We were successful in sleep training baby Chunbao in 5 days with the Ferber method. However, I have to attribute to the list of essentials I’m sharing here that had helped us in our short and painless sleep training journey!

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Best products to help sleep train your baby

A parent’s role in sleep training is to set the stage for relaxation. In babies, sleep is related to issues of trust and safety as well as physical rejuvenation. Babies need to feel a sense of security in their world in order to let themselves fall asleep.

Using the right gears and hacks to create the perfect sleep environment will ensure that the baby’s needs are met so he feels comfortable and safe falling asleep.

A parent’s role in sleep training is to set the stage for relaxation.

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Essentials to help sleep train your baby

Sleep sack for a safe sleep training

Newborns are born with a startle reflex. If the reflex is strong, your newborn may startle herself awake at night and during naps. That’s why swaddling a baby up like a jelly bean works wonders to help comfort the fuzzy one. Most babies don’t outgrow the startle reflex until 4 or 5 months of age. And it is also around the 5-months mark that a baby is able to roll over.

Swaddling should be stopped when your baby is able to roll over on to her tummy while she sleeps as it increases the risk of SIDS!

If you are ready to sleep train your baby, she is probably old enough to break out of swaddling (or sleep with her arms in). Sleep sacks replace loose blankets in the crib for a safer environment that can provide the needed feeling of security of being swaddled. Their hands need to be free to reposition themselves when they roll over so they can push up off the mattress.

When choosing the best sleep sacks for sleep training, I opt for the ones that offer the arms-in and arms-out options. Better bang for the bucks we’re talking about here!

Another important feature to look out for is that the bottom of the sleep sacks are roomy enough for the legs to bend up and out at the hips. This position allows for the natural development of the hip joints and prevents hip dysplasia. Avoid choosing sleep sacks that confine the legs.

Below are sleep sacks we have for baby Chunbao and I highly recommend each and every one of them. the Halo and Love to Dream sleep sacks can be used as a swaddler for infants with the arms-in option. If your baby is having a hard time “breaking” off swaddling, you can have one arm in and one arm out to help him with the transition. I bought these before we sleep train baby Chunbao, used it during the transition phase, and after he is sleep trained!

Lovey to give security

The lovey can be a security blanket, a small stuffed animal, or a small piece of blanket. Having a lovey, or a comfort object a baby goes to sleep with, will help your baby ease to sleep and help him fall back to sleep when he wakes.

Provide a lovey to your baby only for sleeping. Avoid having her carry the lovey all day long. This will help your baby associate the lovey with sleep when she finds the lovey in her crib.

Baby Chunbao had no idea what to do with the stuffed doggie we gave him. Regardless, we place the doggie next to him when he naps and sleeps each day. Within a few days, he started holding the doggie to sleep, and now, he wouldn’t sleep without it!

Even when he wakes in the middle of the night, he wants his doggie instead of me!

Nice warm bath

A nice warm bath as a part of the bedtime routine will calm your baby down from a day’s play. Our bath time is no more than 5 minutes long, but I sing songs and teach baby Chunbao about body parts while bathing him.

I have been using this infant-approved lavender bubble bath since we brought baby Chunbao home from the hospital. The plant-based formula, with ultra calming lavender essential oil, is the perfect addition to our bathing routine. It is also gentle enough to be used daily.

As a precaution, always ensure that the bathwater is not too hot for your delicate one. Use this fun & cute bath floating turtle thermometer to display the optimal temperature.

Books for story time

There are just so many benefits on ready books to your baby. It teaches them about communication, builds listening, memory, vocabulary skills, and many more. Cuddling while you read helps your baby feel safe, warm, and connected to you.

Reading books is a part of our daily bedtime routine. All you need is 5 minutes or 2 books per night.

But what are the best books to read at night? Books about going to bed! Below are the 3 of Baby Chunbao’s favorite books for winding down the day.

