Getting baby on a sleep schedule after the holidays

Prior to parenthood, the hardest part of going back to normal routines following the holidays was taking down all of those Christmas decorations. But for parents of infants, the real trick is getting your baby into their regular sleep schedule again after all of that holiday excitement. 

You may have noticed your little one fighting sleep lately—rest assured, it’s not just you! Even adults struggle with sleep during this time of year. The natural upset to our day-to-day lives due to winter vacations, family gatherings, indulgent food, and late nights is unavoidable. 

It’s important to learn how to manage the transition into a fresh calendar with our kids’ sleep quality in mind. Some restructuring could be needed, but the right plan will minimize disrupted sleep cycles for your baby and it’ll create a solid foundation for their future sleep, too.

Rest is vital for healthy outcomes later on in childhood, which is why getting your little one on a sleep schedule now matters so much. Let’s shake off those cobwebs as a family and set up your little one for success down the road together.

Get back on track (or chart a new course!)

Whether you’re returning to a previously used sleep schedule or you’re brand-new to it, there are ways to bring your family’s nighttime routine into perfect harmony. With commitment and patience (as well as a pediatric sleep specialist!), you can help your baby snuggle into a regular sleep pattern for the benefit of your entire household.

Create an environment that’s conducive to rest

First and foremost, be sure that your baby’s room is quiet, comfortable, and dim enough to encourage them to sleep. If it’s too loud, hot/cold, or bright, babies tend to struggle to fall asleep. Calming music or sound machines are useful tools in creating this cozy environment.

Similarly, it’s wise to also take into account the spaces your baby inhabits before bedtime: not many people, regardless of age or sleep aptitude, could go from a raging house party to their bedroom and fall asleep. So if your little one is awake in rooms with those sensory-stimulating conditions just before bed, that hinders their ability to rest well. 

Not considering the nursery’s impact is a common mistake that often leads to dreaded false starts—and no one wants that. A baby’s surroundings are half the battle when dealing with dysfunctional sleep. Try putting them in a warm bath or blanket ahead of bedtime, maybe cuddling or watching a mobile spin to usher in the heavy eyelids. 

Prioritize a bedtime routine… gradually!

Speaking of bedtime, it’s best to start small by adjusting your baby's sleep routine gradually, including the exact time you put them down for the evening. If there’s been a significant shift in their bedtime during the holidays, try moving it back in 15-minute increments every day until you reach an ideal time for sleep going forward.

Any lingering holiday habits should be filtered out gradually rather than abruptly; too much change too quickly has the opposite effect here. Don’t rush it! Reduce overly stimulating activities such as play or TV leading up to bedtime. It’s helpful to have your own nighttime routine in place to support your baby’s schedule that much more.

Remember that certain cues give your baby the heads-up that they’ll be in their crib soon. They’ll learn to wind down at specific moments if given those cues. For instance, consistently reading a book, singing a lullaby, or rocking them at an increasingly slow pace will signal that they should relax and prepare for bed, getting your little one on a sleep schedule effectively.

Daytime sleep plays a role, too

A.M. naps directly affect babies’ P.M. sleep: your little one’s awake windows will determine their quality of sleep that night. Finding that middle ground between inadequate napping and too much of it can be challenging, but just be careful to avoid letting your infant nap close to bedtime since that may interfere with their nighttime sleep.

In addition, a naptime routine is just as important in forming healthy habits. Consistency is truly key with baby sleep, so aim for the same naptime throughout the day and bedtime in the evening, with an equally consistent wake-up time. Newborns don’t actually have a circadian rhythm, which means that it’s on us as parents to establish their rest routines day and night. 

Luckily, circadian rhythm is easy enough to simulate. A practice as simple as daylight exposure in the mornings helps babies realize that it’s time to wake up, just like how a darkened room will tell them that it’s time to go to sleep each night. It’ll take a few months for your baby to develop their own sense of sleep schedule, though once their natural rhythm does begin, you’ll have hopefully already started them on a path of routine and restful sleep.

Achieve dream sleep

If it’s time to address your baby’s sleep schedule (or perhaps revamp it completely), start the new year right by investing in your family’s sleep health with pediatric sleep specialists at My Sweet Sleeper. We’re experts in assisting families whose infants or toddlers have trouble sleeping.

Infant sleep is both complex and straightforward, and it all depends on individual needs. For something that’s so deceptively simple, sleep training requires specialized knowledge in order to ensure your little one’s wellness.

Getting baby on a sleep schedule doesn't have to feel like a chore. Let our team of certified pediatric sleep specialists work their magic and your family will get the rest you’ve been craving. 

If you’re looking for guidance in building a general sleep routine for your baby, we have a sample schedule for 0-18 months available. But for a personalized approach, contact us today and see just how dreamy your baby’s sleep can be!