Developing Healthy Sleep Habits in Early Childhood (Parenting Pointers Book 22)

---

He's so open-minded and tries to provide information for so many different situations like if a parent has many support resources, or very few because he recognizes that each family and child are different — but this is exactly why he is so misunderstood and why the book is so hard to read! Because he presents you with so many possible scenarios. But believe me it's well worth it. We ended up doing a mixture of things he suggested until we found what worked.

Some of the things he said we ignored but some we really took to heart. In the end what comes through to me about this doctor is that he deeply cares about mothers and their babies and recognizes the many challenges that face them. But instead of trying to gloss over those challenges or act like they wouldn't be there if only you had the RIGHT parenting philosophy he paints a realistic picture of them he acknowledges that some husbands aren't supportive or that some parents don't have outside family to rely on and he gives advice on what to do in light of those situations not how to fix the impossible.

View all 4 comments. Aug 20, Kelly rated it it was ok Recommends it for: First off, let me say that I didn't actually "read" this book cover to cover. A LOT of people recommend this book, and I can see why. But it bugs me. It made me feel guilty as a parent for not doing everything he says, like I'm harming my child, which I know I'm not. Also, it's almost li First off, let me say that I didn't actually "read" this book cover to cover. Also, it's almost like he thinks his way is the ONLY way. There are lots of books and ideas out there for sleep issues: There is no "one-size fits all" approach to parenting - if babies were supposed to have an instruction book, they would have come with one at birth.

I think this book helps a lot of people, and that's great, but it's not the end-all, be-all of sleep solutions. Oh, and you have to wade through a lot of scientific research mumbo jumbo to get to the real point of his book. It could have been written in a much more accessible manner. Sep 28, Syd Markle rated it it was ok Recommends it for: New and expecting moms. I give this one two stars not because the ideas were bad. The concepts are fairly sound and it is helping me get my 3 month on a napping schedule that will help him grow and be happy.

I've already seen significant improvement in his mood. I give it two stars because the book repeats itself over and over and over. It needs a good editorial scrub. It's as if someone felt it should be a certain number of pages, so they kept stretching the material. It's very redundant and honestly, could be boiled I give this one two stars not because the ideas were bad. It's very redundant and honestly, could be boiled down to perhaps three chapters. Why children need sleep and the data that backs it up. Suggested sleep schedules by age.

How to deal with difficult babies, and other sleep issues. I will say however, I do not follow the cry it out advice. If he cries I respond. That's just my style of parenting. Instead we focus on: Not letting him get overtired Babies can only handle about 1. Encouraging longer naps during the day This was a revelation that goes against common sense, and has really helped him sleep better overall. Getting him to bed at a regular time. I feel like the book helped me understand the importance of structure. The concepts are helping us develop good habits for the future. It may not be for every parent, but it's working for us so far.

Even if the organization of the book is horrible. Jan 02, Rachel rated it did not like it. This book makes me feel like a failure as a parent when my child has sleep issues. I hate his preachy tone and militant approach. I have literally thrown it across the room in frustration. Several times when we have encountered a new sleep issue with Nora, I go back to this book, hoping that he'll have some good advice.

We are currently trying his "sleep rules" approach to deal with her getting out of bed a thousand times a night, with some success, but I think it has more to do with the holiday This book makes me feel like a failure as a parent when my child has sleep issues. We are currently trying his "sleep rules" approach to deal with her getting out of bed a thousand times a night, with some success, but I think it has more to do with the holidays winding down and getting used to the baby than it does with the "sleep rules.

Mostly because the author admits that there are different approaches that can work depending on your child and your parenting style. Nov 07, Amanda rated it it was amazing. This book is really flawed, I can't get away from that. If you're looking for a book of hints on getting your child to sleep, this isn't it - the title is misleading. Weissbluth is over-the-top about insisting kids get enough quality sleep although that's arguably valuable in our overscheduled lives and there are dire warnings for kids who don't.

Sometimes the book is contradictory and it is poorly organized. So why my rare 5 star rating? It is just full of good information about sleep developm This book is really flawed, I can't get away from that. It is just full of good information about sleep development. My fourth baby is an infant, and remembering that now is when she will start staying up really late at night but at 6 weeks will be ready for an earlier bedtime is sanity saving.

