Miya Pearson
Co-sleeping can be beneficial for new parents, helping babies fall asleep faster and sleep for longer, as well as promoting attachment. However, it can be a hard habit to break. There are several strategies to help make the transition from co-sleeping easier. For example, it is important to be consistent and ensure that all sleep happens in the baby's crib or bassinet. It is also recommended to talk to your child about the change, explaining that they will still have time for cuddles during the day. Other tips include giving the child something that smells like the parent, such as a teddy bear, and using night lights or white noise machines to help them fall asleep.
How to break co-sleeping with a 2-month-old
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Consistency | Keep your bed off limits during the transition and for at least three months afterward. |
| Safe sleeping environment | Ensure your baby has a safe place to sleep, without blankets, bumpers or stuffed toys, and that the room is dark. |
| Parental presence | It can be helpful for your baby to sense you are near. Some parents sleep with their baby's bed sheet before putting it in the crib. |
| Noise | A noise machine can help babies and kids of all ages sleep soundly. |
| Light | Invest in blackout curtains to control the influx of light from the street and as the sun rises. |
| Room-sharing | Experts recommend room-sharing for the first six months and possibly a year, since it can reduce the risk of SIDS. |
| Sleep training | The Little Ones app offers several gentle self-settling methods to choose from, including a dedicated Co-Sleeping Method for babies over 6 months. |
| Sleep consultant | Consider hiring a sleep consultant to help you find a method that works for your baby. |
| Sleep timing | Make sure your baby is getting to sleep at their recommended sleep window. |
| Transitional object | Introduce a transitional object such as a soft bunny (for babies older than 1) that your child can create a positive sleep association with. |
| Communication | Talk about the change ahead of time to help your child mentally prepare. |
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What You'll Learn
Be consistent and avoid mixing up their bedtime routine
Consistency is key when it comes to breaking the co-sleeping habit with your 2-month-old. At this age, babies don't understand time or sleep patterns, so mixing up their bedtime routine will only cause confusion. Here are some tips to help you be consistent and make the transition smoother:
Create a Plan and Stick to It
Develop a plan that you and your partner agree on, ensuring that everyone understands the routine and rules. This will help you stay consistent and avoid sending mixed signals to your baby.
Keep Your Bed Off-Limits
For the first few months after stopping co-sleeping, avoid allowing your baby into your bed, even for quick cuddles. This includes the transition period and at least three months afterward. It's important to set clear boundaries to help your baby understand that their own bed is the only option.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine will help your baby recognize sleep cues and settle more easily. This routine can include activities such as reading a book, singing lullabies, or giving them a warm bath. A consistent pre-bed routine will signal to your baby that sleep time is approaching.
Make Their Bedroom Comfortable and Familiar
Set up your baby's bedroom to make it a welcoming and familiar space. Play with them in their room regularly so they can get used to the environment, including the smells, colours, and other sensory aspects. You can also add a night light or coloured lights to create a soothing atmosphere.
Introduce Transitional Objects
Start using transitional objects, such as a soft toy or a cuddly teddy bear, to help your baby form positive sleep associations. These objects can provide comfort and security when they move into their own space.
Use Smells and Sounds for Comfort
Give your baby something that smells like you, such as a worn t-shirt or a blanket, to help them feel your presence even when you're not in the room. You can also use white noise machines or ambient sounds to create a soothing sleep environment and block out external noises.
Remember, breaking the co-sleeping habit takes time and consistency. Be patient, stick to your plan, and provide comfort and reassurance to your baby throughout the transition.
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Make their bedroom comfortable and child-friendly
Making your 2-month-old's bedroom comfortable and child-friendly is an important step in breaking the co-sleeping habit. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Create a Safe and Comfortable Sleeping Environment
Ensure your baby's crib or bassinet is in their room and is a safe space for them to sleep. Remove any blankets, bumpers, or stuffed toys from the crib to maintain a safe sleeping environment. You can provide a sleeping bag instead of a duvet for babies under 12 months. Additionally, consider using a firm mattress, as recommended for infants under 18 months to prevent the risk of SIDS.
Control Light and Sound
Invest in blackout curtains to block out sunlight and street lights, creating a dark and comfortable sleeping environment. Use night lights that emit warm, soft tones rather than bright, blue lights, as these can stimulate your child and disrupt their sleep. A white noise machine can also help your baby sleep soundly by masking outside noise and providing a source of comfort.
Establish a Familiar and Soothing Scent
Give your baby something that smells like you, such as a worn t-shirt or a blanket. This can provide them with a sense of security and comfort, making them feel your presence even when you're not in the room.
Encourage Good Habits and Independence
Place a laundry basket in the room to encourage your child to put away their dirty clothes. Hang low hooks for them to hang their robes, backpacks, or hats. You can also create a comfortable reading nook with cushions, a soft rug, or a child-sized chair. Choose a low bookshelf with forward-facing books so your child can easily select their favourite books.
Make the Room Child-Friendly and Age-Appropriate
Secure all furniture to the wall and ensure there are no loose wires or leads within your child's reach. If your child is older, involve them in choosing the décor, such as wall stickers, colours, and themes. Make sure to regularly play with them in their room so they can become familiar with the space, creating positive associations.
Remember, consistency is key when transitioning away from co-sleeping. By creating a comfortable and child-friendly bedroom, you'll make the transition smoother for both you and your little one.
