Baby Sleep Cues

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?

Good Baby Sleep Cues vs. Bad Baby Sleep Cues

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.

Final Thoughts on Baby Sleep Cues

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.

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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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.