MSD Baby Sleep Coach

Sleep Myth #1:  Give your baby formula - s/he will sleep better - FALSE!! While formula does take longer to digest than breast milk, they have the same calories per ounce. When we feed our babies by bottle, there is a greater risk of over feeding as well, and sometimes that can make sleep worse for a baby accustomed to breastfeeding. Babies can sleep equally well on both breast milk and formula. Sleep Myth #2:  If your child is having difficulty going to sleep, keep them awake later - FALSE!! Children who have difficulty falling asleep often need to go to bed EARLIER. It seems counter-intuitive ... but when a child is over-tired, they catch a 'second wind' (actually cortisol as we have missed their sleep window) and that burst of energy often makes them seem NOT tired or makes them unable to lay still and fall asleep. Instead, try to get your child to bed earlier - before that 'second wind' takes over.  Sleep Myth #3:  Don't worry if your child ...

Article Featured in: Parenting OC Magazine – Ask the Experts  October 2011 issue Q: My 6 month old resists or refuses to nap.  She sleeps great at night, but naps are a complete nightmare.  It feels as if trying to get her to nap has taken over my life.  What can I do to help the situation? A: I know from personal experience how incredibly frustrating it is to have a baby who doesn’t nap during the day – both of my children took catnaps until they were approximately 6 months old.   You are lucky she sleeps through the night as most children who take short or skipped naps usually have nightwakings.   I know it isn’t logical - but sleep, begets sleep! For babies who aren’t sleeping through the night, I would recommend you solve bedtime and nighttime issues first.  It is critical that your child be able to fall asleep on her own at bedtime. If you put your child down already asleep she misses the opportunity to learn the skill of putting her...