Are you struggling to find a consistent baby sleep routine? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the concept of awake windows? You're not alone.
I understand the challenges of getting baby sleep “right”. And the term wake windows and baby sleep schedules, often leave us mums feeling anxious, overwhelmed and downright exhausted.
But don't worry, I'm here to help make sense of it all.
WHAT EXACTLY IS AN AWAKE WINDOW?
Let's break it down. An awake window is simply the amount of time your baby can stay awake between sleeps. It covers everything from nappy changes and feeds to playtime and solids.
But here's the thing – every baby is different, and their sleep needs vary. So a one-size-fits all just isn’t going to work for every child out there. If you are struggling, this may be why. Let’s explore this further.
WHY DO AWAKE WINDOWS MATTER?
I firmly believe in the power of wake windows to improve your sleep, and I'm all about embracing a solid routine. You won't hear me advocate for ‘winging it’ and having every day look different. It’s just too messy or me! 😵💫
While I believe in the science of sleep (I won’t bore you with it, but looking into circadian rhythm and sleep pressure will help to explain that, probably better than I could!) I do understand the pressure us mums feel when it comes to wake windows.
I want to address that elephant in the room – the stress and anxiety many of us mums experience around wake windows. I get it. We are warned how “bad” it is for tour child to get over tired. And it’s true, over tiredness makes sleep harder. But obsessing over the minutes, anxious about missing the window and sometimes putting a baby down before they are even tired!? That’s not fun for anyone and I don’t believe thats us parenting at our best.
So how do we make them work? Instead of letting awake windows dictate your life; think of them as a helpful guide; indicating how long your baby should be awake for.
Awake windows are a guide to indicate how long baby can stay awake for.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO MAKE AWAKE WINDOWS WORK FOR YOUR FAMILY
But here’s the good news - I’m here to make it simple. And in doing so, you get more sleep! Here’s three practical steps to make a routine work for your baby:
🌟 1. Know Your Baby's Recommended Wake Windows 🌟
Start by grabbing a reliable wake window guide - like this one here - Note down the recommended awake time for your baby. Please note, the windows provided by Enhance Sleep offer a range, indicating when your baby might be ready for sleep within that timeframe.
🌟 2. Observe Your Baby's Cues 🌟
Next, pay attention to your baby's cues. Although baby sleep is baffling, kids are pretty clever at telling us what they need. We just need to slow down enough to notice. Set an alarm for the time on your guide. Look for tired signs only within 15 minutes of that window, signalling it's time for bed. No tired signs, no worries, keep baby up until the end of your wake window range.
🌟 3. Write Down A Routine Based On YOUR Baby's Needs 🌟
Repeat this process for a few days. Start by using the average wake windows as a reference point, then pay close attention to your baby's tired signs as they approach the end of the window. This way, you'll gradually discover a routine that suits your baby's needs perfectly. Say hello to more sleep! 💃 And here's the best part – it's time to ditch the clock-watching and ignore tired signs that are too far from nap time. Your alarm will alert you when it's time to take action. Until then, kick back, relax, and enjoy a cozy cuddle on the couch with your little one.
🌟 4. Consistency is Key 🌟
While every day may not look exactly the same, aim for consistency in your baby's sleep routine. Babies aren’t robots, but after working with thousands of children; Predictability helps kids thrive and reduces stress for everyone involved.
In conclusion, establishing a solid baby sleep routine requires patience, observation, and a gentle approach. I encourage you to stop letting awake windows dictate your life. Instead take them as a helpful tool. By having a sleep schedule that needs to meet your baby’s unique needs you will all sleep better! With sleep behind you, less stress and more confidence you can navigate sleep regressions, nap transitions and anything milestones ahead.
If you're struggling to make this work, I’m here to help. Jump on a consultation and let’s get a sleep plain tailored to you and your baby. - Book a call with Tessa HERE ⬇️
If you aren’t ready for a 1-on-1 but are ready for things to feel easier - The Gentle Sleep Tribe is here to help. Inside the Tribe you’ll have access to practical, actionable sleep tips for every sleep milestone ahead. It’s a place to build your confidence, help you feel supported and keep you on track no matter what’s ahead. All for the cost of less than a cup of coffee a week!
Sleep deprivation is torture. Tessa Gow is a midwife and certified sleep consultant working with families across the globe. She offers nurturing methods with lasting results. Let her be the support and guidance you need to get through this. On the other side of a consultation with Enhance Sleep is rested, functioning families. Take the first step towards healthy sleep by contacting me today.