Debunking myths on newborn sleep: Sorry aunt Gertrude, but it’s time to put this we these misconceptions to rest:
- Add rice cereal to their bottles to help them sleep longer: please don’t, this is advice is actually an outdated choking hazard.
- Babies need to learn to self soothe: actually, newborns require adult support for co-regulation. As is the case with walking and talking, sleep is developmental and unfolds on a spectrum as unique as the child.
- Feeding to sleep creates a sleep crutch: we don’t know about you, but some yoga nidra, magnesium, and a cuppa chamomile really help us drift off. It is normal to seek comfort before bed (or anytime, really!)
- Keep the baby awake during the day so they sleep at night: In the case of an infant: sleep begets sleep! An overtired baby will actually produce more cortisol to help keep them awake which in turn will make them *more difficult* to get to sleep.
In a world with unlimited information at your fingertips, remember that your intuition is a sound and resourceful compass. Take only what external information serves you and leave the rest.