The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boyton is a short and silly board book perfect for 6+ months old baby.

Good Morning, Good Night! by Tresa Imperato is a touch & feel book. Have your baby feel the soft, fluffy fur of each animal as you both say, “good night!”

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown has simple rhythms and ritual of saying good night to all favorite things in the house.

Humidifier for a purified air

Having a humidifier when your baby sleeps will make the air feel warmer & improve breathing comfort, nasal congestion & dry skin. After I put baby Chunbao down on his crib, I turn on the humidifier for his entire nap or sleep. There were a couple of times I forgot to turn on the humidifier and he had awaken in the middle of the night. Ever since then, I always have the humidifier turned on whenever he sleeps.

When choosing a good humidifier for your baby, opt for easy to clean and low noise levels. The Levoit warm and cool mist humidifier is a fan favorite on Amazon. You can control the humidifier with its app and its large fill opening makes filling water and cleaning the tank a breeze. With over 9000 reviews on Amazon, this humidifier is a must-have for the nursery.

When using a humidifier, be sure to drop in a tank clearer to reduce bacteria and mold build up!

Sound machine to ease your baby to dreamland

White-noise machines create a comfortable, womb-like environment that calms anxious babies, encouraging them to stop crying and fall asleep faster. Should baby begin to stir naturally, the calming drone of the white-noise machine provides comfort, encouraging your still-sleepy baby to sink back into a deep sleep.

We love this White Noise Sound Machine that offers 6 other soothing sounds- thunder, ocean, rain, summer night, and brook. After Baby Chunbao grew out depending on white noise to fall asleep, I stared using it for myself on sleepless nights ? This sound machine is very portable that I had taken it with me on a few business trips!

Video monitor to monitor baby’s sleep

No matter which training method you use, sleep training your baby involved a certain degree of separation from your baby. Take the anxieity out of now knowing how your baby is doing by investing in a video monitor.

Practice safe sleep training by watching your baby through the monitor during naps and sleeps. Even though we were successful in sleep training our baby in 5 days, we continue to watch him for about 2 weeks. You don’t need to watch your baby for hours or be attached to the monitor like a hawk (even though it’s hard to resist).

We love the Nest Cam because the video is HD, has Wifi, night vision, 2-Way talk, and works with Google Assistant. When we were sleep training baby Chunbao, we put him in his crib awake, closed his door, and walked away. I leave my phone on so I can see him through the Next app while we watch TV in the living room.

Black-out curtain to block off unnecessary lights

When sleep training, you want to offer the optimal environment for sleep as much as possible. Too much light when your baby is trying to sleep can be very bothersome. These beautiful embroidery curtains are the ones we have for the nursery. It not only does the job but I have received so many praises on them.

Make sure you open the curtains during the day, except during nap times, especially if your baby plays in the nursery during the day. Exposing your baby to strong cues about day versus night will help program your baby’s “internal clock”. When they sense darkness, they inherently know it’s about time to sleep!

Set the right temperature

It is recommended that babies sleep in a temperature between 68° and 72°F (20° to 22.2°C). Maintaining a safe room temperature for your baby is important because it reduces the risk of overheating, which has been linked to SIDS.

It might be hard to gauge whether your baby is actually comfortable so the best way to gauge their comfort level is to consider how you feel in the room.

If you haven’t already, consider switching to a smart thermostat such as the Nest Learning thermostat. The best thing I love about Nest thermostat is that it learns the temperature you like and programs itself. Early-On, Nest learns how your home warms up and keeps an eye on the weather to get you the temperature you want when you want it.

Nice to haves to help sleep train your baby

Massage your baby to promote better sleeping

While baby Chunbao was in the NICU, the nurses stressed how important it is to massage my preemie. Research has shown that infants who have their skin stroked regularly cry and fuss less than those who don’t. Rubbing your baby the right way will lower the stress hormone cortisol and increase the release of the sleep hormone, melatonin.

