Important Baby Sleep Terms For New Parents

Parenting is hard. I’m not going to sugar coat it. One of the hardest things about it is learning all the new words and phrases that go along with trying to keep on top of an already exhausting job. I remember how difficult it was trying to keep on top of pregnancy, then caring for a newborn – it’s not just taxing on the body, it’s a proper workout for the mind too! So, to give the new and soon-to-be parents out there a little head start, here are a few important baby sleep terms for new parents that you may not have come across just yet. If you have any questions at all, feel free to touch base. I’ll be happy to help.

Sleep Regression/Developmental Progression

This is a term that is used to refer to the stages of a baby’s development that affect their sleeping patterns “negatively”. In my opinion, sleep regression is an important part of a baby’s life and should actually be something to celebrate rather than dread. I like to call it developmental progression, rather than sleep regression because that’s exactly what it is. Sure, it’s tough because it means you and your baby will be out of sorts in your sleep patterns for some time. It’s definitely a positive though because it means your little one is hitting those important developmental milestones.

Dream Feeding

Dream feeding is the process of feeding your baby just as they are on the cusp of falling asleep (or while they are asleep), in order to help them sleep longer through the night. Some parents will choose not to dream feed, others rely on it to help their baby’s sleep routine. Whatever you choose to do, you can find out more info about dream feeds here.

SIDS Prevention

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the scariest baby sleep terms a parent can learn about. SIDS is the condition we refer to when an otherwise healthy baby sadly passes away in their sleep. This horrible phenomenon can be attributed to a variety of different factors so it is imperative that we do all we can to reduce the risk of it occurring in our home.

Learn about the relationship between baby blankets and SIDS here.

Sleep Loveys

A sleep lovey is an item that a young child forms a bond with that can help them calm when they’re stressed and even help them settle into a good sleep routine. The verdict is still out on sleep loveys and whether they’re useful or not but you can read more about them here to see if they’ll work for you and your little one.

Safe Swaddling

Safe swaddling is one of the most well-known baby sleep terms because it’s super important to get it right. Swaddling refers to wrapping your little one in a small thin cloth/blankie while they sleep in order to help them adjust to life outside the womb.

Learn a few safe swaddling tips here.

Sleep Cues

Sleep cues are the little things your baby or toddler does, usually subconsciously, to let you know that they’re ready for bedtime. They can vary from an obvious yawn to jerky movements or pulling faces at you. As you spend more and more time with your little one, you’ll start to learn their sleep cues and getting into a sleep routine will become easier and easier to manage.

Learn more about sleep cues (tired signs) here.

As always, sleep sweetly and deeply – or reach out if you’re not and I’ll be glad to help you and your little one settle into a routine.

Find out my top bedtime tips for parents with more than one child here!