Herbie Murray
Eat Sleep Play was a video game developer that joined the VR start-up castAR in 2016. Unfortunately, Eat Sleep Play was shut down in 2017 when castAR laid off its staff and closed its doors. The company's closure left many new parents anxious about their babies' sleep schedules and routines. Many parents have found success with the Eat Play Sleep method, which involves feeding a baby about 5-10 minutes after they wake up and then engaging in playtime before putting them down for a nap. However, some parents have expressed concerns about the approach, noting that their babies' wake windows and sleep cues can vary significantly. Ultimately, experts recommend a flexible approach to baby sleep schedules, allowing babies to sleep and eat according to their needs while also incorporating playtime to promote healthy development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Closure | 26 June 2017 |
| Reason for Closure | Layoffs and closure of castAR |
| Alternative Name | Eat Play Sleep |
| Type | Baby management plan |
| Description | Eat, Activity, Sleep, Your time |
| Purpose | To help babies take 2-hour naps and give parents time for themselves |
| Pros | Helps babies get full feedings, prevents association of eating with sleeping, helps parents identify hunger and sleep cues |
| Cons | May not work for challenging babies, may lead to short naps, may not work for babies with long wake windows |
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What You'll Learn
Eat, Sleep, Play vs. Eat, Play, Sleep
The "Eat, Sleep, Play" vs. "Eat, Play, Sleep" debate revolves around finding the optimal routine for babies and newborns. While some parents advocate for the "Eat, Sleep, Play" schedule, others find that "Eat, Play, Sleep" works better for their little ones. So, what's the difference between these two routines, and why does it matter?
Let's start with "Eat, Sleep, Play." This routine is often chosen by parents to prevent their babies from associating eating with sleeping. In other words, they don't want their babies to rely on nursing or feeding as a sleep cue. By having their baby play after eating, parents can ensure that their baby is fully awake and engaged before putting them down for a nap. This can help prevent the baby from waking up prematurely due to digestive processes or the need for a bowel movement, which can occur if eating and sleeping are too closely linked. Additionally, some parents feel that the "Eat, Sleep, Play" routine fits better with their baby's natural rhythm, as they observe that their baby is more interested in playing after waking up rather than going straight back to sleep.
On the other hand, the "Eat, Play, Sleep" routine is designed to help babies fall asleep independently without needing to be nursed or fed to sleep. By adding 'play' in the routine, parents can help their children develop a healthy sleep association that doesn't involve eating. This is important because, as babies grow older, they may wake up in the middle of the night and think they need to be fed again to fall back asleep. Additionally, some parents find that their babies show signs of sleepiness soon after eating, making it impractical to follow the "Eat, Sleep, Play" routine. The "Eat, Play, Sleep" order of operations can also help parents differentiate between their baby's hunger and sleep cues, which can sometimes be easily mixed up.
While some parents prefer one routine over the other, many acknowledge that babies have different needs and personalities, and it's essential to be flexible. Some babies may thrive on a consistent schedule, while others may do better with a more fluid routine that adapts to their changing needs. Additionally, what works for one baby may not work for another, and it's not uncommon for the same baby to prefer different routines at different stages of their development.
Ultimately, the decision between "Eat, Sleep, Play" and "Eat, Play, Sleep" comes down to what works best for the individual baby and their family. Both routines have their advantages and considerations, and it's up to parents to observe their baby's cues and choose the approach that promotes healthy sleep habits and overall well-being.
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Baby-led scheduling
However, this approach may not work for all babies, and some parents may find themselves struggling with short naps, babies eating constantly at night, or babies who are still awake until very late. This is because babies have different needs, and a rigid schedule that ignores a baby's cries and changing needs is unnatural.
A baby's needs are simple – food, sleep, play, and love. However, knowing what your baby requires and when can be challenging. Many parents find that getting into a regular routine or schedule with their baby makes life much easier, as it provides a predictable pattern for the day. It can also help the baby learn a day-to-night routine and develop their circadian rhythms, which are often flipped at birth.
The best time to start a baby schedule is a topic of debate among experts. Some suggest waiting until the baby is a month old, while others recommend starting around 2 to 4 months, as most infants' sleeping and feeding habits become more consistent and predictable after three or four months. However, some babies may fall into fairly predictable patterns much earlier, and parents can gently encourage this emerging routine.