Since I learned how to massage baby Chunbao from the Physical therapists, I have incorporated in our daily bedtime routine.

Make sure you use some baby-safe massage oil. All you need is a quarter size for the entire body. Our favorite is the Mustela Baby Oil because of its high quality, combats baby Chunbao’s eczema, and smells amazing!

Here are 4 easy ways to massage your baby for full-body relaxation. Starting from the forehead, extend your thumbs to the nose and scalp. Gently squeeze your baby’s four limbs as you slowing move away from the body. Turn your baby over and use your palms to rub from top to bottom. Finally, stroke the bottom of the feet with your thumbs.

Diapers especially made for bedtime

Not all diapers are created the same. Nighttime diapers are typically more absorbent than the daytime varieties. Putting your baby to sleep with overnight diapers can avoid unnecessary diaper changes in the middle of the night when he pees out. Generally, nighttime diapers are more expensive but I don’t have any doubts about investing in these to get a longer sleep at night.

We have tried many brands and we love Pampers Baby Dry Diapers. These are the ones used in our NICU and we continue to use it until baby Chunbao is potty trained. I also noticed that the Pampers diapers are longer than other brands giving more protection in the back. Sometimes we switch to Honest Overnights diapers because of its natural awesomeness. Their diapers are free from chlorine and chemical bleaches. It hugs the thighs very well making it super leak-free. This one is for you if you are looking for natural diapers.

Musical mobile to sooth baby’s sensory

We used to have a crib mobile with a musical box and cute rotating animals. However, the music that comes with our crib mobile doesn’t sound very good so I sought to replace it. I replaced it with this musical mobile and it is such a game-changer! Not only does it come with 60 different songs, but the tunes are very soothing. The sounds remind me of an old-fashioned ballerina music box.

The musical mobile can be attached to any crib mobile and it can play songs and spins separately.

I usually turn it on when I massage baby Chunbao during our bedtime routine and turns it off after we kiss goodnight. Since baby Chunbao loves the music that comes with it, I take the music box with us whenever we travel. Even at 3 years-old he still enjoys listening to the music box before bedtime.

Glider to encourage bonding

Where is a better spot to read books to your baby before bedtime than to snuggle in a comfy glider? Reading is part of our daily bedtime routine, just before I put baby Chunbao in his crib. The only place that allows us to read books together comfortably is on our glider where I used to nurse him on.

When choosing a glider, opt for the ones that are easy to clean come with an ottoman for some extra leg rests. We love the Windsor Glider and Ottoman because it comes with storage pockets and removable cushions for easy clean-up.

RELATED POST: Best Rocking Chair For Small Nursery

A safe and firm crib mattress

Having a comfortable crib mattress can help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep. If your baby is still sleeping in the pack n’ play, it’s time to upgrade to the crib!

We made the transition from having baby Chunbao sleep in the pack n’ play in our room to sleeping in his own crib in the nursery on Day 1 of sleep training.

Investing in a safe and durable crib mattress is crucial. I highly recommend the 2-stage crib mattress from Sealy. Place your infant on the firmer side and when she becomes a toddler, flip the mattress over for the softer side. Another better bang for the bucks!

Key takeaway

While we can’t force our baby to sleep, we can set the stage for relaxation so our baby feels secure falling asleep. So, set a bedtime routine, be consistent, and choose the right gears for sleep training and we will be heading to a good night’s sleep!

What other sleep training essentials have you tried? Let me know by leaving a comment below

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Learning how to sleep alone is great for children’s development as they learn how to be more independent and not overly rely on their parents.

Getting your child to successfully transition into sleeping alone can be a challenging undertaking but it is possible.

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Here are the proven tips designed specifically for parents who struggle to get their kids settled into a regular independent sleeping routine.

