What is Eat-Play-Sleep Routine?

What is Eat-Play- Sleep Routine?

New parents often feel overwhelmed by the challenges of caring for a newborn. Sleep deprivation and a baby’s refusal to sleep are some of the biggest challenges for new parents.

To overcome a baby’s refusal to sleep at night, Eat-Play-Sleep routine might be helpful for new parents.

The eat-play-sleep routine is a simple approach that helps babies follow a predictable cycle. 

Our goal is to teach your baby to fall asleep on their own without rocking, eating, or the need to be held.

It starts with a feeding session, followed by playtime, and ends with sleep.

Benefits of Eat-Play-Sleep Routine

1. Reduce colic and fussiness.

2. Prevent babies from falling asleep while eating, which can lead to sleep issues later on.

3. Train your baby to fall asleep on their own without rocking, eating, the need to be held, or other sleep associations that are easy to fall into. 

Implementing the Routine Step by Step

1. Eat Phase: Start with a feeding session. Ensure your baby is latching correctly during breastfeeding or use anti-colic bottles if bottle-feeding. Proper feeding minimizes air intake, which can cause gas and discomfort.

   Example: For breastfeeding moms, hold your baby in an upright position and watch for rhythmic sucking to ensure they’re swallowing milk effectively.

2. Play Phase: After feeding, engage in gentle play. Activities like tummy time, singing, or sensory play with a soft toy can help. Gentle movements also make it easier for the baby to burp, reducing trapped gas.

   Example: Hold your baby upright and gently pat their back during playtime to encourage burping.

3. Sleep Phase: As the baby shows signs of tiredness like yawning, rubbing eyes, or becoming fussy. It is time to sleep. Transition your baby into sleep by creating a calm environment. Keep the lighting dim to signal that it’s time to rest.
   

   Example: Use a soft, calming lullaby to help your baby drift off to sleep.  

It’s perfectly fine to offer your baby a small feed before bedtime if they seem to want it. A satisfied tummy can help your baby sleep more peacefully, as a hungry baby may find it harder to drift off into a sweet dream.

A consistent sleep routine is crucial for your baby. Following the same routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.

Example Routine:

1. Use a Consistent Phrase:
   Talk to your baby with the same phrase each time, such as:
   “Sweetheart, it’s time to sleep.”
   Repeating the same phrase helps your baby associate it with bedtime.

2. Calming Touch:

   • Apply a soothing lotion, if available.
   • Gently perform a tummy massage and cycling exercises.
   • Finish by changing your baby into a fresh diaper.

3. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment:

   • Ensure the room is calm and comfortable.
   • Use blackout curtains to darken the room.
   • Turn on white noise or play gentle lullabies to help your baby relax.

4. Transition to Sleep:

   • Wait until your baby is fully asleep before placing them in the crib.
   • Signs of deep sleep include closed eyes, a relaxed body, or a soft sigh.
   • If holding your baby, wait an additional 1–2 minutes after they appear to be asleep.

5. Lay Down Gently:

   • Slowly remove your hand by lifting each finger one at a time, followed by your palm. This ensures your baby remains undisturbed.

Consistency is key. Stick to the same schedule every day to help your baby adjust to their sleep routine.

Remember!
The eat-play-sleep routine is primarily for daytime use. You can implement the Eat-Play- Sleep Routine as early as first few weeks of life. 

At night, it’s best to keep interactions minimal.

Parents should feed the baby and return them to sleep without play. This helps maintain the distinction between day and night.

Adjusting the Schedule for Growth Spurts and Developmental Changes

Babies go through many changes in their first year. Parents need to be flexible with the eat-play-sleep routine.

During growth spurts, babies may need more frequent feedings. They might wake up earlier from naps or seem hungrier than usual.

As babies reach new milestones, their sleep needs change. They may drop naps or stay awake longer between sleep periods.

Watch for signs that the current schedule isn’t working. If the baby seems overtired or resists sleep, it might be time to adjust the routine.

Remember that each baby is unique. What works for one may not work for another. Parents should trust their instincts and adapt the schedule as needed.

Creating a Soothing Sleep Environment

A calm sleep space helps babies drift off easily. Keep the room dark with blackout curtains. Use a sound machine to block noise and create white noise.

Set a cool temperature around 68-72°F (20-22°C). Dress baby in light, breathable sleepwear. A sleep sack provides warmth without loose blankets.

Remove toys and other distractions from the crib. Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Avoid pillows, bumpers, or loose bedding for safety.

Deciphering Sleep Cues and Patterns

Babies show signs when they’re ready to sleep. Common tired cues include:

• Rubbing eyes
• Yawning
• Fussiness
• Decreased activity

Watch for these signs and start the sleep routine promptly. Overtired babies often struggle to settle.

Most newborns sleep 14-17 hours daily in short cycles. By 3-4 months, longer stretches develop. Naps gradually decrease from 4-5 to 2-3 daily.

Track sleep patterns to find natural rhythms. Adjust routines to match baby’s changing needs.

Guidelines for Safe and Independent Sleep

Follow safe sleep guidelines to reduce risks. Always place baby on their back to sleep. Use a firm sleep surface in a safety-approved crib.

Keep the sleep area clear of blankets, toys, and bumpers. Room-sharing is recommended for the first 6-12 months.

For independent sleep, put baby down drowsy but awake. This helps them learn to self-soothe.

Start with short periods. Slowly increase time as baby adjusts. Be patient and consistent. Some fussing is normal as they learn this new skill.

Offer brief comfort if needed, then allow baby to settle independently. This builds confidence in their ability to fall asleep on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Parents often have questions about implementing and adjusting the eat-play-sleep routine. This section addresses common concerns about timing, effectiveness, and adaptations as babies grow.

When can I start implementing the eat-play-sleep routine for my baby?

Parents can start the eat-play-sleep routine with newborns. It’s best to begin after the first few weeks when feeding patterns become more established.

Babies need time to adjust to life outside the womb. Parents should watch for hunger cues and not strictly adhere to a schedule in the early weeks.

What are the common challenges when following the eat-play-sleep routine with a 1-month-old and how can they be addressed?

One-month-olds may fall asleep while feeding. Parents can try keeping babies awake by changing their diaper or clothes during feeds.

Short wake windows can make the ‘play’ part challenging. Gentle activities like tummy time or looking at high-contrast images can be sufficient.

What adjustments should I make to the eat-play-sleep routine as my baby reaches 6 months?

At 6 months, babies often need longer wake windows. Parents may extend playtime between eating and sleeping.

Solid foods can be introduced during this time. The routine may shift to accommodate these new mealtimes.

Can the eat-play-sleep routine be effectively followed during night-time hours?

The eat-play-sleep routine is primarily for daytime use. At night, it’s best to keep interactions minimal.

Parents should feed the baby and return them to sleep without play. This helps maintain the distinction between day and night.

How do I transition away from the eat-play-sleep routine as my baby grows older?

As babies grow, they naturally move away from the eat-play-sleep routine. This often happens when naps decrease to once or twice a day.

Parents can gradually extend wake times and combine activities. The routine will evolve into a more flexible daily schedule.