Having an idea of when naps consolidate, what's a reasonable bedtime, and how to work through common challenges make my life easier. If you're totally on board with Babywise or Dr Sears, you will probably not love Weissbluth's advice, but if you're more middle-of-the road like me this has a ton of good information that is adaptable for different families without insisting on a moral path. He is accepting of cry it out, but if that's not your path then there is advice for the family bed.

What he is most insistent on is that children - and their parents - get the sleep they need. If your method is not getting you baby good sleep, he's pushing you to change it. I would recommend parents not choose a day when they are desperate for sleep changes to read this. Chapters have an "action plan" section, but I find them confusing. Read it to get a sense of how much and when your child needs sleep and be watching for those windows of change. Aug 05, Marita rated it did not like it.

I feel like all the books say the same thing in different ways and then sell it as the ONLY thing that works. The funniest thing is that they also seem to say that if you pay attention to your child you will notice patterns and respond according to your best instincts. Pay attention to what your child needs. I never thought of that!

God forbid you don't like to hear your baby I feel like all the books say the same thing in different ways and then sell it as the ONLY thing that works. God forbid you don't like to hear your baby cry! What do you do if your child is totally motor oriented and therefore a restless sleeper as she has learned to crawl and pull her self up and creep along all before 7 months!

I have gone in circles and back only to resort to trusting myself and loving my sweet daughter. I will admit that it has helped to have my husband help some at night so that she is learning to feed a bit less. As everyone says the only thing you can count on is that things change. Lily hasn't even gotten her first teeth.

It is a process that all parents must go through and there is certainly nothing wrong with our children if they don't sleep "through the night"--whatever that means!! Okay off the soap box! View all 7 comments. Nov 29, Breeana rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Moms, Dads, Parents, Anyone with kids.

What a lifesaving book! Like many first-time parents, I started off pretty darn ignorant. I did everything wrong regarding my firstborn's sleep habits for the first about 9 months. I became a miserable being surviving on almost no sleep and lots of frustration.

My baby turned into a sullen little thing, too. I knew something had to be done when I realized he hardly smiled or giggled at all.

I researched different sleep-training books and liked the reviews from Amazon. I recommend you read it with a highlighter and mark everything you want to be able to easily find again. Weissbluth doesn't format his writing very well and he often repeats himself or gets off track.

I applied the techniques and principles he teaches and WOW! My marriage to my husband improved, I became a normal person again, and Brady became a sweet, happy baby again instead of cranky from being sleep-deprived.

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child

I suggest you don't "cheat" when teaching your baby how to sleep because - I'm here to tell you - you will pay later on, and it will be even HARDER to fix. I applied everything from the book except ONE thing: Brady got to a point where he was taking two long naps a day and sleeping all night Then when I weaned him at 14 months, I gave him a bottle each night. My mind was telling me to, but my heart was saying the opposite. I thought it was fine until the reprocussions started appearing. It's worth it to do it right completely the FIRST time, and not prolong even a small part of the problem.

Any new parents or moms, I highly recommend this book! It has worked wonders in our family. Our month-old now ASKS for his nap when it's naptime. He does the same with bedtime as well! I'll apply this book from birth on with the rest of my children. This book is really not great for babies under 4 months of age, although it did introduce me to an important concept don't keep a very young baby awake for more than 2 hours! For the first four months, definitely go to Dr.

W is extremely knowledgeable about sleep patterns and methods. This book is full of information, but it is very poorly organized. I like that he is not judgmental about where baby sleeps crib, co-sleeping, whatever and although he does lean to a cry-it-out CIO method, that is NOT the only approach mentioned in this book.

This is a good book because it really emphasizes how important healthy sleep is. Karp and read this book after a few months! However--I will say that I do think it's good after a couple of months to start implementing bedtime routines, etc. Aug 17, Sarah rated it it was amazing. I swear this is the book that saved my life and now has me pregnant for the third time.

Sleeping babies are the best babies ever, and this book teaches parents how to make sure their kids get all the sleep they need, how to get them to sleep, details on how much, napping, falling asleep in cars, etc - I still read it for my 3 year old and review it for my 1yr old I have not met anyone yet who has religiously followed it say it The sleep bible! I have not met anyone yet who has religiously followed it say it doesn't work! The author was my nephew's pediatrician, and his mom gave me the book as a baby present, best gift ever!

View all 3 comments. Mar 14, Marisa rated it it was amazing. This is the most amazing sleep book ever written. I read it with my first and it is a miracle! It totally teaches you how to train your kids to sleep. I refreshed my memory and re-read parts of it with our second and it still worked wonders. Every parent of a newborn should read this. You'll never regret that you did! Jul 06, Michelle rated it really liked it. Let's start with the positive. His notion that children calm down and sleep better and generally behave better after 6 weeks was spot on with my two children.

