Successful Moms on Call Sleep Training: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Better Nights
There are so many resources on sleep training and it’s overwhelming for moms to know which method is the best fit for your child. As a new mom, I researched and read everything I could find on sleep training leading to information overload.
Numerous recent studies show how crucial sleep is for your baby’s development.
When it’s time to establish healthy sleep habits for your little one, the biggest challenge is…
Which method is the best to create a healthy sleep routine for my baby?
Many parents are clueless about how to implement it. This is what separates an exhausted parent from a rested and confident caregiver. If you don’t know how to use this method effectively, you may feel stuck in endless nights of disrupted sleep.
Understanding the Moms on Call Sleep Training Method
If you’re a first-time mom or even an experienced parent, sleep training your baby can be quite daunting as we don’t want to negatively impact our baby’s schedule.
You may have heard of various methods but one that stands out is the Moms on Call sleep training method.
Defining Assisted and Self-Soothing Techniques in Sleep Training
This unique approach combines assisted and self-soothing techniques to help babies develop healthy sleeping habits from an early age.
The idea behind this method is simple: teach your little ones how to fall asleep independently by using “soothing rounds” tailored for their needs. It sounds overwhelming at first, but this Moms On Call sleep training method works and promises that your baby sleeps 12 hour a night by the time they’re 3 months old!
How the Moms on Call Method Differs From Other Sleep Training Methods
Moms On call isn’t just another cookie-cutter solution. It’s a comprehensive strategy developed by registered pediatric nurses with years of experience under their belts.
Not Just Another “Cry It Out” Strategy
Contrary to popular belief, the Moms on Call sleep training method is not another form of ‘cry-it-out’ strategy.
Dispelling Myths About Crying It Out
The moms on call method is not about leaving your baby alone to cry endlessly into the night time.
Rather, it’s an approach that balances periods of crying with soothing rounds based on both your baby’s needs and parental discretion.
Balancing Soothing Times With Baby’s Needs
To start moms need to recognize this approach can be customized to their child.
This sleep training technique involves three alternating cycles – letting your child express their discomfort (crying), intervening with comfort (soothing) and then giving them space again (self-soothe).
Written by experienced pediatric nurses and registered nurse practitioners, this method offers clear guidelines regarding these stages.
This process helps babies learn how to self soothe effectively which in turn encourages longer stretches of nighttime sleep over time, and adds consistency to your baby’s schedule.
Your role as a parent or family member during these times isn’t merely passive observation either.
You are actively involved in helping shape healthy sleeping habits while also ensuring emotional security for your little one.
Here’s a brief overview of the rounds (be sure to see the changes I made to the method at the bottom).
- When your baby wakes up and cries, let them cry it out for five minutes before checking on them.
- After five minutes, go in and soothe them, but do not feed them. Soothing can be patting their back or using a pacifier (I personally used a pacifier). Continue to sooth until they are calm or have stopped crying.
- Leave after this soothing round and if they continue to cry, let them go for another five minutes before trying to sooth again.
- Do this a total of three times, or 3 rounds of five minutes and 3 rounds of soothing.
Big win if your baby falls back asleep! If not, go ahead and feed them after their third round.
For me, I didn’t follow this 100%. I personally did not like my 3-week old baby crying it out for five minutes at a time for three times in a row. I modified this and allowed my baby to cry for two minutes max at first. Every week I would add another minute until we reached five minutes.
One caveat: when my baby was crying hard or seemed really hungry, I would go and sooth or begin breast feeding sooner.
Perfect Swaddling According to Moms On Call
The Moms on Call sleep training method simplifies this process.
Importance of Proper Swaddling in Promoting Good Sleep Habits
A well-swaddled baby sleeps better and longer. And a happy, sleeping baby makes mom happy.
This is because the snug wrap mimics the comfort and security of being inside the womb.
- Moms on call books emphasize that proper swaddling helps babies develop healthy sleeping habits from early stages.
Special Tips For Swaddling Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding moms often wonder if they can use this method effectively for their little ones. The answer is yes.
