Sunday, June 17, 2012

Sleep post, #2

Update (a week or two later):
Toddler bed with specially chosen sheet set has overall been a success!  She's more than adorable sleeping in it and overall it really helped transform a spiraling situation of not sleeping in her room to a much, much better one.  Make a celebration out of it!  We still have to bring her back in sometimes if she tries to "escape" but more often it's just our usual stories, songs, reminders, and I-love-you's.
A few of the best tools from our toolbox:

-She can sleep anywhere in her room: DD (meaning "Dear Daughter," an annonymizing term used for blogs!) is allowed to sleep by the (closed) door on blanket, in rocking chair, in bed, and why not- in the remaining crib!  We don't see anything problematic with this; in time she'll lose interest in the less comfy options.  This is hardly happening anymore, actually, but there was a many week stretch where location really mattered!  Why not let her choose as long as it's in the proper bedroom?
-Nightlight is on but we often turn it off if we go in to check on her.  I believe total darkness is ideal for eye rest. Scientists out there, back me up!
-Sending us parents out:  This one might be kinda unique to Kate and Robert!!  I think it was Robert's idea.  After spending a reasonable time (read: short but very sweet) time doing bedtime routine, we ask DD to say "You can go out now."  This is helpful is one or both of us are in her room and we need to conclude the routine.  It gives her some kind of closure and is empowering!
-Winding down time before bed:  Robert finds that if DD needs or just wants some time to play and unwind before bedtime, she can be given it under the premise of "you can play quietly while I do some work, but if that doesn't go well, we'll get ready for bed right now."  Win-win!
-If your baby is sleeping well, do not share the good news.  Gotcha, surprise!  Sounds like unnecessary advice?  If things are going well, it is sometimes best not to broadcast that around.  You never know who is having a super difficult time sleep training their child and, well....just don't make anyone jealous of your success!  It's a bli ayin hara (avoiding the evil eye) AKA karma thing.  Just say "Thank G-d, we're doing OK!  We're trying to practice the good advice we've learned."  Then share that advice if the listener wants to know.

For more tools, I recommend Good Night, Sleep Tight by Kim West.  There is really helpful information, tips, Q-A, and routines there to learn about.  It's a very balanced kid's needs-adult's needs book.

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