Finding Calm in Chaos: The Soothing Ladder Method for Newborns
Embarking on the journey of parenthood is a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. I clearly recall those early days with my twin boys—one of whom was a relatively peaceful sleeper (relatively), while the other brought forth challenges like reflux, persistent crying, and sleepless nights. Honestly, he was awake more than he was asleep.
Our nights often turned into a symphony of tears, the two of us crying into the dead of night. Neither knowing what was going on. When I look back, I have such feelings of guilt. The resentment, the anxiety, the wanting to sleep more than to be with my child. I often want to do it all over again, knowing what I do now, just to feel differently, to know it’ll all be OK and things will improve.
I attempted everything under the sun—rocking, bouncing, singing—but it seemed like nothing could quell the storm of tears. Doubt began to creep in, and I questioned my ability to navigate this tumultuous path of parenting. Luckily, I had my parents on hand to take over of a morning so I could get some rest. Without them, I’m certain it would have been 10 times as hard.
As a new mother, you know yourself, the amount of time you spend googling, how the **** can I get my baby to sleep. It was during one of these dives down the rabbit hole, that I stumbled upon the Soothing Ladder. Something I now recommend to families I work with and a method us sleep consultants talk about regularly. I honestly wish I knew about this sooner. I’m positive it could have helped both my boys and had an impact on their sleep. As it turns out, I found it quite late in the game, but nonetheless, it made a huge difference.
Exploring the Soothing Ladder Method
The soothing ladder isn’t a sleep training method. It’s not a set of rigid rules to apply and stick to. It’s a guideline, something versatile and adaptive. It’s responsive and fosters attachment and emotional stability. It consists of seven steps, aiming to soothe and calm your baby.
When Can You Initiate the Soothing Ladder Method?
As I said, I wish I’d found this sooner. You can begin implementing it whenever you like. It’s really responsive, focusing on listening to your baby’s cues. You can use it within the first few weeks after birth. I didn’t start using it until about 2 or 3 months down the line. They weren’t ready for sleep training yet so was a great transitional tool.
Now that I’m in ‘the know’, I wouldn’t suggest this as a method for really alert, older babies. Probably after the age of 7 or 8 months. But, it’s not a bad thing to try, if you’re not ready for other methods just yet!
Understanding How the Soothing Ladder Works
Here's a concise overview of how it operates:
Step 1: Enter the Room
Begin by entering your baby's room and standing near the cot. Sometimes, the mere presence of a caregiver can have a calming effect.
Step 2: Use Your Voice
Harness the power of your voice by singing, shushing, or employing a consistent sleep phrase. This phrase helps establish a bedtime routine and signals to your baby that it's time to sleep.
Step 3: Dummy or pacifier(Optional)
If your baby uses a dummy and it provides comfort, offer it. However, use it judiciously and only if necessary.
Step 4: Touch Them
Gently pat or rub your baby while they rest in their sleep space. This step can be especially effective for soothing your baby. Remember to adjust the pressure and rhythm based on their response.
The ladder progresses with additional steps, each building upon the previous one. You can repeat these steps as needed until your baby finds solace and is ready to drift into sleep.
Remember, the Soothing Ladder method emphasizes responsive parenting, patience, and gentle techniques. It's a flexible approach that can be a game-changer for new parents seeking to provide comfort to their little ones and ensure peaceful nights for the entire family.
If you need any support, as always I’m here. Book a call and we can talk about what’s going on with your sleep and make a plan to ultimately…get you some!
