Steps

Each day with a baby is different and Sleep Progression success relies on each step falling into place – there will be days when that might not happen but hopefully they will be few and far between as you come to learn how to set yourself and Baby up for success.

Step 1: ROUTINE

Follow a routine during the day with a schedule of consistent feeding times and feeding amounts suitable to the weight of your baby. Increase the amount of time breastfeeding or amount of ounces in a bottle as Baby gains weight. Establish a consistent bedtime routine for naps and nighttime, in bed no later than 7pm. Follow awake windows.

Step 2: SLEEP COACHING

Early sleep coaching for naps and nighttime once Baby starts to sleep longer stretches is crucial before your baby can roll and is still swaddled.

Towards the end of the appropriate awake window – swaddle Baby and put down drowsy but not asleep.

Time any crying (not fussing) for no more than 5 minutes or as long as you can handle provided the cries are not elevated.

If Baby does not self-settle after 5–10 minutes, pick up and calm Baby with shushing and gentle rocking (stand with feet firmly planted and while holding Baby facing upwards, rotate yourself from the waist to face the left and then the right and repeat) until you can lay them back down slightly drowsier than the first time.

Your Baby WILL learn to self settle if you follow these steps and maintain a consistent routine and feeding schedule.