For new parents, nighttime routine can be a nightmare. You are on parent duty 24/7 with no personal space, lacking sleep, and limited patience.
It’s okay, we’re here to help!
Sleep training your child is an essential step in their development and well-being. It can seem daunting (or even cruel) at first, but with patience, consistency, and a gentle approach, it can lead to a more restful night for EVERYONE.
Here are some tips to help guide you through the process.
1. Establish a Routine: Children thrive on predictability. You can start at the early age of 4 months old. Begin by setting a calming bedtime routine for example: a warm bath, storytime, and cuddles.
This routine should ideally start at the same time every night to help signal to your child that bedtime is approaching. (Trust me, it works…). Also, it's a great way to bond with your child after a long day.
Your child will be looking forward to nighttime. Get creative!
2. Create a Conducive Environment: Make sure the sleep environment is comfortable, quiet, and conducive to sleep. A cool, dark room with minimal distractions works best.
Having to put your child down to sleep in the middle of a ‘mamak session’ is not very ideal now, isn’t it? Remove any necessary distractions like toys, iPads, or anything that might interest your child.
3. Practice Patience and Consistency: Sleep training is not a one-night wonder. It requires patience and consistency. Both parents play an important role in maintaining the routine.
Stick to your chosen method even when others judge you for doing what’s best for your family.
4. Gradual Adjustments: For older children, gradual adjustments might be necessary. This can include staying in the room but moving further away each night until you’re out of the room completely, or setting limits on how many times you will come back in to reassure them after they've been put to bed.
Sleep training your child doesn’t have to be a battle. With empathy, understanding, and a strategic plan, you can guide your child toward developing healthy sleep habits that will benefit the entire family.
And you can finally get to watch that Netflix series you well-deserved after a long day at work.