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Use smells, lights, and sounds to help them adjust
A baby's sense of smell is significantly more sensitive than that of older babies and toddlers. The principle for babies under three months is to use products with no fragrance. From three months onwards, you can use smells to calm your baby before, during, and even while they sleep. For example, you could use scented bath products such as a bath emollient, foaming soap, or lotion. At bedtime, give your baby a massage or rub them with a cream that has a calming smell.
You can also use lights to help your baby sleep. Most little ones sleep better in cool, dark rooms. Although newborns can often fall asleep wherever they are, no matter the amount of light, as babies age, it usually becomes harder for them to fall asleep in stimulating environments. Therefore, dimming the lights can help your baby sleep.
Additionally, you can use sounds to help your baby sleep. White noise is sound played at a certain frequency with consistency that becomes background sound, such as water running or an air conditioner in a room. The background sounds your baby heard in utero is white noise, and it helps newborns and adults sleep better. It is good to get your baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise. During the day, open the curtains, play games, and don't worry too much about everyday noises when they sleep. Your baby will gradually learn that night-time is for sleeping.
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Talk about the change ahead of time
Talking about the change ahead of time is a crucial aspect of breaking co-sleeping with a 2-month-old baby. While your baby may not understand complex conversations, they can comprehend more than you think. Here are some ways to talk about the transition and prepare your baby mentally:
Choose an Appropriate Time:
Select a period when life is relatively calm, and no other significant changes are happening. This way, you can focus solely on the transition without other distractions or stressors.
Create a Comfortable Bedroom:
Before initiating the conversation about the change, ensure that your baby's bedroom is set up to be a comfortable and inviting space. Involve your baby in choosing decorations, such as wall stickers, colours, and themes, to make them feel a sense of ownership and familiarity. Regularly play with them in their room so they can get used to the space, associating it with positive experiences and interactions with you.
Explain the Change:
Have conversations with your baby about the upcoming change. You can say something like, "This is your bedroom. This is where you sleep." While they may not fully grasp the concept, they can understand more than you expect and will benefit from hearing about the change. Reading books about babies who sleep independently can also help reinforce the idea.
Condition Comfort Cues:
Start conditioning comfort cues at least six weeks before the transition. Introduce items with your scent, like a teddy bear or a piece of clothing, to provide a sense of security when you're not physically present. Additionally, incorporate night lights or coloured lights that they can associate with their room and a sense of comfort. Ambient sounds or white noise can also be introduced as a source of familiarity and comfort in their new sleeping environment.
Highlight Their Independence:
When talking about the change, emphasize your baby's independence and growth. For instance, you can say, "You're becoming such a big kid now, and you'll be sleeping in your own bed like a champ!" This approach will make them feel proud and excited about taking this new step.
Consistency is Key:
Ensure that you and your partner are on the same page regarding the transition plan. Consistency is vital to a successful transition. Avoid mixing up their bedtime routine, and try to keep your bed off-limits during this period to prevent confusion and establish clear boundaries.
Remember, breaking co-sleeping with a 2-month-old is a gradual process, and talking about the change is an essential first step. By preparing your baby mentally and creating a positive and supportive environment, you can make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
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Use a sleep consultant or app
If you're looking for a more personalised approach to improving your 2-month-old's sleep, you could consider hiring a sleep consultant or using a sleep app. Sleep consultants are professionals who work with you to address your baby's unique sleep challenges and provide tailored advice and support. Some consultants offer in-person consultations, while others provide remote or online support.
Sleep consultants typically take into account your baby's temperament, your parenting style, and your specific goals to create a personalised sleep plan. They can guide you through implementing the plan and provide answers to any questions that may arise. For example, Little Angel Sleep Consulting offers bespoke sleep solutions and personalised sleep plans for expecting parents or families with children up to 17 months old.
Alternatively, sleep apps can be a convenient and cost-effective option to help improve your baby's sleep. These apps often provide tools and analytics to track your baby's sleep patterns and offer custom sleep schedules and guidance based on your baby's age and habits. For instance, the Huckleberry app provides science-backed guidance for common sleep challenges and helps you navigate sleep regressions. It also allows you to track feedings, symptoms, and stool patterns, which can be especially useful if your baby has allergies or dietary restrictions.
Another popular app, Napper, predicts when your baby needs their next nap and when it's bedtime by analysing sleep data. It offers a 30-minute heads-up for nap time and accurately predicts sleep schedules within a 20-minute window. It also allows you to share profiles with other caregivers, enabling collective tracking and a comprehensive view of your baby's sleep habits.
While sleep apps can be incredibly helpful, it's important to take their advice with a pinch of salt and not solely rely on them. Combining their guidance with outdoor activities and natural sleep cues can contribute to a healthier sleep routine for your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to set up your baby's bedroom to make it as comfortable as possible. Make sure the room is dark and secure, with no loose wires or leads hanging about. You can also use blackout curtains to control the light from the street and the rising sun.
It's important to be consistent. Babies don't understand time or sleep patterns, so switching between co-sleeping and a cot will confuse them. You can also give them something that smells of you, like a t-shirt or teddy bear, to help them adjust.
Talk about the change ahead of time to help your baby prepare. Explain that they will still have plenty of time for cuddles during the day. You can also use a transitional object, like a soft toy, to help your baby create a positive sleep association.
Some parents recommend sleep training methods like the Ferber method or the 'rock to soothe' method. You can also try using a white noise machine or ambient sounds to help your baby fall asleep.
