Healthy Sleep Habits: Why Not All Sleep Habits Are Bad

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Healthy Sleep Habits

If you’ve been a reader of The Baby Sleep Site® for awhile, then you know a thing or two about sleep associations, don’t you? You’ve no doubt read our sleep association blog post, and have learned all about how certain habits that your baby associates with sleep (like nursing to sleep, or rocking to sleep, or being held during sleep) can cause big, huge sleep problems that affect the whole family.

And you’ve no doubt learned that sleep training is the process of gently weaning your baby away from any negative sleep associations, and teaching your little one how to fall asleep independently, without ongoing help from mom or dad.

But what if I told you that not all sleep associations are bad? Sleep associations tend to get a pretty bad rap, but that’s not necessarily fair. I think when most of us hear ‘sleep habits’, we tend to think about bad habits – but the truth is, good, healthy sleep habits do exist, and what’s more, they are key in helping your baby or toddler sleep well.

Healthy Sleep Habits: How Babies and Toddlers Form Sleep Habits

If one thing is true, it’s that babies and toddlers tend to form habits with lightning-fast speed. Do something consistently enough, for several days in a row, and your little one will come to see that as the norm, and will expect it. We as parents can use this in our favor; it’s this trait in our children that allows us to teach good habits and to build positive character traits. For example, if we consistently require that our child say “please” before we hand them a snack, or help them with a task, then it won’t be long before that child says please habitually.

But this can backfire, too. Sometimes, things that we DON’T want to become habitual actually do – you allow your child to watch TV for 2 hours each morning while he’s sick with the flu, and he comes to expect 2 hours of TV time EVERY morning, even after he’s healthy. And the same goes for sleep – sometimes, we do things that we mean to be temporary (like nursing to sleep after every night waking, or holding the baby for every nap), and then suddenly, BOOM – our child has come to understand that this is standard, and should happen every day (or night).

Good vs. Bad (or Healthy vs. Unhealthy) Sleep Habits

So how can we distinguish healthy sleep habits from unhealthy sleep habits? First, it’s important to remember that there is no “script” for sleep – one family’s huge sleep problems are another family’s norm. And things that some parents consider problematic (like nursing to sleep 5 times a night), other parents don’t mind doing at all – or even do intentionally. So keep in mind that NOTHING about your baby’s sleep is a problem until it’s a problem for you.

Keep in mind also that every baby is different, and that means sleep needs differ from child to child. Your child may be completely rested after 3 or 4 nighttime wakings, or with naps that are on the short side – while another child may be overtired and cranky if even one daytime nap is off.

Now, as for what makes a sleep habit healthy vs. unhealthy – in general (after taking your parenting preferences and your child’s sleep needs and temperament into account), sleep habits that heavily involve you “doing” something tend to be less healthy than sleep associations that require little to no work from you. Here are some examples to illustrate this idea:

  • FEEDING: If your baby needs you to feed him all the way back to sleep after every interrupted waking at night and during naps, that’s probably an unhealthy sleep habit. But if your baby simply needs you to feed him until he’s drowsy, that’s very likely a healthy, manageable sleep habit.
  • ROCKING: Same as above – if you have to rock your baby all the way to sleep every time she wakes, that’s probably unsustainable for you, and therefore is an unhealthy sleep habit. But if you simply need to rock until drowsy, that may very well work for all of you.
  • PACIFIER: If you have to replace the pacifier for your baby every single time it falls out, that’s an unhealthy sleep habit – but if your baby can replace the pacifier himself, and doesn’t need you to help when it falls out in the middle of the night, then the pacifier can actually be a healthy sleep association.
  • COSLEEPING: If you are co-sleeping out of desperation, because it makes it easier to nurse your baby all night long, but you don’t actually WANT to share a bed with your baby, then this is most likely an unhealthy sleep habit. But if you are cosleeping intentionally, and have worked to ensure that both you and your baby are getting enough sleep, then this can be a healthy sleep association.
  • LOVEY: If YOU are your child’s lovey, and that’s standing in the way of you getting the sleep you need, then that’s an unhealthy sleep association – but if your child’s lovey is something like a blanket, or a small stuffed animal, then the lovey is a great sleep association, as it allows you child to soothe and settle without your help.

