Q: My baby's required bedtime seems impossibly early for our family's schedule. Do I have to follow strict sleep training rules?

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Question: I have a 4-year-old and a 9-week-old. With my first child, we followed recommended wake windows and nap schedules. With my second, I'm trying to be more relaxed, but I'm worried about when I return to work. We need to wake up at 6:30 AM, and if I follow the guidelines, my baby would need to go to bed around 6:30-6:45 PM. This seems incredibly early and difficult to manage. For parents who didn't follow strict sleep schedules, what was your experience? I want the freedom of being flexible, but I also want to make sure my baby is getting enough rest.

Answer: For the early bedtime, you might be surprised. As your baby gets a bit older, their sleep needs will change. That 6:30 pm bedtime might seem crazy right now, but in a few months, it could be exactly what your little one needs to be well-rested for the day.

My best advice is to trust your gut. You know your baby better than anyone. If they seem happy and are getting enough sleep overall, you're doing a great job. It's so much less stressful than trying to force a schedule from a book that doesn't know your family.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us