Hey there tired Mama, I expect you're probably feeling just as exhausted as I was 5 weeks ago!
Maybe you've just transitioned to one day nap, or your toddler who used to sleep all the way through, is now waking several times a night and NOT going back to sleep!
Or perhaps you've been struggling with sleep for a long time.
No matter where you're at, I want to give you the biggest hug and tell you you're doing a good job xoxo
I'll preface this blog by saying I am NOT a sleep consultant and to always take any advice you read on the internet with a grain of salt. Take what you like, and leave the rest! Especially when it comes to sleep! Everybody has a different experience and deals with it in various ways.
So before I babble on anymore and get carried away... here are the 3 TIPS that helped me get through what for us was the BIGGEST and WORST sleep regression my son has ever had!
CONTEXT:
My son used to sleep through the night, I had recently transitioned him from 2 naps to one ( he loves his day sleep). At that time he was 19-20 months old. Your baby might be older or younger but the techniques can still be the same!
He started waking up at about 1 or 2 in the morning and starting to party and no matter how many times I got him back to sleep (rocking, patting, singing you name it I did it) every time I walked out the room he would cry!
This would go on for literally hours, and being in my first trimester at that stage I had zero energy to fight him and so ended up giving up and letting him play or watch something on my phone. (I'm sure we have all done this right mama's?).
So what I learnt:
1. Never let your child be the boss - always gently show them that you will support them and be with them BUT they have to go to sleep,
2. Choose one technique and STICK TO IT! I found I started confusing Alfie trying all the different methods because I was so unsure.
(Examples of techniques - pick up put down, spaced soothing, gradual withdrawal, shhh pat) see where I got these from below.
3. Understand and accept that it will take more than one night to work through sleep training. Be prepared for several nights of sleep training, being firm and loving. Personally I found each night got better once I started being firm with Alfie, prior to this he knew he could get away with it because I was letting him.
(Coffee really helps too :))
BONUS TIP FOR MUM:
Have a conversation with your husband/partner so that you are on the same page with sleep training, that way your child won't be confused. During this conversation express your concerns and worries and support each other. Understand that your house may not be as clean and tidy as it usually is if you're focusing on sleep training and require rest time during the day.
And the best bit.... it WILL END! I promise, even if it feels like an absolute ETERNITY during those nights. There were so many times I broke down and cried, but it does get better!
So good luck to you Mama's be strong, be firm and know that they will eventually sleep through if you put the hard work in!!
And ps. I'm ALWAY'S here to chat and be a listening ear/support via my instagram DM's @darne.creations
pps. if you want the BEST sleep help in my personal opinion follow @sleep_school on Instagram and purchase one of their guides! Hands down saved our sleep!
Their website is here - https://sleepschool.co/
Much love to you all
xx Sharne