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Let's chat about why these long, dark winter days are actually a hidden gem for building healthy sleep habits for your little one. With about 60 days until the mornings brighten up and evenings stretch out here in Ontario, now’s the perfect time to dive in.
Embrace the Darkness (It's Good, I Promise!)
While the dark evening and mornings might not be the best for our mood, total darkness is a powerful tool in sleep training. It naturally stimulates the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation in our bodies. In young children, whose sleep patterns are still developing, this natural cue is incredibly effective. The absence of light signals to their brain that it's time to wind down, helping them fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. So, these early nights and late mornings? They’re your best friend in getting your baby’s sleep schedule on track.
Dealing with Early Bedtimes and Wake Ups
During sleep training, it's common to see earlier bedtimes and sometimes even early wake ups as your baby adjusts to a new schedule. Winter's extended hours of darkness can make these adjustments smoother. With less environmental light in the early evening and morning, children are less likely to resist bedtime or wake up prematurely.
Getting Ready for Brighter Days
By starting sleep training in the winter, you're leveraging the natural advantages of the season to establish a solid sleep foundation for your little one. As the days eventually become longer and brighter, your little one will have already adapted to their sleep schedule. Then, when spring and summer roll around with their longer, sunnier days, you're already ahead of the game. Your little one's got this strong sleep routine down, so adjusting to a bit more light isn’t such a big deal.
Simple Tips to Get Started
Create a Solid Bedtime Routine: Do the same calming things before bed each night. Bath, story, lullaby – whatever works for you.
Keep Naps on Point: Make sure your little one is napping just the right amount during the day by following an age appropriate schedule.
Room Setup is Key: Dark, cool room and some white noise can make a huge difference.
Put Baby Down Awake: Lay your baby in the crib when they're sleepy but still awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own and connect those sleep cycles throughout the night
Choose a Settling Technique: Find a way to help your baby settle that feels right for both of you.
Stay Consistent: Stick with your routine and approach. Consistency is super important for success.
So while the winter cold might have us longing for sunnier days, let's make the most of these cozy nights for sleep training. By the time those longer days roll in, your baby will be a sleep pro, ready to tackle whatever the brighter mornings and evenings throw their way!
If you need help getting started, our customized sleep plans can help and have your little one sleeping 11-12 hours overnight in 2 weeks or less!
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