Loyal GNS follower, Kristina, submitted this question:
"I have read all of your posts and have tried your methods. My baby is 12 weeks however after her 730 evening feeding she wakes at anywhere from 1145 to 2 am for a feeding and then about every 3 hours from there. I feel like I am missing something minor yet apparently crucial. Her naps are also starting to get bad. She is waking about an hour or so into the nap not quite hitting the 90 minute point. When she wakes early do I just let her cry and just not pick her up until she hits 90 mins even if she never goes back to sleep? Should I let the whitenoise machine play the whole nap? HELP PLEASE!!!"Well Kristina, thanks for the question and so sorry your little one is having trouble with her sleep. First let me say that the advice I give here is general and you should always consult your pediatrician before making any changes to your baby's diet or routine. When I perform an assessment for a consulting client, I ask the parents a lot of questions that help me determine what is going on with their specific baby. That's hard to do through a blog, but I'll give it a try.
- I use white noise during all sleeping times (and during very fussy times for babies under 3-4 months old). The white noise should be loud enough that you can't hear someone whispering in the room, but not so loud that you can't have a normal conversation. I would also still swaddle a 12 week old with the arms safely down at her sides. Favorite swaddle: Swaddle Buddies
- Your baby is too young to cry for extended periods of time, in my opinion. You can use the "minute rule" to allow your baby to try out self soothing. As long as she's clean, dry, well-fed, and not in pain, you can allow her to fuss and cry up to one minute per week of age. 12 weeks = 12 minutes.
- Naps tend to change between 12-16 weeks. Eventually they become more predictable, but this age is often accompanied by a regression in napping. Your baby will likely be able to stay awake for longer periods of time in the coming month, so watch for those sleepy signs!
- Day sleep is different than night sleep, but they do effect one another.
- Be sure to feed your baby every 3 hours during the day, even if you have to wake her. Aim for full feedings! She should probably be awake no more than 90 minutes at a time, including feeding. Be sure to transition from playtime to nap time with some cuddle time, dim lights, and white noise.
- Follow the FAST plan: Feed, Activity, Sleep, Time for you. Resist the temptation to feed right before a nap. Be sure not to feed, rock, or soothe your baby all the way to sleep. It's fine to get her groggy, but try to put her in bed awake. If she does fall asleep in your arms, gently rouse her before placing her into bed. This way she knows she's going in to her crib for sleep.
- When she wakes during a nap and you know she needs more rest, you can allow her that 12 minutes to try and find her way back to sleep or you can go straight to soothing in the crib. Patting and shushing work best, but you can also offer a pacifier if she takes one.
- When she wakes after the 7:30 feed/bedtime, give her 12 minutes, then use your soothing techniques to get her to go 15 more minutes. 7:30-1 or 2 would be great, but if it's earlier, try getting her back to sleep. If she's a big, healthy baby, she can probably go from 8-2 (with a little encouragement).
I hope that helps! If you'd like a personalized Plan of Action and email/phone support, don't hesitate to call or email to schedule a consulting appointment.
Best wishes for a good night's sleep,
Cortney
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