Online Tool Provides Help for Getting Babies to Sleep

Frustrated parents have a new avenue for help with their child’s sleep patterns. A new online tool can help analyze your baby’s mood and sleep habits, with a Customized Sleep Profile.

The tool, developed by members of the Sleep Center at the Philadelphia Children’s Hospital, is an online, interactive database with information from over 5,000 babies. The data includes activities for both parents and babies in the time before sleep along with findings from studies on sleep techniques. Parents can then add information about their own child’s sleeping schedule and habits, to be compared against the database.

A study conducted on the tool included 264 moms and babies, organized into three groups. Two of the groups accessed the online sleep database tool, with one of the two being asked to also follow a three-step bedtime routine comprised of a bath, a massage and a quiet activity, such as cuddling or a lullaby. The third group (the control group) simply maintained their ordinary bedtime routines.

The study showed that both groups who used the web-based tool had an easier time getting their babies to sleep, and the babies themselves slept longer. Mothers, too, saw benefits, such as less stress and depression, and better sleep. Improvements in sleeping behavior were apparent in as short a time as one week.

The tool was very well-received in the study group, with many saying they would continue to use it after the study concluded. No doubt, many other parents will want to give it a shot as well, and fortunately, the tool is now on the Johnson & Johnson website.