1. Establish a bedtime routine and stick with it

One of the best ways to help your child sleep alone is to establish a bedtime routine. A bedtime routine should include activities such as taking a bath, brushing teeth and reading a book. Doing these activities every night will signal to your child that it is time to go to sleep.

With both of my babes, we established our bedtime routine from day 1. Even when they were just a couple of months old, we did the same routine every day, without fail. Our bedtime routine consists of brushing our teeth, taking a bath, reading a book, and saying nighty-night. After we finished reading books (one for big brother and another for little sister), my kids would put the books on their bookshelf and hop onto their beds.

2. Make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet

Another way to help your child sleep alone is to make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet. This means closing the blinds or curtains and turning off any electronics that may emit light or noise. Creating a calm environment will help your child relax and fall asleep more easily.

These beautiful embroidery curtains are the ones we have for the kids’ bedroom. It not only does the job but I have received so many compliments on them.

RELATED POST: 14 Sleep Training Essentials To Get Your Child Sleep Trained Fast

3. Give your child the power to choose

Kids are afraid to fall asleep because they don’t have a sense of trust in the unpredictability of the environment after they fall asleep. To help your child establish trust in sleep, give them the power to choose.

Let your child choose which teddy bear to cuddle with to bed, let him choose which books to read before bed, and which pajamas to wear. If you have a bedtime routine, let him choose which activities to do… you get the idea. 

4. Give your child a sense of identity in their sleep surrounding

Let your child have a say in what bed sheets he wants to sleep on or even all the nursery decorations. Your child will get a sense of identity in his own room and this could help him build trust in sleep. Before bed, you can tell your child to “go find your friend Micky (referring to the Micky Mouse printed bedsheets) or “Princesses Elsa is calling you for bed (for an Elsa sleep pillow)”. This technique can help distract your child from the unpredictability he feels after lights off.

Be courageous and playful, and let your child know that going to bed is not scary at all.

5. Teach your child the importance of sleep

As your child grows and starts to make a connection between ideas, it’s important to teach your child the importance of sleep. It’s important to give your child their sense of mission in sleep. 

Let your child know that sleeping alone = you’re grown up and you’re ready to do more things!

Tell your child sleeping together is for little babies. Sleeping alone will make her fall asleep faster, and falling asleep faster will make her grow taller and healthier.

If they don’t have a sense of mission in sleep and they are being forced to sleep alone, they will not nurture the ability to fall asleep independently.

6. Keep toys out of the bed

If your child sleeps with toys that he normally plays with during the day, you may want to keep them out of the bed during the night. This will help your child associate the bed with sleep, not playtime.

Sometimes, my kids would play with toys in their bed but I always ask them to clean up before our bedtime routine starts. They know that the only thing allowed on their bed is their stuffed animals that they cuddle to sleep with.

7. Give your child a security object

If your child is having trouble sleeping alone, you might want to give them a security object such as a stuffed animal or blanket. This can help your child feel more comfortable and safe when they are in their room by themselves.

8. Avoid screentime right before bed

Avoiding screen time right before bed is essential. Blue light emitted from screens can impact sleepiness and make training tougher. You want your child to feel sleepy, as this makes it a lot easier for them to know when sleep time is coming so they can get in the habit of falling asleep by themselves.

9. Don’t stay in the room until they fall asleep

Once you have checked on your child and said goodnight, it’s important to leave the room so they can fall asleep on their own. If you stay in the room, they may start to think that they need you in order to fall asleep, which can make it harder for them to sleep alone in the future.

10. Assure your child that you are not going away

After you put your child in her own room, let her know that mommy and daddy are just outside.  You can say something like “You go in and sleep. You know where to find us if you need us”.

On the first night, most kids will refuse to sleep alone or that they come to find you shortly after you leave the room. If this happens, you can take another approach and say “ok, go in first and tuck yourself in your bed. We will go find you after a while”. Then, progressively increase the length you go in. Progressively letting your child fall asleep alone is the best way to establish trust in sleep.