His ideas about not allowing infants longer than 2 hours of wakefulness has also worked well. He also talks about watching for signs of sleepiness, which I have found to be astute, although difficult to be watching my baby carefully for signs of sleepiness in the midst of everything else that goes on. Our children are excellent sleepers. From this and many other things he wrote about, I would consider Dr. Weisbluth to be very knowledgeable about baby sleep.

Perhaps one of the experts in the field. But the way he expresses himself almost drives me crazy! He has an argumentative tone and often accuses his readers of being too selfish to do what is best for their children! He wanders from topic to topic in such a way that I wonder if he had an editor. He spends pages ranting about selfish parenting. You can skip those pages, there was nothing of value in there. Basically, if you can get past the presentation, the principles in the book are sound, and have been very beneficial for us.

I wish you the best of luck. Oct 14, Jennifer rated it it was ok.

Sleep in early childhood

I read this book on the recommendation of several people and many mommies swear by it. For me this book can be explained in a nutshell that doesn't need pages: Why I really gave it only two stars is because the author makes annoying and unsubstantiated claims that are not easy to swallow. For example, if your baby gets too little sl I read this book on the recommendation of several people and many mommies swear by it.

Mar 01, Laura added it. I'm really struggling to read this book -- the poor organization, the condescending tone, the wordiness. So I think if I can review it as I go with all my snarky thoughts I will enjoy the process more and possibly make it through. Because this has been recommended to me so much and because I got a free copy I am trying to be humble enough to finish it.

I skimmed through this for both of my previous babies, but I'm now trying to read it thoroughly in preparation for my third. I need to re I'm really struggling to read this book -- the poor organization, the condescending tone, the wordiness. I need to respond to one particular satisfied patient whose letter is included in the book because I pretty much hate her. She writes, "I am aware that the practice of toting your baby along with you on every occasion is the new social thing.

No doubt it stems from the 'me' generation's philosophy that a baby should not be allowed to interfere with your lifestyle. So parents everywhere are seen with their infants: The pressure is on to be a 'nouvelle' mom. If there is social pressure to bring your baby to the grocery store, it comes from CPS frowning on leaving your child alone, not hipster moms.

And no, I don't think I should let a baby interfere with my selfish "lifestyle" of eating food. How does it help my baby if I starve to death? She calls it the "port-a-kid trend," as if I were visiting to the store just to be seen with my chevron car-seat cover and baby named JaeyDynn and not because this was my only chance in days to restock our empty fridge.

That rant is done. The good doctor actually says: Inigo Montoya would have something to say about that. His argument is that it's a different process to fall asleep versus wake up. It's also a different process to jump vs. I was trying to explain his logic to my 9YO. Those are really insignificant criticisms, but it felt good to get them out. My only substantial criticism so far is that this whole putting-to-bed-early thing just doesn't work like the testimonials say. When my brother and sister-in-law were coming to visit for a couple days, I implemented this advice on my then-2YO to ensure I impressed our guests with his well-rested behavior.

Contrary to the doctor's assurances, putting him to bed earlier did not make him sleep longer. Instead, as most might have predicted, he woke up and with him everyone else early. I had so much faith in the words of this book at the time that it really baffled me why he was up so uncharacteristically early. Lastly, I LOLed when I read his supposition that parents keep their kids up too late because they enjoy their company so much.

I thought he mentioned having kids himself, so I don't know how he came up with that. I'll start with something positive: Finding out that newborns should only be awake hours in my experience, it's the full 2 was a life-changing revelation. Learning the signs of tiredness was also critical to what was left of my sanity. I am kind of embarrassed that I had to read that in a book rather than figure it out through my supposed motherly instinct.

The doctor's solution for everything is more sleep -- putting to bed earlier at night, leaving baby in the crib longer in the morning, NEVER waking a sleeping baby -- except when you should. And at what point after the first week does a baby EVER "easily and promptly" fall asleep? He is talking about a species I know nothing about. From what I'm reading, there is one perfect amount of sleep and one perfect sleep schedule for each baby, and it's a moving target as they grow, and if you screw it up it's because you so carelessly didn't follow the detail buried on page X which probably involved some incarnation of putting the baby to bed earlier.