Why Healthy Sleep Habits Matter

I know that for some of you, what I’m saying here is nothing new. But here’s why this distinction between healthy and unhealthy sleep habits matter: your child will always have sleep habits. There is no such thing as habit-free sleep. So your goal in sleep training is not simply to wean your child away from unhealthy sleep habits and associations – it’s to replace those with healthy sleep habits that allow your child AND you to get more sleep. What exactly those healthy sleep habits look like is, of course, entirely up to you. For instance, some families introduce the pacifier as a healthy sleep habit, while others are working to wean away from it because it’s a negative sleep association. But it’s key to remember that your child will always have habits surrounding sleep – wearing certain jammies, for instance, or doing the bedtime routine in a certain order, or stroking a special blanket before falling asleep.

And really, when you think about the way you fall asleep – is it any surprise that your child needs healthy sleep habits? I don’t know about you, but I have lots of little routines and habits surrounding my own sleep – for instance, I absolutely cannot sleep unless I read for at least 10 minutes before bed. You probably have your own little unique pre-bed habits and rituals as well. True, some of us are probably more habit-driven than others, but even preferring one sleeping position to another, or sleeping on the same side of the bed, is a kind of sleep habit. So is it any wonder that our little ones need the same?

The key is simply to ensure that your baby or toddler’s sleep habits are actually encouraging and helping sleep, and not disrupting it. And if that process is proving daunting or difficult for you, remember – we can help! Our team of expert consultants is ready to offer you compassionate, caring support that is 100% personalized to your unique situation. We will craft a Personalized Sleep Plan™ specifically for your family, that walks you through every step of night weaning, in a way that matches your goal and parenting style.

Browse our list of consultation package options here.

Once you make your choice and purchase, you will immediately receive an e-mail with your Helpdesk login information. You’ll be able to login and start your Family Sleep History form right away – it’s that simple!

Want more information about how personalized help works? Check out our FAQ page here, and get answers. You can also take a tour of the Helpdesk.

Tell us about your little one’s sleep habits – healthy or unhealthy? Any tips to share about how to help little one’s build healthy sleep associations? Share them below!

 
bss_email_featprod_memberspic-CROPPEDOur Members Area is packed with exclusive content and resources: e-Books, assessments, detailed case studies, expert advice, peer support, and more. It actually costs less to join than buying products separately! As a member, you’ll also enjoy a weekly chat with an expert sleep consultant. And the best part – members receive 20% off all sleep consultation services!
 
Essential Keys to Newborn Sleep Essential Keys to Your Newborn’s Sleep is THE newborn sleep book that will help you to not only improve your newborn’s sleep using gentle, sleep-inducing routines – it will also answer your feeding and newborn care questions. You can even buy a bundle package that includes the e-book AND a Personalized Sleep Plan™ PLUS a follow-up email to use for further support!
 
bss_ebook_3stepsystem_leftFor those persistent nighttime struggles, check out The 3 Step System to Help Your Baby Sleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your baby sleep through the night.
 
 
bss_ebook_masteringnaps_leftIf you’re looking for ways to get your baby or toddler into a healthy sleeping routine during the day, I encourage you to explore Mastering Naps and Schedules, a comprehensive guide to napping routines, nap transitions, and all the other important “how-tos” of good baby sleep. With over 45 sample sleep schedules and planning worksheets, Mastering Naps and Schedules is a hands-on tool ideal for any parenting style.
 
bss_ebook_5steptoddler_smalFor those persistent toddler sleep struggles, check out The 5 Step System to Help Your Toddler Sleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your toddler sleep through the night and enjoy a better daytime schedule.
 

5 Tips to Manage Sleep Deprivation (and Stay Married)

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Today, we have a guest post from Gervase Kolmos, a Certified Life coach and the founder of Shiny.Happy.Human. As we approach Valentine’s Day, we thought it would be a good idea to share some tips for how to manage sleep deprivation AND your relationship with your spouse at the same time. Be sure to read all the way to bottom to find out how you could win one of Gervase’s Rise and Shine Coaching sessions.

