We recommend focusing on clock times once your baby’s circadian rhythm begins to mature around 3-4 months of age (assuming your baby wasn’t born prematurely) ⏰
While awake windows are still important, following set clock times for naps and bedtime helps you to establish a consistent sleep schedule that still factors in their age-appropriate awake windows 🙌🏻. Having this consistency not only makes it easier for you to plan your day, but it also supports your baby’s ability to self-soothe and resettle independently, as they come to expect sleep at the same times each day 🥰
⚠️ If you only focus on your baby’s awake windows, it can make it harder to monitor or recognise their tired signs 😴. Often, by the time your baby shows signs of fatigue, they are already overtried, which can make settling and resettling more challenging 🆘
When and if naps don’t go as planned, we recommend waking your baby at the end of their scheduled nap time and incorporating a bridging nap or an early bedtime to compensate, depending on their age and nap schedule ☺️. This prevents letting your baby sleep beyond their scheduled nap time, which only perpetuates irregular sleep patterns, push subsequent naps and bedtimes later in the day, and complicate your ability to plan your days ahead! 🙌🏻
With that said, if your baby is still catnapping, resisting sleep, or waking frequently overnight, book a consultation or download our Sleep Essentials Guide at www.settletosleep.com.au so we can support you in restoring sleep for you and your family 🩷🌸💫