What was the point of including this cringe-worthy patient quote? Do bodily excretions have nationalities? If so, I claim Belgian citizenship for my milk; that could be the secret ingredient in Godiva. Along similar lines, the book establishes the authoritative normal citing a study of what "white urban families" do.

I'm just saying this to show what a sophisticated white girl I am. Look at me pointing out racism! Lastly, I'm having a hard time sorting out what advice is for what age range. I've been taking notes trying to keep it straight because I sure don't want to have to read this book over each time the baby grows. I noticed when I added "12 to 21 months: I noticed upcoming chapters are split up by age range. Hopefully that will help me sort it all out. I'm still pushing through, hoping for more nuggets like the hour wakefulness window.

The more I read the more I'm convinced this guy really is an expert in putting people to sleep. What is so magic about a 6: Apart from the impossibility of never going anywhere in the evening how else will anyone who's anyone at Food4Less see his aqua and grey scandi-print PJs? So, Arizona babies should go to bed an hour apart don't ask me to figure out if I mean before or after from Utah babies just north of them during Daylight Savings which Arizona commendably abstains from? The doctor is so smug in his belief that cry it out will work I was a golden convert to CIO when it worked wonderfully for my month-old oldest.

Then I fell into apostasy when it worked not at all for my second baby at various ages. For nights and hours on end, he would cry until the magic hour of 6 a. And, since you are instructed that picking him up will only reinforce his resilience in screaming his head off, you have to choose between reinforcing his willful rebellion and maintaining the Holy of Holies 6 a. Why is the correlation between day and night sleep quality always as in, not just by Weissbluth interpreted to mean that more day sleep causes more night sleep?

Could it not possibly be that the same factors interfering with day sleep are still at play with night sleep? By about 6 months babies often feel frightened when they wake and you are not there. It can be a reason children cry at night until around 3 or 4 years of age. Children will settle more quickly if you are there to reassure them. With pain, babies may not settle even if you comfort them, or they may settle for a short time and then wake again. If this is happening seek medical advice. Night waking is normal in the early years. Each family needs to manage night waking in a way that works best for them.

Babies communicate from birth and each has their own way of showing they are tired. Some may be obvious but others may be harder to see. It works best to settle baby when they show signs of being tired. If they become too tired and upset it will be harder for them to settle. From about 3 or 4 months babies develop sleep cycles related to the release of the sleep hormone, melatonin.

You can help babies develop day and night patterns by making a difference between day and night. There is more about this in the topic Babies - day and night patterns in the early months. Each baby has their own preferences when settling to sleep. Some settle better when it is quiet, while others prefer some noise or music. They might like being held a certain way, either firmly or lightly, or movements such as swaying or rocking. As time goes on you can get to know what your baby likes and what helps them settle.

They are learning the skill of going to sleep and need your help to do this. The most important thing is to be sensitive to your baby and provide the comforting they need. A distressed baby will need more comforting, and as they settle you can gradually reduce what you do. Some babies can be unsettled in the evening. It can help to plan ahead so you have time to spend with them, eg prepare your evening meal earlier in the day. There are many different ways to settle babies for sleep.

If you are happy with the way things are going for your baby and you, there is no need to change. There is a wide variation in the amount of time toddlers sleep. Some sleep through the night. Many still wake once or twice, and some wake more often. Most toddlers have at least one sleep during the day, usually after lunch.

If they wake, you could wait a short while to give them a chance to resettle themselves.

Gentle Baby and Toddler Sleep Tips

If they become upset go to them and help them resettle. Talk with your toddler to prepare them for going to bed. Talk about what they are doing and what will happen next, eg having a bath, putting on pyjamas, cleaning teeth, reading a story, going to sleep. This reinforces the predictable bedtime pattern. If your toddler is happy and safe in their cot there is no need to move to a bed. Remember your child can now access their bedroom and other areas of the house.

Keep children safe from hazards such as poisons, electrical or drowning risks, outside doors or windows that can be opened, or furniture or TVs that can topple over. There is more about this in the topic Toddlers - moving from a cot to a bed. Many children of this age need 10 to 12 hours sleep at night. Some have a daytime sleep as well, but only a few children still need this by preschool age.

Night waking is common in these years and there is no right way to solve it. Some children can resettle themselves, while others need more comforting. The inner confidence to feel secure when parents are not there is still developing in 3 to 4 year olds. If night waking is caused by separation anxiety, it usually happens less after 4 years of age. Things that seem minor to you can be major to a child. When children are sick, lonely, sad or frightened they may, need more help to sleep. Staying close to them, eg on a mattress in their room, can help them move through the concern more quickly.