MarriageTips
During our first days home with our newborn daughter, my husband and I weren’t really as exhausted as we anticipated. Terrified, anxious and enamored? Yes, yes and yes. But one thing we knew we were going to do right was sleep when the baby slept, just as we’d been instructed (over and over and over). I remember that first day, after placing the sleeping baby in her bassinet around 4pm for the first of many naps, my husband had drawn the curtains and turned out the lights. (No need for me to change because I had slipped into pajamas upon entering the house.) We “went to bed” with our little one and woke for a few hours around 8 pm and just repeated this cycle for a few days. It was Twilight-ish, but I remember thinking (quite pleased) how well-rested and in love with my little family I felt.

My husband and I languished in that surreal stage of parenting for those first few days. And then, he went back to work, and I had an abrupt realization: Adopting the sleeping cycles of a newborn was an unsustainable and unrealistic long-term solution.

Soon after, my warm fuzzies gave way to impatience, resentment towards my husband, and yes, exhaustion. “If I could just have 5 straight hours of sleep,” I started to think. Or, “if [my husband] would just offer to breastfeed at 2AM for once, I might get some shut-eye.” I’m kidding. But, seriously, sleep-deprivation does some crazy things to your brain, and it’s not uncommon to start resenting your other half for things he can or (in this case) cannot do.

Here are some tips to help you manage, assuage and, in some cases, even eliminate the negative effects sleep deprivation can have on your relationship:

  1. Preemptively Discuss: Lack of communication between couples is so often the source of unmet expectations. If you don’t know where your partner stands on taking the midnight baby shift, then that is probably a good place to start a discussion. Have the conversation about what you each expect your days and nights during those first 6 months to look like. That way, if you are on different pages, you can correct that ASAP. (As in, if he or she is NOT onboard with helping with midnight shifts, you can swiftly explain why they need to be.)
  2. Lean on Each Other: As mothers we tend to do the whole Mother Teresa thing and take all the parenting responsibilities on our shoulders because a) our husbands won’t do it right, b) we do it better than our husbands, or c) our husbands won’t do it right. Marriage is a partnership that is best maximized when you LEAN on each other. When you are stretching yourself too thin and the effects of exhaustion are really spilling over into your marriage, this is the time to lean on into your other half. Put him in charge while you take a nap, go out with girl friends or hit your yoga mat. He already feels helpless if you’re breastfeeding and/or doing the bulk of the parenting, and he is looking to you for his parenting cue. Give it to him. It will boost his confidence and practice and give you a much-needed break.
  3. Look at Each Other: This may sound crazy, but when you have a newborn, you literally spend HOURS staring at your new bundle of joy and no one else. (It’s weird. I know.) I remember when our little one was weeks old and I was having a rare moment alone with my husband. He leaned his face in to give me a kiss and I screamed, “Your face is huge!” This is hilarious, and also really quite sad. It had been weeks since I’d really looked at the love of my life with the same attention and affection I was lavishing on our newborn. Try to make even a few minutes each day to look at and really see your partner. It’s okay if he’s taken a backseat to the baby during this time, but don’t forget the (very normal) size of his face. Yes, you can go to sleep immediately following this exercise.
  4. Take Turns Sleeping In: When you’re awoken at 2AM, it’s acceptable to feel tired and groggy, but what about when you’re woken again at 6AM, and it’s time for you to start the day? Personally, I would rather wake up at 2AM and sleep til 8AM (if we’re getting wild). This is why my hubs and I started taking turns religiously on weekend mornings when our daughter was young. What was the point of both of us waking exhausted at 6AM, when one of us could just as easily do it and the other could feel the long-forgotten bliss of sleeping til the sun was up? If it’s your turn to wake with the babe, make it count. Let your partner sleep til 10 if they need to. Because guess what? It’s your turn tomorrow! YAYYYYY!!!
  5. Tapping Out: This particular technique developed when my hubs and I were in the throes of exhaustion. On those days when you are sleeping standing up and so deadbeat tired that you want to bawl your eyes out—tap out. Tapping out is an unspoken rule that gives you full permission to take a nap with zero guilt tripping, explaining or consequences when you wake. It should be reserved for very extreme emergencies and it is definitely reciprocal. It implies “it’s your turn next,” and also “I love you. I’m sorry. Thank you.” You will see positive effects of this free pass on your relationship, your parenting and your energy levels. The gratitude I feel for my husband when he “allows” me (because he has no choice, because like I said this is an unwritten rule) to tap out on a rough day, fuels my happy marriage and motherhood for far longer than another sleepless night.

