
The Ultimate Guide to Soothing & Sleep: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Helping Your Baby Rest
Summer brings longer days, warmer nights, and a shift in sleep routines that can throw off even the most consistent sleepers. Whether you're navigating newborn cries, four-month sleep regressions, or the delicate dance of weaning overnight feeds, we’ve got you covered.
At Harbor, we believe sleep isn't just a baby milestone, it’s a family necessity. So we rounded up our most popular, expert-backed articles into one guide to help you build calm, confidence, and consistency in your baby's sleep routine.
Summer Sleep Survival: Start With Soothing
Sleep starts with soothing, especially in the early weeks. Understanding the difference between normal fussiness and signs of colic or the PURPLE crying period can help you respond with empathy (and sanity).
- A Guide to Soothing Your Newborn
- What Every Parent Needs to Know About Colic & the PURPLE Crying Period
Self-Soothing: Your Secret Weapon for Better Naps & Nights
Self-soothing doesn’t mean leaving your baby to cry — it’s about gently guiding them toward independent sleep. Learn the basics of sleep associations, how to set the stage for success, and five steps to get started.
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The Science Behind Sleep Coaching
Sleep coaching gets a bad rap, but it’s rooted in science, not just parenting trends. Here’s why helping your baby learn to sleep is good for their brain, body, and your overall family well-being.
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Night Feed Strategy: Know When & How to Wean
If your baby is waking multiple times overnight for feeds, it may be time to reassess. Learn when night weaning makes sense, how to approach it gently, and signs your baby is ready.
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The Dream Feed: Hack Your Way to More Sleep
Yes, it’s a real thing, and yes, it can help you (and baby) sleep longer stretches. If you haven’t tried a dream feed yet, here’s everything you need to know.
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Tummy Time & Sleep: The Power Combo
Did you know tummy time can support sleep development? Daily movement helps babies build the strength they need to roll and reposition... key skills that lead to longer, safer sleep stretches.
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Quick Tips for Summer Sleep Consistency
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Darken the room. Use blackout curtains to counteract long summer evenings.
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Stick to your routine. Even when traveling, keep your wind-down routine consistent.
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Cool it down. Keep the sleep space between 68–72°F for ideal comfort.
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Use sound machines. White noise helps mask outdoor sounds like fireworks or barking dogs.
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Watch the nap gap. Keep wake windows consistent — even on vacation days.
Final Thoughts
Soothing and sleep aren’t one-size-fits-all — but they are learnable. With the right knowledge (and support), you can help your baby develop habits that lead to restful nights and brighter days. Start wherever you are, adjust as you go, and trust your instincts. You’ve got this.
Explore all Harbor articles on the blog, or download our free guides here!
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