The topic of baby sleep is controversial among experts and parents alike: should babies sleep in bed with their parents or in their own crib? Where do babies sleep safely and well? We’ve rounded up the pros and cons of co-sleeping and when children sleep alone for you.
Falling asleep – but alone
Babies also have different sleep cycles during the night, in which deep sleep phases alternate with the lighter dream phases. Between these phases, the child wakes up briefly. The decisive factor is whether it then finds its way back to sleep on its own or becomes really awake and cries.
That’s why it’s important that babies learn to fall asleep on their own. So not by rocking, by cradling, in mommy’s arm or at the breast. For example, driving around for hours in the car or stroller can be the wrong way to help a baby fall asleep. This is because little ones get used to falling asleep solely through movement.
The help: a consistent daily routine and nice rituals.
It is not until babies are about 6 weeks old that they gradually learn to distinguish day from night. But they also need to be helped with this. Namely, by parents making the difference clear to them. This means: during the day it is light, playing and eating. At night, it is dark and quiet and there is sleeping.
The better the day is structured and the more uniform the days are, the easier it is for the child to find peace in the evening or at night. Above all, it is important to observe fixed bedtimes. Rituals can help little ones separate from their parents for the night and relax:
- If possible, the baby should fall asleep where it also wakes up. For example, if it falls asleep at the breast while breastfeeding and then suddenly wakes up in its crib, it is rightly confused. In addition, it then immediately wants to go back to the breast.
- The always same evening routine when going to bed creates security and allows a good farewell to the day: for example, bathing, breastfeeding beunsweise feeding, diapering, extensive cuddling, put to bed, sing goodnight song, pray or music box.
- Make sure that the child in the evening no longer completely “turns up” and rages through the apartment, but that the day ends slowly and quietly.
- Ensure a good sleeping atmosphere: darken the room, ventilate well, seal off the child from noise.
- Many babies do well when they are wrapped tightly in a blanket for reassurance. This limitation gives them support and security and prevents sleep interruptions due to jerky movements.
