The Ultimate Guide to Resettling your Baby for Sleep: When to Resettle and How Long to Do It For
As a new parent, one of the most challenging things you'll face is learning to manage your baby's sleep patterns. One of the most common issues that you may be facing is figuring out when and how to resettle your baby.
let’s start with the basics, what is resettling?
Resettling your baby is the process of helping them get back to sleep if they wake up in the middle of the night or in a nap. While it's normal for babies to wake up during the night and from naps, it is beneficial to avoid creating a situation where your baby is awake for extended periods overnight, as this can disrupt their sleep patterns.
so, When Should You Resettle Your Baby?
The Snug Co rule of thumb: only when you want to. But, I know that it can feel murky exactly what you should do, so some good rules of thumb to follow are:
For Naps: if your baby wakes and still seems very tired or they were awoken by a dog or a door slamming shut that awoke them earlier than usual, you can try your hand at resettling your baby.
Overnight: night waking is very normal and many parents choose to feed at every wake overnight (especially in newborns!). Some parents choose to try resettling their baby, instead of feeding. In babies older than 4 months, you can resettle them if they’ve slept less than 3 hours and offer a feed if they’ve slept longer.
However, many causes of frequent waking overnight can be a sign of disrupted sleep pressure during the day. If this is the case for you, you may need to adjust your baby’s daytime sleep schedule to help them sleep better at night. We’re here to help you through this process with our sleep support packages if you don’t know where to start!
How Long Should You Resettle Your Baby For?
When it comes to resettling your baby, it's important to be patient and take your time. But, most importantly is to know when you’ve had enough and move on with your day.
The length of time you should spend resettling your baby will depend on their age and sleep habits. Generally, you can aim to resettle your baby for 15-20 minutes. If they're still upset after this time, I encourage you to move on with your day and start the next awake window during the day or offer a feed to encourage them to go back to sleep overnight.
Additional Tips for Resettling Your Baby
Resettling your baby can be a challenging process, but there are some things you can do to make it easier.
Use a consistent settling technique that your baby is familiar with, such as gentle rocking or patting. The more consistent you are, the easier it is for your baby to understand what you’re asking them to do.
Remember that some babies are more sensitive to your presence than others, if you notice your baby is very wired or upset at your intervention, you can focus on settling them in the cot as opposed to picking them up.
Try to resettle your baby in their own crib or bassinet.
Keep the room dark and quiet to help your baby fall back asleep.
Have a back-up method to get them to sleep, such as a buggy or pram, carrier or a birthing ball.
If you're struggling to resettle your baby, take a break and try again in a few minutes or at the next nap.
Don’t be afraid to move on! Your baby will get the sleep they need over the next few days, you don’t have to resettle if it’s not working for you.
Final Thoughts
Resettling your baby can be a frustrating and exhausting process, but by being patient, consistent, and following the tips outlined above, you can help your baby get the rest they need to grow and thrive.
Remember, every baby is different, so it's important to find what works best for you and your family. If you're struggling with resettling your baby, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Snug Co for additional support.
Happy sleeping!