What relationship tips do you have for how to survive sleep deprivation?

042114_Gervase_026Gervase is a Certified Life Coach and the founder of Shiny. Happy. Human. She gets fired up about empowering new moms and newlyweds to boldly design THEIR happy. She is an excellent secret keeper and a professional cat-napper and believes her relationships are her best assets. Say Hi to her on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!



Gervase is giving away a Rise & Shine Coaching Session to one Baby Sleep Site reader. The Rise and Shine Coaching Session is for you if you’re feeling called to RISE to a particular challenge—whether personal or professional—and lacking the luster (i.e. motivation & accountability) to get it done. We’ll polish you off and send you shining on your way with this one-time 75-minute session, designed to help you make progress in an area of your life that is requiring a wake-up call. (Value $90) Enter below for your chance to win! Accepting entries today through 11:59 pm ET, February 16,2015. Open to entrants worldwide.

The Tired Parent’s Top 10 Sleep Questions

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Top 10 Questions Tired Parents Ask

Our sleep consultants answer a ton of questions on a daily basis for their sleep consultation clients – they are a knowledgeable bunch of ladies, to be sure!

Recently, we got to talking about the most common questions our consultants hear. What are the most pressing questions that parents routinely ask The Baby Sleep Site®‘s consulting team?

Read on to find out!