Children can also wake due to sleep disturbances such as nightmares or night terrors Have a look at the topics Nightmares and Night terrors , or other problems such as snoring. Talk to your doctor if these are happening. Ask your child what would help them sleep. Some children can tell you, others may not be able to. In some cultures children sleep in or near the action, and can nap whenever they feel tired. This is not a problem if there is a safe place for them to sleep, such as a mattress on the floor.

For more information have a look at the topic Sleep 3 years to 6 years. If things are not working as well as you would like, or you feel upset or worried, do not hesitate to seek help and support. Contact a service in this topic or talk to your doctor. You could ask friends or family for support. They might be able to look after your child for a short while so you can rest.

If you feel upset or angry, make sure your child is safe and take a short break. You could go outside or contact a friend. Remember, never shake a baby. It can cause brain damage and some children die. Have a look at the topic Never shake a baby. The child health nurses can help with sleep and settling for babies and young children.

Red Nose Phone Information and brochures on many aspects of safe infant sleeping Phone Crisis Line Phone , 24 hours for bereavement support https: Kidsafe SA Phone , 9. Australian Breastfeeding Association Phone Helpline mum 2 mum For information and support for breastfeeding. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Product Safety Australia Information about safe products for babies and children, including safe cots and securing furniture and TVs that can topple over www.

Beyond Blue Phone 22 Phone and counselling support for anyone affected by anxiety or depression. Raising Children Network Information about raising children, including sleep and settling www. This information is not intended to replace advice from a qualified practitioner. The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your child's sex. Adolescence - when times get tough Apraxia dyspraxia - effects on speech Attachment - babies, young children and their parents Babies - common questions and answers Babies - day and night patterns in the early months Bathing your baby Bedwetting Being a dad Being a mum Being a parent Child development: Discipline for different ages Dummies, thumbs and other comforters Eating things that are not food - pica Fears - young children Fussy behaviour in babies - wonder weeks Gifted and talented children Growing and learning in the family Growing and learning with babies Growing and learning with preschoolers Habits - children's habits How children learn Imaginary friends Learning to talk Leaving home - for parents of teenagers and young adults Lies and fibs - children Literacy - more than reading and writing Milestones: Children years Moving around - motor development of babies and toddlers Neonatal screening test Optimism - helping children to become optimistic Peer pressure Play with children Pocket money Poos, wees and nappies Pregnancy and alcohol — risks and effects on the developing baby Psychological assessments of children Puberty Reading with babies Right from the start - children's early years Second baby Separation anxiety Sleep - 3 to 6 months Sleep - 3 years to 6 years Sleep - 6 months to 3 years Sleep - birth to 3 months Sleep in early childhood Starting school Stealing - when children steal Swearing - when children swear Talking about sex - parents and teenagers Tantrums Teenage pregnancy Teeth - development and teething Television - a guide for parents Toddlers - tips for toddler troubles Toilet training Why stories are important Winning, losing and cheating - children Young parents Young people who are gay, lesbian or bisexual Your baby's eyes.

See a Problem?

Sleep in early childhood sleep; sleeping; dream; night; terrors; waking; separation; anxiety; settle; settling; bed; cot; dummy; dummies; blanket; sedatives; controlled; comforting; tired; tiredness; rituals; Sleep for babies and children can be a concern for parents. Sleep cycles There are two main kinds of sleep — light sleep and deep sleep. Each night we all go through cycles from light sleep to deep sleep then light again. Getting ready for sleep Most of us have some kind of relaxing, wind-down time before we go to sleep at night.

This can help babies learn that these things mean sleep. Safe sleeping Babies need to be safe while they sleep. Make sure the mattress is firm, clean, flat and fits the cot well. Keep the cot away from curtain or blind cords and other hazards, do not use pillows, quilts, doonas or cot bumpers. Keep the cot free of soft toys and other soft items as these are a suffocation risk. Do not sleep baby on soft surfaces such as sofas, bean bags, pillows or lambswools, either alone or with another person.

• Backshot: Starfist: Force Recon Book 1
• Geistliches Lied, Op.30
• Regular Fabrics in Deep Sub-Micron Integrated-Circuit Design
• Nietzsche and Jung: The Whole Self in the Union of Opposites
• Knowledge as Culture: The New Sociology of Knowledge