How to Start Sleep Training
Starting sleep training can feel daunting because reaching out for help isn’t as easy as it should be.
You know that what you’re doing to get your child to sleep right now isn’t working, and that sucks.
However, preparing yourself adequately for starting this new process can make it seamless and easy. So, how do you start sleep training?
Make sure you have a plan. Whether you’re sleep training using a sleep course, working with a consultant, or even learning how from a book, make sure you have a plan of action. The worst way to sleep train is to just wing-it and hope for the best. This prolongs crying spells, creates confusion for your baby, and doesn’t work well.
Set up the sleep environment before you get started. Get the blackout blinds installed (BlackoutEZ window covers are the BEST), noise machine purchased, and crib set-up. You won’t want any mishaps in your sleep environment while getting started.
Get Support if you need it. Some parents are gung-ho with change, while others need gentle nudges from close friends or partners. You know how you are, so get the support you need to succeed. Ask a friend to come over on night 1 to help, or make sure that you start sleep training when your partner is available to be there too.
Remain Consistent. Making these changes in your schedule and your child’s sleep can be really hard to do…but there are huge rewards for your whole family in the end. In order for any type of sleep training to work, you need to remain consistent. Commit to being 100% consistent for the first 2 weeks of changes, and then aim fro 80/20 consistency after that. What you’re doing is building a solid sleep foundation.
Starting sleep training doesn’t have to be so scary - I promise.
If you have questions about start, please post them below!
