Keeping Sleep on Track for the Holidays (and always!)
As a sleep consultant, I’ve seen firsthand the ups and downs parents face when it comes to their baby’s sleep. It’s a journey filled with determination, doubt, and plenty of coffee-fueled moments. Amidst this, The Wonder Weeks often comes up—a resource some parents swear by and others question.
Developed by Frans Plooij and Hetty van de Rijt, The Wonder Weeks proposes that babies go through ten mental development stages or “leaps” from five weeks to 20 months old. These leaps occur at specific points in a baby’s life, transitioning between “sunny weeks” of contentment to “stormy weeks” of fussiness due to neurological development, before mastering new skills during a “wonder week” and returning to a happier state.
While it’s praised for its insights, skeptics argue its scientific validity. The popularity of The Wonder Weeks is undeniable, with over 2 million copies sold worldwide and claims of pinpoint accuracy in tracking babies’ development. However, critics argue that its scientific basis is flawed, likening it to pediatric astrology and questioning its reliance on small sample sizes and questionable research practices. The original study had only 15 participants, and subsequent attempts to replicate its findings have been unsuccessful. Allegations of pressure to conform to the original research further muddy the waters. Despite the controversy, the debate over its legitimacy continues, highlighting the ongoing uncertainties in the world of parenting.
If parents take comfort in being able to predict when their baby will be cranky, I think that’s just fine. If it helps them through a prolonged period of crying to think, “This is just her developing as she’s supposed to,” then high fives all around. Parents need all the support they can get and I say take your mental health boosts where you can find them.
The risk I foresee is that parents may place excessive trust in The Wonder Weeks, leading to unnecessary worry if their baby’s development doesn’t align with its predictions. Unrealistic expectations based on potentially flawed research could cause undue stress, falsely indicating that their child has missed a developmental milestone. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective and seeking guidance from reliable sources when navigating the complexities of parenting.
But amidst the debate lies a crucial question: When should you prioritize your baby’s sleep? As a sleep consultant, I’m here to tell you that there’s never a wrong time. I would argue that pediatricians would agree that a baby’s sleep is essential and crucial for development at any stage and any age.
Whether it’s a “sunny week,” a “stormy week,” or a “wonder week,” rest assured, it’s the perfect time to start. While some situations might warrant a brief delay, like impending holidays or busy schedules, delaying sleep training based on developmental milestones isn’t necessary.
In conclusion, trust your instincts and prioritize your family’s sleep needs. With the right approach, you can help your baby develop healthy sleep habits, ensuring a happier and more restful journey for everyone involved. As a sleep consultant, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Wishing you peaceful nights and more Slumber Time,
Jade Smith, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
slumbertimesleep.com
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