Sleep training can help to ensure that everyone in the home gets a good night sleep and wakes ready for the day. This process can be tiresome sometimes, but by staying consistent yet flexible, and trusting your instincts over everything, you can begin on a gentle sleep training journey.

Step One

         Begin your journey knowing that there will be setbacks and that consistency will be important. Using the same bedtime, and even nap time, each day allows for a child to know when they should be asleep and when is time to play, which eases the transitions between both. Even adults who are going to sleep and waking at the same time everyday will find a better quality of sleep and feel less tired throughout the day.

         As you remain consistent things will adapt to the new schedule and the new routine, making it easier each day. Consistency will make it more efficient as well as helping you to relax into the new routine.

Pick an Achievable Start Date

         It is best to approach sleep training as a journey that will take time and attention, and plan to start on a day that works for you. Choose a time that is slower, preferably when you can sleep in as needed or take naps to catch up on the missed sleep that may occur.

         Choosing a time that has the least outside stressors on your time and energy may be the best, as it will allow you to focus on the task and approach in a gentle manner. This will improve the results and help to complete the process more successfully and in less time.

Trust Your Instincts

         As a parent, you know your child better than anyone, and you will instinctually know how best to care for your baby. If you feel that you need to adjust your approach, then do so, if the timing feels incorrect consider another time, and trust that you will do what is right for your family. The more comfortable the sleep training the easier it will be and the better the results, so trust what you feel is right.

Create Flexibility

         Flexibility allows for the space to have missteps, make mistakes, and find the solution and timing that works the best for your family. While there are many sources for information and ideas that will help to guide you through the process, there is no replacement for what you will learn and discover from your own experiences. It is important to pay attention to the responses and what is working but what is not working. Adjusting to the bumps in the road and the rough patches can make the entire process worthwhile and build a comfortable yet flexible routine.

         Sleep training is a process that improves the quality of sleep and can help to make bedtime easier in the long run. By following these four tips to make it a gentle journey you can have a great experience with positive results.

If you’re finding yourself at odds with starting your sleep training journey, I am here to help! Schedule a Free Sleepy Time Call so we can talk about your child’s sleep needs!