The Top 10 Questions Clients Ask The Baby Sleep Site®‘s Sleep Consultants

  1. How do I get my baby to stop waking so early?? Ah, yes — the early rising question! Well, there are several things you likely need to do to solve this problem. You may need to make schedule adjustments, or offer a bedtime snack. It’s also generally a good idea to treat any early-morning wakings as night wakings – in other words, don’t get your baby up for the day at 5 a.m. if you don’t want 5 a.m. to be your typical morning wake time. Of course, for all the details about how to shift your child’s schedule to a later wake-up time, you can check out our book Shift Your Child’s Schedule, or set up an appointment with a sleep consultant.
  2. Should I keep feeding my baby at night, or is my baby ready to be night-weaned? How can I tell if she’s waking from hunger or habit? Here’s the short answer: depends on your baby’s age. Here’s the longer version: it is perfectly okay for babies to feed up to about 12 months of age (although by that time, a baby’s who’s still feeding at night should be down to one feeding during a 12-hour night). However, most babies are ready to stop feeding at night by about 8 or 9 months. Most babies are down to just one night feeding by 6 months or so, but before that time, be aware that your baby will wake to eat several times in a 12-hour night. Of course, you have to take other factors into account, too, besides age – medical challenges, unique family circumstances, etc. We should also mention that we find formula-fed babies are generally ready to night-wean a little earlier than babies who are exclusively breast-fed. Above all, remember that night-weaning your baby is a personal choice, so don’t feel pressured to wean too soon!
  3. How do I transition my baby from sleeping in my arms/in my bed/in the swing/etc. to sleeping in her crib? In today’s modern age, there are lots of places for a baby to sleep – in a carseat, in a swing, in a bassinet…not to mention all the “old fashioned” sleeping spots, like in moms arms or in mom and dad’s bed! But how do you get from there to baby sleeping peacefully in her own crib? The steps we recommend to make that transition vary from family to family, and depend on unique factors. Generally, though, we recommend a gradual approach in which the transition is broken down into a number of smaller, mini-steps. Our consultants break down the transition into those mini-steps and then assign a timeline, so that parents know how many days to work on each mini-step.
  4. Why is my toddler resisting bedtime? Nothing like toddler bedtime drama, right? The reasons for bedtime resistance vary, of course, but common reasons why your toddler may be resisting bedtime include overtiredness (especially true during nap transitions), too much nap time sleep, a nap that happens too late in the day and ends too close to bedtime, and sleep associations.
  5. How can I sleep train without waking my other children? This is such a tricky one. For starters, if your kiddos share a room, we recommend moving one of them out (generally, the one who’s not sleep training, since the child who’s working on sleep needs to get used to sleeping in her usual sleep space). If your kiddos don’t share a room, but siblings are still waking during sleep training, you might consider trying white noise to block the sounds of any commotion during the night. Finally, remember that even if sleep coaching disturbs your older kids, it’s still worth it – in the end, it’s better two have two kids up at night for a short while if it means one will learn new and permanent healthy sleeping habits. When everyone’s sleeping well within a few weeks, it’ll all have been worth it!
  6. Do I have to get rid of my baby’s pacifier in order to sleep train? Hmmm…depends. Is the pacifier a problem? If not, then it might be okay to stick with it. But if it’s causing you grief, because you have to replace it all night long when your baby spits out out, or if you know your baby is too dependent on it to sleep well, then it’s generally best to wean your baby from the pacifier and help your baby learn how to sleep without it.
  7. Why does my baby wake up as soon as I lay him down in the crib? The answer to this one is usually very straightforward – it’s sleep associations! If your baby is accustomed to falling asleep in your arms, then it’s natural that once your arms are no longer there, she will wake up. The key in this situation is to gently wean your baby away from needing to be held for sleep, and the first step in that process is usually to start putting your baby down for sleep drowsy, but awake.
  8. How can I get my baby to nap longer? “How can I get my baby to nap longer?” is the million-dollar question, for many parents! Well, for starters, eliminating your baby’s nap time sleep associations, and putting your baby down awake in the crib at nap time will go a long way towards helping to lengthen naps – once your baby can fall asleep without helps, in many cases, naps lengthen naturally. However, some babies need help in learning how to nap for a full hour or more. That’s why our consultants break nap traininginto two parts: learning how to fall asleep at nap time, and learning how to go back to sleep after waking too early from a nap
  9. How can I maintain a good nap schedule while still making sure that I can get out of the house and stick with my weekly activities and errands? As much as we encourage parents to sleep coach, we certainly don’t want to create a bunch of miserable moms who feel like they can’t ever leave the house due to baby’s nap schedule! While naps at home, in the crib are usually better than naps on the go, it’s okay to have the occasional nap in the car, or in the stroller. If your baby is taking two naps, for example, it’s okay for one of those naps to happen on the go a few days per week. And if you have a regular, standing outing (like a mom’s group, or a fitness class), you can build this right into your daily schedule (or better yet – have your sleep consultant do it for you!).
  10. My family is taking a trip soon – how can I make sure that sleep doesn’t fall apart while we’re on vacation? Never fear – we’ve got you covered on this one! Yes, traveling will disrupt sleep somewhat – it’s likely that any missed naps or bedtimes during travel will cause problems, and you can pretty much count on the first nap or two, and the first night, at the place where you are staying will be a little rough. But you can get sleep back on track during sleep. You can read our tips for ensuring better naps while traveling, and general tips for maintaining good sleep habits while traveling.

Have Your Own “Tired Parent” Questions? Ask A Sleep Consultant Today!

This is a nice overview of our parents’ most common sleep questions, but these answers are by no means as extensive and detailed as the answers you would get from a sleep consultant, if you were a client. Our clients are able to provide personalized answers, that are tailored to your unique circumstance – that’s what makes our services so unique! So if you have your own set of pressing sleep questions, why not connect with one of our caring, compassionate sleep consultants, and get expert answers today?
 
Browse our list of consultation package options here.
 

Once you make your choice and purchase, you will immediately receive an e-mail with your Helpdesk login information. You’ll be able to login and start your Family Sleep History form right away – it’s that simple!

Want more information about how personalized help works? Check out our FAQ page here, and get answers. You can also take a tour of the Helpdesk.

Your turn – what are your top “tired parent” sleep questions? Ask below, and we’ll answer!

Sophie’s Baby Sleep Story [VIDEO]

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Readers, meet Sophie! Fashion stylist, mommy-extraordinare, and blogger at Eenie Meenie Bambini, Sophie is also a former client of The Baby Sleep Site® Recently, Sophie took the time to sit down and write out her sleep story – and she also took the time to film a short video for us!

