The closeness of parents is really important for a little one – also during sleep. Although such an arrangement is very convenient and, additionally, has a positive impact on the child’s development, it is worth remembering that your little one is constantly growing. The moment when they leave their parents’ bed will come sooner than you think! Unfortunately, it most likely will not be an easy time. How can you teach your child to sleep in a cot so that these changes are not stressful for them?

Changes in a child’s sleep

The sleep of a small child – a newborn, and later – an infant plays an important role in their proper development. It is worth knowing that the youngest babies do not yet distinguish between day and night, often waking up even every hour. That is why many parents decide to keep their baby in the marital bed. What makes a newborn wake up so often? There can be many reasons, but among the most common are hunger, discomfort caused by a wet nappy or overheating, teething, or a raised temperature.

Around the 12th week of life, a baby’s sleep seems to become somewhat more balanced. At roughly this time, your little one will start falling asleep and waking up more regularly. If you are wondering how to teach your child to sleep in a cot, now is the right moment – of course, if you want to do it this early. Many parents decide to take this step much later. Regardless of when you make this important decision, the process itself will look almost identical. However, before you learn effective tricks, check what your baby’s cot should be like and, above all – what the most important rules of safe sleep are.

What should a baby’s cot be like?

Before your little one sleeps in their own cot, it should be properly prepared. Which model should you choose? Ideally, one that will serve your child for the coming years! It is worth opting for a cot with three-level mattress height adjustment, additionally made from materials free of harmful substances. Also pay attention to the bars. They should be spaced narrowly enough to prevent the baby from squeezing through, and wide enough to allow proper air circulation.

Safe sleep – the most important rules

Before you find out how to teach your child to sleep in a cot, get to know the most important rules of safe sleep. And there are quite a few of them. For the youngest babies, avoid cot bumpers, bedding sets and overly soft mattresses. Why? Primarily because a newborn or infant cannot remove materials that might block free breathing. So what should you cover your baby with? It is best to use a sleeping bag. The baby’s sleeping position is also important. Always place your child on their back, lying flat. Tummy sleeping in early infancy should only happen under full parental supervision. In addition – the temperature in the room where the child sleeps, regardless of age, should not exceed 22 degrees Celsius.

How to teach your child to sleep in a cot?

Have you prepared a proper cot for your little one and learnt the most important safe sleep rules? Check how to teach your child to sleep in a cot! There are several methods, and you can start teaching independent sleeping from as early as three months. At that stage, a good solution is to place the cot right next to the parents’ bed – that way both the baby and the parents feel safe. What tricks are worth trying with an older child?

Begin teaching independent cot sleeping by introducing a consistent daily rhythm. Walks, meals, playtime and naps – everything should have fixed times. The same should apply to the evening bedtime routine. After a bath and a feed, it should take place in dimmed light. When falling asleep, your little one must feel safe – that is why you should talk to them calmly and gently, consider giving a relaxing massage, and cuddle your child. If they start to cry – pick them up and soothe them. Once calm, you can put them back into the cot. This process should be repeated as often as needed, ensuring it is as stress-free for the child as possible. Do not shout or force obedience. Stay close, comfort, cuddle and reassure until your little one falls asleep peacefully.

A child in the parents’ bed

Have all attempts at teaching independent sleeping failed? Perhaps your child is not yet ready for such a big step. In that case, make sure the mattress in the parents’ bed is also suitable for the baby – preferably a latex one. At the same time, take care of your child’s safety by positioning them so that they have enough space and, at the same time, do not fall out of bed.