What is Sleep Learning?

Are you dealing with frequent night wake-ups, short naps, or difficulty getting your baby to sleep?

I have a solution for you…sleep learning! In this post, I will dive into what sleep learning is, when you can start, and how you can make it work for YOUR baby and family.

What is sleep learning?

Sleep learning is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep independently, lengthen naps, and drop unnecesary night wake ups. It is broken down into 4 phases:

Phase 1: Optimize Daytime Sleep

Phase 2: Teach Independent Sleep Initiation

Phase 3: Nap Lengthening

Phase 4: Drop Unnecessary Night Wake-Ups

What is the difference between “sleep training” and “sleep learning”?

“Sleep training” and “sleep learning” are truly the same thing. Most of the time, I use both words to explain the same process. Unfortunately the words “sleep training” have negative thoughts and feelings attached to them. There are many different ways to sleep train, but most people automatically think it means leaving your baby in their room to cry all night. This causes many parents to decide not to sleep train or feel guilty for even considering it.

That is why I like to introduce people to “sleep learning”. Sleep learning is teaching your baby independent sleep skills, regardless of which method you choose to use. This is not a “one size fits all” method. It is an approach to teaching your baby an important skill while also remaining tuned in to both you and your baby’s needs and temperaments.

Why should I go through the process of sleep learning?

There are a few reasons you may want to teach your baby independent sleep skills. The first is obviously better sleep for the entire family. Sleep is the first step to better mental, physical, emotional, and cognitive health for both you and your baby.

By teaching your baby independent sleep skills, you will also be able to get on a more predictabble schedule. You will be able to plan your days ahead of time knowing when your baby will need to nap.

When your baby knows how to fall asleep independently, you will gain hours of your day back. Rocking or feeding a baby to sleep can take a long time! Especially as they get older. Contact naps can be amazing, but it can also feel like you have no time to do anything else during your days. Imagine putting your baby down for a nap in less than 10 minutes, then having time to rest, take care of yourself, your house, your other kids, etc.

How does sleep learning work?

As I mentioned earlier, we tackle sleep learning in 4 phases. We break it down into bite size pieces and meet your baby in their zone of proximal development. First, we take a look at their daytime schedule and make sure we are on a rhythm that is right for their age and body.

Next, we teach your baby to fall asleep independently at both nap times and bedtime. This process can be as accelerated or gradual as needed. Each plan is tailored to fit the needs of every family and baby.

Once your baby can fall asleep independently, we work on getting those naps lengthened. Throughout this process, we are still keeping night feeds when appropriate. If your baby is hanging on to unnecessary night wake ups after learning to fall asleep independently and lengthening naps, then we address those in the last phase.

Ok, but how do I implement a sleep learning plan?

Are you ready to teach your baby independent sleep skills? You don’t have to do this alone! I work with families to create individualized step-by-step plans to teach your baby to fall asleep independently, lenghthen naps, and reduce night wake ups. I do this both in a group setting and with one-on-one consultation calls.

I host sleep learning groups every month in the Sleep By Alex Membership. Check it out here!

If you would like one-on-one support, you can read about my consultation services here.

How do I know my baby is ready for sleep learning?

Sleep learning is for babies 4-24 months old. Newborns cannot learn to self soothe. If you are in the thick of the newborn stage, don’t worry! I have a resource for you as well. Check out my 0-4 Months Sleep Essentials Guide here.

Wondering if your 4+ month old is actually ready for sleep learning? Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Your baby is showing signs of the 4 month sleep regression (short naps, more frequent night wake ups, a harder time getting to sleep).

• Your baby shows signs of self-soothing.

Ready to get started? Join the Sleep By Alex Membership or book a free 15-minute discovery call today.