- The registered nurse authors have shared tips specifically designed for exclusively breastfeeding mothers in their book series.
This technique encourages a solid nighttime sleep routine by making sure your child feel safe.
However, it’s not just about getting them wrapped up tight; there are other factors at play when creating a conducive environment for restful slumber.
Let’s delve into another crucial aspect – using light optimally during day hours as we move onto our next topic: Creating Conducive Sleeping Environment Using Light.
Creating Conducive Sleeping Environment Using Light
The importance of a conducive sleep environment for your baby cannot be overstated.
This is where light, or more specifically the control of it, comes into play in our Moms on Call sleep training method.
The Role Of Natural Light In Regulating Baby’s Circadian Rhythm
Babies are born without an established circadian rhythm.
That’s why they have irregular sleeping patterns and often confuse day with night during their first few weeks.
Natural light exposure can help regulate this internal body clock to promote better nighttime sleep.
- Increase natural sunlight exposure during daytime hours: Open curtains wide and let as much daylight enter the room as possible when your baby is awake. This helps reinforce that daytime means activity while darkness signifies restful slumber.
- Leverage artificial lighting wisely: As evening approaches, dim lights around the house to signal impending bedtime.
- Avoid bright screens before bed: The blue light emitted by electronic devices like smartphones and tablets can interfere with melatonin production – a hormone crucial for inducing sleepiness.
Tips To Create A Restful Nighttime Environment
- Maintain optimal temperature – Pediatric nurses recommend keeping babies’ rooms between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 Celsius) at night time. Too hot or too cold environments may disrupt your little one’s peaceful snooze sessions.
- Create white noise – Consistent soothing sounds such as raindrops falling or waves crashing against rocks could mask sudden noises that might wake up a lightly sleeping baby.
- Pick calming colors – Choose soft hues like pastels over vibrant shades since brighter colors tend to stimulate rather than relax.
By applying these tips from Moms On Call books, you will not only ensure proper development of healthy sleeping habits but also make sure every family member gets enough shut-eye.
Creating a conducive sleep environment is crucial for successful Moms on Call sleep training. Use natural light during the day and dim artificial lights in the evening to regulate your baby’s circadian rhythm. Maintain optimal temperature, create white noise, and choose calming colors for a restful nighttime environment.
FAQs in Relation to Moms on Call Sleep Training
Does Moms on Call sleep training work?
Yes, many parents report success with the Moms on Call sleep training method. It promotes self-soothing and healthy sleep habits in babies from an early age.
What sleep training method does Moms on Call use?
Moms on Call uses a combination of assisted and self-soothing techniques. This approach is not synonymous with letting your baby “cry it out” but instead promotes routines where your baby begins to develop a regular sleep routine.
When should Moms start on call sleep training?
Moms can start using the On-Call Sleep Training method when their baby is around 2 to 4 months old, depending upon individual readiness and pediatrician’s advice. And it works even if you exclusively breastfeed.
What does Moms on Call say about sleep?
Moms On Call emphasizes that good sleeping habits are essential for a child’s growth and development. They promote methods that help babies learn to fall asleep independently.
Conclusion
Mastering the Moms on Call sleep training method is a journey, not a sprint.
You’ve learned that it’s more than just another “cry it out” strategy and helps reinforce your baby’s typical daily schedules.
The importance of perfect swaddling and creating an ideal sleeping environment using light have been highlighted.
We’ve debunked myths and provided practical tips to help your little one develop healthy sleep habits from an early age, even during breast feeding.
Remember, each infant is unique – what may be effective for one may not work for another. But with patience and consistency, you’re well on your way to better nights (and days).
If you’re ready to dive deeper into parenting strategies or need further guidance on this topic, consider checking out our other resources at Busy Mom’s Helper. We offer insights into the best parenting products, fun family-friendly crafts recipes and printables that can make your life as a busy mom easier!
This content may contain affiliate links. We earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. We may earn money, free services or complementary products from the companies mentioned in this post. All opinions are ours alone…
