When Can Children Sleep Alone?
Many parents wonder, when should your little one be taught to sleep alone? Some are worried that sleeping too long with their parents or bed sharing will make their children dependent and it will be harder for them to let go to be more independent. Some parents feel like they want to be free to sleep without their children beside them.
Prof. Dr. dr. Rini Sekartini SpA(K), a Growth and Development Consultant, said “The theory is different when I read it. 3-6 months can start. The age of 6 months can try the baby to sleep alone," he added.
But, Prof. Rini also said that in general it was Mama who objected to sleeping on a separate bed. This is because they have to go back and forth to breastfeed their baby when they wake up. For that he suggested, "Not bed sharing, but room sharing." So, Mama will find it easier to breastfeed your little one and calm him down to go back to sleep.
If not, Prof. Rini suggested that parents start sleeping separately with their children at the same time as the weaning period.
Then what should be prepared to train your little one to sleep alone?
1. Accompany Until Sleeping
But, Prof. Rini also said that in general it was Mama who objected to sleeping on a separate bed. This is because they have to go back and forth to breastfeed their baby when they wake up. For that he suggested, "Not bed sharing, but room sharing." So, Mama will find it easier to breastfeed your little one and calm him down to go back to sleep.
If not, Prof. Rini suggested that parents start sleeping separately with their children at the same time as the weaning period.
Then what should be prepared to train your little one to sleep alone?
1. Accompany Until Sleeping
Take your time to accompany your little one to sleep in his bed. If he is asleep, just leave him.
2. Hold Response
When your little one wakes up, don't rush straight to him. Give him a chance to learn to self-soothe or calm down and go back to sleep. If in ten minutes they still don't go back to sleep, then come to the bed.
3. When Your Little One Approaches You
Some children wake up and will approach their parents. Do not invite him to sleep in your bed. Take them back to their bed.
4. Patiently Wait
Instead of sleeping next to him when your little one wakes up, try to stand or sit by his bed and rub his back. If your little one seems calm, watching him from the side without having to do anything is enough.
2. Hold Response
When your little one wakes up, don't rush straight to him. Give him a chance to learn to self-soothe or calm down and go back to sleep. If in ten minutes they still don't go back to sleep, then come to the bed.
3. When Your Little One Approaches You
Some children wake up and will approach their parents. Do not invite him to sleep in your bed. Take them back to their bed.
4. Patiently Wait
Instead of sleeping next to him when your little one wakes up, try to stand or sit by his bed and rub his back. If your little one seems calm, watching him from the side without having to do anything is enough.
5. Give Appreciation
Appreciate your little one for every progress he makes. Make sure you tell him how much you love him.
Appreciate your little one for every progress he makes. Make sure you tell him how much you love him.