The baby industry is loaded with sleep aids, from the latest swaddles and pacifiers to high-tech bassinets. In the world of sleep consulting, we often refer to these items as "sleep props," but you might also hear them called "crutches" or "sleep associations." But do these props actually contribute to better sleep, or could they be hindering it?
What Exactly Are Sleep Props?
Sleep props are external tools that babies (and even adults) rely on to fall asleep. Think about what you personally need to drift off. For me, it’s earplugs (because my husband often snores), a glass of water, and pillows arranged just so.
When it comes to babies, some props can be beneficial, while others might be best avoided. The effectiveness of a sleep prop often depends on the baby's age and how reliant they become on it.
Who Controls the Sleep Prop?
If your baby is independently using a sleep prop, it usually isn’t a problem. For example, if your baby naturally soothes themselves by sucking their fingers and doesn’t need your help, this is generally fine. However, if your baby depends on you to reinsert their pacifier throughout the night, this can become problematic. Frequent night wakings requiring your intervention can lead to sleep disruptions for both you and your baby.
Sleep Props for Newborns
Newborns are in a different category. During the first few months, they require substantial support to establish their sleep patterns. Their strong sucking reflex often makes pacifiers useful for linking sleep cycles. Additionally, newborns need close contact and assistance to sleep, as they don’t develop independent sleep skills until around four months old.
Sleep Props for Older Babies
Once your baby reaches the four-month mark and can self-soothe, reliance on sleep props can lead to longer bedtimes and frequent night awakenings. Here’s why: if your baby depends on something external to fall asleep, they will likely need that same thing to return to sleep after waking in the middle of the night.
For example, if your baby needs to be fed to sleep, that’s usually fine during the newborn phase. However, as they grow, they may only need one nighttime feed. If your baby is waking every 60-90 minutes and needs a feed to go back to sleep, they might be using the feed as a sleep aid to bridge sleep cycles.
Common Sleep Props
Here are some frequently used sleep props:
Rocking
Bouncing
Magic Merlin Suit
Rubbing baby’s back
Smart bassinets
Motion in cars or strollers
As long as you follow safe sleep guidelines, these props are generally safe. However, if your baby depends on them to fall asleep, they might struggle to sleep through the night.
Tips for Managing Sleep Props
To reduce dependence on sleep props, try to introduce some separation between these aids and your baby’s sleep routine. For instance, consider feeding your baby earlier in the bedtime routine rather than as the last step. While “drowsy but awake” works well for newborns, it might not be as effective for older babies.
If you and your baby are sleeping well with your current routine, there’s no need to make changes. However, if you’re experiencing challenges with bedtime or frequent night wakings, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help you navigate your baby’s sleep needs.