies to consider include:
- Implementing a consistent bedtime routine
- Creating a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, and comfortable
- Limiting daytime naps to prevent interference with nighttime sleep quality
- Gradually transitioning away from holding the infant until they are asleep to help develop self-soothing skills
- Considering the elimination of the afternoon nap at around 18-24 months, but potentially necessitating an earlier bedtime
It's also important to note that sleep training doesn't have to involve extended crying, and gentler methods that involve parental presence can be effective in teaching independent sleep skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a safe sleep environment, including a firm sleep surface and room-sharing with the infant on a separate sleep surface 1. However, for personalized advice on sleep training and addressing tantrums, consulting a pediatric sleep specialist or the child's pediatrician is crucial. They can provide guidance on how to create a sleep-friendly environment and develop a consistent sleep schedule that meets the child's unique needs, ultimately improving their overall quality of life and reducing the risk of sleep-related problems.
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:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine, as shown to be beneficial in improving multiple aspects of infant and toddler sleep, especially wakefulness after sleep onset and sleep continuity, as well as maternal mood 2.
- Promote 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.
- Consider the child and parent factors (child temperament, parent-child interaction, and parental affect) and the environmental factors (cultural, geographic, and home environment, especially media exposure) that influence sleep 3.
- Institute a nightly bedtime routine that includes activities such as reading, singing, and physical contact, which can contribute to an array of positive developmental outcomes beyond improved sleep 4.
Consulting a Pediatrician or Sleep Specialist
It is recommended to consult a pediatrician or sleep specialist for guidance on sleep training and addressing tantrums, as:
- Pediatricians should be adequately prepared to address sleep concerns, but may not always have the necessary training or expertise 3, 5.
- A pediatrician or sleep specialist can provide personalized guidance and support to help parents establish a consistent sleep schedule and address any sleep-related issues 3, 5.
- Early recognition and implementation of measures to improve sleep can have long-term benefits for overall growth and development throughout childhood 6.