Read on, and hear Sophie’s compelling sleep story. Hear about her harrowing struggles to help her daughter Coco sleep. Hear about the toll that sleep deprivation took on her life. But not only that – learn how she got help. Learn the steps she took to reclaim her sleep (and her sanity!). And watch Sophie herself tell you about her experiences working with The Baby Sleep Site®!

Don’t forget to scroll to the end of the excerpt, to watch the video and hear from Sophie herself!

From Total Sleep Deprivation To Peaceful Nights – An Excerpt Of Sophie’s Sleep Story

“By the time Coco was about 6/7 months, my world was upside down. I was fighting Sophie's Baby Sleep Storycrushing exhaustion on the inside, but having the “mother’s energy” to still keep going strong with a smile on my face 80% of the time. However, my patience level was ice-thin, I was becoming increasingly emotionally vulnerable, and if you were to make me angry for any reason, I’d probably cry, while if you woke my sleeping baby, I was a ball of fury. I became very controlling about everything around Coco’s sleep. I put so much effort intro trying to make her sleep that I began to feel convinced that no one else could do it right, and if they did try to put her to sleep, they would do it differently than the book I was following at the time – and somehow that would mean taking a giant step backwards in her sleep training. We literally had a “no go zone” once she was asleep, because the lightest footstep would wake her up, and I’d lose my mind. As you can image in, my relationship with my husband was not the easiest at this time, either.

I felt so alone in dealing with this – like no one quite understood the suffering I was experiencing. I kept saying to people, “You have no idea what happens when you have not slept more than 3 hours in a row for over a year; you really start to lose it slowly!” On top of all this, I was supposed to be running a household and having some semblance of a career. My husband was always supportive of my efforts; he never expected anything of me during this time, as he knew I had nothing left to give -no was was I putting dinner on the table!

One day, out of sheer desperation, my mother and I stayed up late scouring the internet for more sleep answers. By some miracle, we came across The Baby Sleep Site®…”

Read the rest of Sophie’s sleep story here.

Need Baby Sleep Help Yourself? We Helped Sophie, And We Can Help You!

Whatever your unique situation, if you are struggling with your baby’s sleep, know that we can help you with your particular sleep challenge. We are committed to customizing our methods to match you parenting style and goals. If you are ready to work on your little one’s sleep, and to get a Personalized Sleep Plan™ that will work for your family, the first step is to browse our extensive list of package options and select the one that looks best for your situation.
 
Browse our list of consultation package options here.
 

Once you make your choice and purchase, you will immediately receive an e-mail with your Helpdesk login information. You’ll be able to login and start your Family Sleep History form right away – it’s that simple!

Want more information about how personalized help works? Check out our FAQ page here, and get answers. You can also take a tour of the Helpdesk.
 

 
bss_ebook_3stepsystem_leftFor those persistent nighttime struggles, check out The 3 Step System to Help Your Baby Sleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your baby sleep through the night.
 
 
 
bss_ebook_5steptoddler_smalFor those persistent toddler sleep struggles, check out The 5 Step System to Help Your Toddler Sleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your toddler sleep through the night and enjoy a better daytime schedule.

 

bss_email_featprod_memberspic-CROPPEDOr, join our Members Area packed with exclusive content and resources: e-Books, assessments, detailed case studies, expert advice, peer support, and more. It actually costs less to join than buying products separately! As a member, you’ll also enjoy a weekly chat with an expert sleep consultant. And the best part – members receive 20% off all sleep consultation services!

 
Can’t decide which product or service is right for you? Visit our Getting Started Page for help.

 
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bss_ebook_freeguide_leftWant FREE sleep help that you can put to use right away? Download a copy of our free guide, 5 Ways To Help Your Child Sleep Through The Night! The guide is available to download instantly, which means you can start using the techniques in it as early as tonight. So download now, and learn why your baby is waking at night – and what you can do about it.
 
 
Click here to learn more about how to get your free guide.

A better night’s sleep could be just a few clicks away. So don’t wait – download now, and start your journey to better sleep tonight!
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Sleep Training Boot Camp, Part Seven: Celebrate Success (No Matter How Small!)

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New to Sleep Training Bootcamp? Check out our overview page to find out what Sleep Training Boot Camp is all about, and to catch up on past Boot Camp articles.

 

BOOT CAMP, PART SEVEN: Celebrate Success (No Matter How Small!)

