Night One Prep

NIGHT 1 PREP

Big Kid Edition 

The countdown is on! You’ve made the decision to get some more sleep for you and your family and we couldn’t be more excited to support you through the process. 

We want to set the stage for success in advance which means a protected environment for your little big person: 

• Ensure you have a sound machine. We love the Dreamegg but if you want to combine a sound machine with an OK TO WAKE type feature, the Hatch Baby Rest is a good option.

• Blacking out the room is so important and can really minimize early rising and nap issues. Try a GRO Anywhere blind and pair it with some duct tape. It isn’t classy but it is effective! Another option is tin foil and tape.

Depending on the method we’re going with, you may need to get yourself a few things:  

• A doorknob cover in the event we need to close the door temporarily (not all night!). You can also look into external locks. We like this one for levers and this can work well for round knobs.

• An OK to Wake Clock or GRO Clock . If you have the Hatch Baby Rest you don’t need this. Ideally choose an option that has the ability to dim it so it isn’t lighting up the room too much.

• Older kids love big number digital clocks.

• A light switch cover. Often our cute little people can get busy and start playing with the light.

• A reward chart (we have lots; ask us!) and some stickers!

practical stuff aside, this is a big change for your little person (and you)  

As your child grows older, working on independent sleep is about so much more than the consistent application of a sleep training method, establishing age appropriate boundaries and sticking to an optimal schedule.

As parents, we also play a role in teaching our children to work on independent soothing once we leave the room or that help to sleep is withdrawn. 

Often going into this type of work, we need to reinforce (more than usual) that they are safe, loved and secure even at times when you aren't there.

In order to help this along, consider the trialing one of these items leading up to our time together:

1. The introduction of a comfort item if they don't already have one. Loveys or stuffies are excellent options for your child to cuddle when you are no longer there to help them to sleep. Recommend introducing a few options if there isn't one already and once you see what they migrate towards; get some back-ups (TRUST US!).

2. Talk to them about how to calm themselves in the middle of the night. When they wake, they will naturally call out for you and at the outset of our work, we will always look to provide support and/or redirection. It's important that you teach them prior to our time together that their bed and room is safe and when they wake at night, they can take a few deep breaths and snuggle their buddies or potentially spend some time thinking of a happy place they love. Sometimes a small pause is enough to help them reset before calling out for you and even if you do need to redirect them, it's a great time to remind them of this strategy.

3. Once you leave the room for the night, they will miss you! Bedtime is the biggest point of separation between a parent and a child. There are options for helping them feel connected to you when you aren't there. Consider a picture of the family next to their bed or on their wall or a picture you drew together. Another great option is reading the book The Kissing Hand together; it's a great concept to introduce to your child so that they know even when you aren't there, you are always connected with them.