You might think you’ve made it through the hardest part. You’ve brought your little one home from the hospital; you (or your partner) survived labor, and you’ve tackled those exhausting first months filled with sleepless nights and endless feedings. Now, your baby is finally sleeping through the night. You did it! You’re feeling a bit more rested and even contemplating the idea of adding another child to the mix. After all, a couple of months without sleep is something you can handle, right?
But here’s the truth: If you’re fortunate enough to have a baby who started sleeping through the night at just three months, there are two important realities you need to come to terms with.
1. You’re One of the Lucky Ones!
If you’re among the lucky few, here’s a tip: Don’t flaunt it. No one appreciates a show-off. Having a baby who sleeps well early on isn’t a testament to your parenting skills or superior genetics; it simply means you’ve been graced with an easygoing baby and are fortunate enough to be basking in that joy. You are indeed #blessed—for now.
2. This Too Shall Pass.
No matter how easygoing your baby seems now, brace yourself—challenges are on the horizon. “Winter is coming,” as they say, and that means sleep regressions are lurking just around the corner. My partner and I were once in your shoes, convinced we had conquered the parenting game. Our baby was sleeping through the night, and we felt untouchable. But then, without warning, he slipped back into nighttime wakefulness. Suddenly, our blissful nights were replaced with sleepless ones, and we were left scratching our heads, wondering what went wrong.
Let’s be real here: parenting isn’t a smooth ride, and no perfect baby exists. Obstacles are bound to pop up, and sleep regression is one of the most frustrating hurdles. You thought you had navigated the worst of it, only to realize that the journey is far from over. The truth is, whether it’s sleepless nights or behavioral issues, every parent faces challenges.
In the grand scheme of parenting, you will always find new ways to feel like you’ve missed the mark. There are countless ways to be “wrong” and only a handful of ways to be “right.” So when you do hit the mark, take it with a grain of salt—it’s often just luck. So again, keep those triumphs to yourself. Whether it pertains to sleep or behavior, challenges will always arise.
Get ready, because the journey is just beginning. The night is shadowy and full of surprises, and those surprises can feel like a teething baby.
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Summary:
Parenting is a journey filled with unexpected challenges and obstacles. Even if you experience early success with a baby who sleeps well, be prepared for future hurdles like sleep regressions. Embrace the chaos, knowing that you’re not alone in this adventure.