BABY
What Are the Best Infant Sleep Cues?
Mimicking the womb is the best sleep cue in the first few months.
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
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BABY
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Bestsellers
First of all, everyone uses sleep cues, not just infants. I personally hate the foam pillows used in most hotels, but give me a nice feather pillow—and some rain on the roof white noise—and I’m out like a light. The point is…we’re all creatures of habit.
During the first few months of your baby’s life, the best baby sleep cues are those that mimic the calming sensations of the womb. Things such as swaddling, shushing and sucking—all part of the 5 S’s method—can help get your baby to sleep more easily.
However, some parents worry that using comforting cuddling or white noise will risk creating an addiction or “bad” habits. So, what distinguishes good sleep cues from bad sleep crutches?
It’s simple: Good cues help your baby fall asleep fast—and stay asleep longer—yet they’re easy to use, require little effort on your part and are easy to wean.
Bad sleep cues, on the other hand, may get your baby to sleep but they’re inconvenient, very demanding on you and difficult to wean.
For example, if your baby needs 30 minutes of bottom-patting each time he rouses or demands that only Mommy can put him to sleep (and screams if Daddy tries to step in), I think it’s pretty clear you’re looking at a bad sleep cue.
If you’re having trouble figuring out baby sleep cues, SNOO baby bassinet takes the guessing and hardwork out of it. The SNOO combines the best proven baby sleep cues (soothing white noise, gentle rocking, and snug safe swaddling) to help your baby fall asleep faster and longer.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