It is important to remember that baby schedules should be flexible and allow for approximate times and realistic expectations. For example, if a 1 pm nap is planned but the baby is exhausted at 12:30 pm, it is fine to feed them and put them down early. Similarly, if the baby gets hungry before their scheduled feeding time, parents can try distracting them, but they should respond with promptness and love if the fussing persists.
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Nursing to sleep
Benefits of Nursing to Sleep
Breastfeeding to sleep can have several benefits for both the parent and the baby:
- It can be a fast and effective way to soothe and put a baby to sleep.
- Breast milk composition changes at night, with a rise in melatonin, which helps babies fall asleep more easily.
- Breastfeeding releases hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which have a relaxing and sleep-inducing effect on the parent.
- It provides comfort, nutrition, and security, which are crucial for a baby's development.
Challenges of Nursing to Sleep
However, there are also challenges associated with nursing to sleep:
- It can lead to frequent night wakings as the baby expects to nurse every time they wake up and doesn't learn to sleep independently.
- It can result in short naps and total sleep deprivation for both the parent and the baby.
- Breaking the nursing-to-sleep association can be difficult and emotionally challenging for both parties.
- It may not be sustainable in the long term, especially as the baby grows and develops other sleep associations.
Strategies for Breaking the Nursing-to-Sleep Habit
- Start with naptime: Begin by stopping feeding to sleep at naptime, which can make it easier to drop the pre-bedtime feed later on.
- Change the routine: Feed the baby in a different room to break the association between breastfeeding and going to bed.
- Introduce a bottle: Combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding to ease the transition. Offer the bottle when the baby is calm and happy to make the transition smoother.
- Teach new ways to fall asleep: Help your baby learn to fall asleep independently, such as by teaching them to self-soothe.
- Offer comfort and support: Breaking the nursing-to-sleep habit can be challenging, so it's important to provide comfort and support throughout the process.
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Establishing a rhythm
The "Eat, Play, Sleep" routine suggests that after feeding your baby, you engage them in play or stimulation, which can vary depending on their age. This playtime helps tire them out for their next nap and aids in recognizing tired cues. It is important to note that this routine should not be treated as a strict schedule, but rather as a flexible order of operations for the day, adapting to your baby's needs and cues.
While some parents have found success with this method, it may not work for all babies. It is important to remain flexible and make adjustments as needed. For instance, as your baby's awake times extend, you may find yourself incorporating more eating and playing sessions throughout the day, resulting in an "Eat, Play, Eat, Play, Sleep" routine.
Additionally, it is worth noting that newborns have different needs and may require more frequent feedings, even as they fall asleep. The first few weeks should focus on establishing a good feeding rhythm and routines within your home. As your baby grows, you can start implementing the "Eat, Play, Sleep" flow to help them get on a rhythm for longer stretches of sleep.
Every baby is unique, and their sleep and feeding patterns may vary. It is essential to pay attention to their individual cues and adjust the routine accordingly. While "Eat, Play, Sleep" can be a helpful framework, it should be adapted to suit your baby's specific needs and preferences.
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Sleep consultants
However, some parents have expressed concerns about the "Eat, Play, Sleep" method. One concern is that it may not be flexible enough to accommodate the varying needs of individual babies. For example, some babies may need to eat more frequently or may have longer wake windows, making it challenging to follow a strict schedule.
Additionally, the "Eat, Play, Sleep" method may not work for all babies, especially those who are more challenging or have unique sleep patterns. In these cases, parents may need to be more flexible and make adjustments to the schedule. For instance, they might need to introduce additional feeding or nap times to meet their baby's needs.
It's important to recognize that every baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sleep. While the "Eat, Play, Sleep" method can be a helpful guideline, it should be adapted to suit the individual needs of each baby. Parents should pay close attention to their baby's hunger and sleep cues and make adjustments as necessary.
Ultimately, the role of sleep consultants is to provide guidance and support to help parents establish healthy sleep habits for their babies. They offer personalized advice and strategies to address specific sleep challenges, ensuring that both parents and babies can get the restful sleep they need.
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Frequently asked questions
Eat Sleep Play was a company that joined the VR start-up castAR in 2016.
Eat Sleep Play was shut down on June 26, 2017, along with castAR, and its staff were laid off.
After Eat Sleep Play closed, the company moved to Avalanche Software.
