Let’s dive into the world of sleep, shall we? As a mom navigating the toddler years, sleep is pretty much my constant obsession. Once my morning alarm rings, I start mentally counting down to bedtime, reminiscing about those blissful nights of uninterrupted slumber while pouring my third cup of coffee, and I can spot a sleep regression from a mile away. Honestly, I’m like Gollum, but instead of a ring, it’s a good night’s sleep that I crave.
When I connect with fellow moms, we trade stories about our little ones’ sleep challenges, giving each other knowing glances that say, “I’ve been there too.” The sheer exhaustion and the struggle with sleep deprivation are real for new — or even not-so-new — parents. We’re all just trying to get by, often turning to anyone willing to share their sleep advice.
Insights from Dr. Leo Mendez
That’s why I was thrilled to chat with Dr. Leo Mendez, a pediatrician and the celebrated author of The Happiest Baby Book. Known as the baby whisperer and the expert behind the 5 Ss technique (swaddling, side or stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking), Dr. Mendez is also the co-creator of the SNOO, a smart bassinet designed to help exhausted parents catch more Zs.
My own experience with the SNOO was great; by nine weeks, my baby was sleeping seven hours straight. However, as babies grow, their sleep challenges become more complex, leaving parents like me with even more questions. Thankfully, Dr. Mendez was kind enough to address my pressing queries and tackle a rapid-fire round of sleep questions from other moms.
Q&A with Dr. Mendez
Home Insemination Kit: Let’s start with the burning question that’s been on my mind since my maternity leave — any chance you’ll create a SNOO for adults so parents can finally catch some sleep?
Dr. Leo Mendez: [Laughs] Trust me, I’d love one for myself! We do hope to create something like that someday, but right now, our focus is on helping families and their babies.
Home Insemination Kit: I appreciate that you’ve challenged the idea that holding and rocking babies too much will spoil them. Can you shed some light on where this notion originated?
Dr. Mendez: There’s a lot of outdated folklore from the early 20th century suggesting that responding to babies too much would lead them to cry for everything. This idea morphed into the belief that we should teach them independence right away. However, what’s crucial for babies is security and trust. The first priority should be fostering that security, and only after five or six months can parents start teaching independence.
Home Insemination Kit: And that’s around the time babies can begin sleep training, right?
Dr. Mendez: Exactly.
Home Insemination Kit: You’ve described the first few months of parenting as akin to “drunk parenting” due to sleep deprivation. What advice do you have for new parents during this challenging phase?
Dr. Mendez: It truly is a form of torture. It’s not just a comedic stereotype; the strain of sleep deprivation can lead to marital stress, postpartum depression, anxiety, and even accidents.
Home Insemination Kit: What mistakes do you see new parents making when it comes to sleep?
Dr. Mendez: The biggest mistake is falling asleep with the baby in an unsafe place. Studies indicate that a significant number of parents accidentally fall asleep with their babies in the last couple of weeks. While some parents choose bed-sharing intentionally, it can be dangerous, especially when they’re exhausted. They may feel like they’re ‘bed-sharing drunk.’ Another common error is thinking babies should be in silence; they actually benefit from white noise. Lastly, parents often believe they shouldn’t wake a sleeping baby, but it’s important to do so when putting them down to help them learn to self-soothe.
Home Insemination Kit: How does sleep training differ between babies and toddlers?
Dr. Mendez: Babies tend to be more predictable, while toddlers have unique personalities and temperaments. For toddlers, I recommend a technique called “Twinkle Interruptus,” which helps them learn patience by gradually increasing the time you spend outside their room.
Home Insemination Kit: I have rapid-fire questions from other moms. For instance, how can a parent with a 21-month-old who wants to lay down with them to fall asleep gently sleep train them?
Dr. Mendez: They should definitely use the Twinkle Interruptus technique along with white noise and a comforting object, like a stuffed animal. Teach patience stretching, as outlined in The Happiest Toddler Book, and this approach usually resolves the issue within a few nights.
Home Insemination Kit: What about sleep training a baby and a toddler in the same room?
Dr. Mendez: That’s a challenge. Ideally, you should separate them, letting the toddler camp out in your room with white noise to mask the cries from the baby. Create a fun little space for the toddler during this period.
Home Insemination Kit: If a baby is accustomed to napping in a car or stroller, how does that affect their sleep?
Dr. Mendez: It’s great if a child can sleep in those places, but you want them to learn to sleep at home too. Use white noise to help them adjust.
Home Insemination Kit: If a baby’s routine gets disrupted, like after a visit to grandparents, should parents reintroduce sleep training?
Dr. Mendez: Yes, sleep training can be an ongoing process. If disruptions occur due to teething, illness, or travel, you may need to revisit training to help them get back on track.
Conclusion
In summary, navigating baby and toddler sleep can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, parents can find effective solutions to their sleep challenges. For further guidance on fertility treatments and planning for baby, visit resources like March of Dimes.