Parenthood is a wild ride. You’re constantly learning and adapting to new things, from day one! And perhaps one of the greatest challenges that parents of newborns face is sleep training. Sleep training can be challenging and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! One way to make sleep training easier is by introducing a lovie (a comforting item like a blanket or stuffed animal) into the process. Read on to learn more about how lovies can help your little one transition into a healthy sleep routine.
What Is A Lovie?
A lovie is an age-appropriate object (such as a baby blanket, soft toy, or other comforting item) that babies associate with comfort and security. It’s usually something they can cuddle up against while they drift off to dreamland. The familiarity and comfort of this object helps them relax and settle down quicker than without it.
How Can A Lovie Help With Sleep Training?
Sleep training is all about helping your child learn how to fall asleep independently, without needing you to stay in the room or soothe them back to sleep every time they wake up during the night. Introducing a lovie into their bedtime routine can help them feel more secure in their own environment by providing something familiar that helps them relax before drifting off to sleep. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your little one has something comforting near them when you aren’t there – which makes sleep training much easier for everyone involved!
Tips For Introducing A Lovie To Your Baby’s Bedtime Routine:
1. Choose The Right Item
Make sure you choose an age-appropriate item that your baby can snuggle up against like a blanket or stuffed animal rather than an item with small pieces that could pose choking hazards such as a beanie baby or small toy figures.
2. Create A Special Bond
Spend some time creating special memories with your lovie by snuggling up together during story time, naps, etc., so that your baby starts associating it with happy times and becomes attached to it quickly! Mom can sleep with it under her shirt for a few nights or in bed with her so it smells familiar to baby. This can help immensely to comfort your baby whether your sleep training or not.
3. Make It Routine
Work the lovie into your bedtime routine so that it becomes part of their routine before they go to bed each night, just like brushing teeth or having bath time! This will help create positive associations between the two so they feel safe and comforted when it’s time for lights out.
4. Adjust As Needed
Be sure to monitor how well your baby responds to having the lovie in their bedtime routine; if they seem distressed or don’t seem comforted by its presence then tweak things accordingly until you find what works best for them! It may take some trial and error but eventually you’ll find the perfect combination for peaceful nights ahead! And don’t worry if your baby doesn’t attach immediately, Most babies will eventually attach to something, but it can take a while for some babies.
Conclusion
Sleep training doesn’t have to be hard work – introducing a lovie into the process can make all the difference in helping your little one settle down faster and establish healthy sleeping habits from an early age. When used correctly, lovies are great tools for creating positive associations with bedtime routines and helping babies feel secure even when mommy or daddy isn’t present at night-time hours! So don’t be afraid—sleep training doesn’t have to be daunting; use these tips & techniques while incorporating lovies into your sleep-training plan today!