5 Baby Sleep Tips You Might Want to Keep to Yourself

home insemination Kit

Hey there, fellow parents! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless nights wrestling with sleep-deprived kids. I’ve got three little ones under 8, and let me tell you, their sleep habits can be downright chaotic. Each of them has their own unique style of keeping me awake—my oldest needs constant cuddling, while my youngest thinks 3 a.m. is prime party time. And my middle child? Well, they’ve got a blend of both. Over the years, I’ve received a ton of sleep advice, mostly from folks without kids or those who assume what worked for them is a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some of those gems, along with my not-so-nice inner responses:

1. Take her to the doctor for a pill or something. Oh, really? If you had kids, you’d know that doctors usually don’t give out anything until they’re at least 2. Before that, it’s just Tylenol and ibuprofen—basically placebos that make you feel like you’re doing something. Spoiler alert: the doctor will just shrug and send you home, while I’m left driving through the fog of exhaustion, contemplating my life choices.
2. Don’t let her nap during the day. This suggestion is like telling me to hold my bladder for 12 hours—impossible! I need those naps even more than my child does. They give me a much-needed break from the chaos. If I don’t get that downtime, I might just lose it!
3. Let her cry it out. Been there, done that, and never again. The pain of listening to my kid sob felt worse than the sleepless nights. I’d rather stay up all night than go through that again.
4. Establish a routine for bedtime. Oh sure, because that’s so easy! When you’re juggling work, school, and three kids, good luck with that. My bedtime routine looks like a circus—screaming, tears, and last-minute demands for snacks. I don’t know what magic you’re working, but I’m still waiting for my kids to magically fall asleep at a decent hour.
5. Put her down when she’s drowsy but not asleep. Brilliant plan! I’ll just monitor her like a hawk while also trying to cook dinner and help my other kids with homework. Life doesn’t pause for drowsy eyes, believe me!

But, you know, it’s not all doom and gloom. Every once in a while, all three kids sleep through the night, and I get a glorious eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. Of course, that bliss is often shattered by the fear that something must be wrong, prompting me to jump out of bed and check on them, which usually wakes at least one of them up anyway.

So, hang in there, fellow parents! If you want to read more about home insemination and parenting tips, check out some of our other blog posts. And if you’re looking for expert advice on the topic, Make a Mom has you covered. Plus, for more resources on pregnancy and home insemination, News Medical is an excellent source.

Summary

Parenting can be a sleepless rollercoaster, especially when it comes to getting your little ones to bed. While well-meaning advice flows in from all directions, it’s often easier said than done. Finding what works for your family takes patience and a little creativity. Remember, you’re not alone!