 
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Boot Campers – YOU DID IT. You made it to the end! And what does that mean? It means – it’s time to celebrate your success! Even small successes get celebrated today :-).

Sweet and awesome Vikki, your resident boot camp encourager, is back today, and she’s bringing us one last boot camp article. Let the celebration begin!

Celebrating A Successful Sleep Training Boot Camp

The Meldrums 2013_4-29My fellow sleep warriors, YOU DID IT. You made it through Sleep Training Boot Camp! Go you! Whether your baby is sleeping through the night like an angel, you just started your sleep training journey, or you’re somewhere in between, CONGRATULATIONS. Every sleep success, no matter how small, is cause for celebration!

Sometimes the hardest part of training is getting started. Even though we struggled with Lyla’s sleep for many months, I just kept hoping it would get better. I had gotten used to our nightly battles and just thought this is what life was like with a struggled sleeper. I wanted a more peaceful situation for Lyla. I wanted to feel rested so I could be a more patient mom. I wanted a happier, less tired household, but I didn’t know if or how any of it was possible. Deciding to try sleep training made it happen. So if you’re just starting out, look for small victories. Did you shave off even a few minutes from bedtime? SUCCESS! Has baby been more open to a change in routine that will lead to better sleep? TRIUMPH! Did baby nap for even five minutes longer than the day before? YOU DID THAT!

It can be so hard to stay consistent during sleep training, but hopefully Sleep Training Boot Camp helped keep you on the road to sleep street! There were so many times while training Lyla I wanted to just give up. Some nights it seemed like it didn’t matter what I did, the kid was not going to sleep. But I found inspiration in the fact that not knowing how to sleep is temporary and teaching her the tools to hang out in happy snoozeland would last her a lifetime. Did you push through when you wanted to give up? GO YOU!

The Meldrums 2013_4-13Did you attack naps during Sleep Training Boot Camp? HECK YES! Naps can be a constant source of stress, especially if baby refuses them. Remember, your baby or toddler needs that sleep, and you need that time in the day to recharge your batteries. Working towards better naps skills with your child is a win, even if it’s just adding a few minutes to sleepy time. There is happy on the other side of that successful nap – AND YOU MADE IT HAPPEN!

If sleep setbacks, like teething or sleep regressions, got the best of you, no worries! The tools are still here for you. Whether your baby is a good sleeper that just needs some fine-tuning, or is a chronically awake human like my little Lyla bean, there will be setbacks. But remember: SETBACKS DON’T MEAN FAILURE. Even after you’ve found the sleep training approach that works for you and baby, stuff comes up. YOU CAN AND WILL GET AND KEEP YOUR BABY SLEEPING PEACEFULLY. You can do it!

My fellow sleep conquerors, we came into this Boot Camp searching for a solution. Needing a break. Wanting desperately for our babies to find peaceful, happy slumber. Whether you just took the first step or have worked through a Personalized Sleep Plan™ and are watching baby drool happily in dreamland right now, YOU DID IT! You made progress in helping baby learn to sleep! Remember: no matter where you are in the sleep training journey, keep going. Your baby or toddler will get there, and you’ll be right beside him or her every step of the way.

Congratulations on a successful Sleep Training Boot Camp!!!

Not Quite Where You Want To Be, Sleep-Wise? We Can Help!

I feel like we can’t emphasize this enough: ANY success is worth celebrating, when it comes to sleep training. But even if you’ve had small successes, you may still not be quite where you want to be, sleep-wise. That’s okay – there is plenty of time to keep working on sleep. And don’t forget that we’re here to help you! For TODAY ONLY, you can grab any of our sleep consultation packages, or any of our e-Book titles, at a 15% discount! These boot camp essentials are the tools you need to help get you where you want to be, and to end your journey to better sleep.

Grab a consultation package or e-Book at 15% off – SALE ENDS TUESDAY!

So remember, boot campers – as we say goodbye to Sleep Training Boot Camp, celebrate your successes, even if they’re small. And if you aren’t quite where you want to be, don’t worry! We can help!

What are your sleep training successes? Share them – we want to celebrate with you! Have questions about sleep challenges that remain? Ask, and we’ll answer!

 
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