11. Set limits on how often you check on your child

It’s important to let your child know that you are nearby, but you don’t want to check on them too often. Checking on them too often can actually make it harder for them to sleep alone. Instead, set limits on how often you will check on them and stick to those limits.

12. Reward good behavior

If your child spends a night sleeping in their own bed without coming to find you, be sure to praise them for their good behavior! This will help encourage them to keep up the good work. You can give them a small prize or treat as a reward for sleeping in their own bed all night long.

13. Don’t punish bad behavior

On the other hand, punishment is not an effective way to get your child to sleep alone. If they come into your room during the night, simply guide them back to their own bed without yelling or scolding them. Yelling or punishing them will only make it harder for them to sleep alone and could cause them to be even more afraid of sleeping in their own bed

FAQ on helping your child sleep alone

Is it healthy for kids to sleep alone?

While some parents may prefer to keep their kids in the same bedroom as them, research suggests that allowing kids to sleep alone can lead to better sleep quality overall. This is because children will be able to sleep longer uninterrupted periods without interference from others and can foster independence. Of course, safety is an important factor to consider when sending young ones to bed alone; familiarizing them with the home environment can help ease any anxieties they may have. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual family to decide what arrangement works best for them.

At what age should a child stop sleeping with their mother?

A child should start practicing sleep habits such as developing their own sleep space in order to receive all the benefits sleep has to offer. This usually means that by the age of 3 or 4, a child should move out of mom’s bed and begin sleeping alone. Of course, this transition does not have to happen overnight – you can start off by setting up your child’s bed in the same room as yours with incremental steps towards complete autonomy. Doing so will help ensure your child can get the sleep they need – plus, teach valuable sleep habits that will stay with them for years to come.

Getting your child to sleep alone can be a challenging task, but with some guidance and patience, it can be achieved. With enough practice and consistent sleep habits over time, your child will soon become a seasoned solo sleeper!

Train your child sleep alone related posts

• 14 Sleep Training Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed
• 5 Proven Tips to Get Your Baby Sleep Trained Fast
• The Only Ferber Method Guide You’ll Need To Successfully Sleep Train Your Baby

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The Ferber method is a sleep training technique that has been around for many years. It was developed by Dr. Richard Ferber, and it has helped countless families get their babies to sleep through the night. The Ferber method can be a bit controversial, but it’s definitely one of the most popular sleep training techniques out there.

In his book, Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems, the Harvard professor purports to teach infants to learn how to fall asleep on their own.

I knew I was going to sleep train my son with the Ferber method the moment I read about it.

Like you, I was sleep-deprived. At 6 months old, baby W had no routine whatsoever. Some days he’ll nap 3 times and some days he’ll skip nap altogether. He used to get very cranky at night and I literally had to rock him in my arms for at least an hour before he dozed off (this is for both nap and bedtimes).

I was desperate for a sleep training program that gets me results fast but nothing extreme like leaving my baby cry himself to sleep

The cool thing about Ferberizing is that it teaches the baby the fundamentals of self-soothing. Falling asleep independently is a learned skill.

Once a baby masters that skill, he will be able to fall asleep unassisted and go back to sleep if he wakes in the middle of the night (aka sleep through the night)!

What You Need To Know About Ferberizing Before You Start Sleep Training

•  Ferber method involves some degree of crying so it is not meant for babies younger than 3 months or weight less than 12 pounds.  Regardless of what method you choose, your pediatrician will be able to tell you if your baby is ready for sleep training.
• Ferberizing doesn’t mean leaving the baby to cry without checking-in on her. Unlike the Extinction method where you leave the baby cry to sleep, the Ferber method involved crying for a specified period and periodic comforting on the caregiver’s behalf.
• Ferberizing isn’t just for nighttime sleep. It should be done for naps as well. Inconsistencies in nap and nighttime sleep training can be confusing for babies, undermining your sleep training efforts.

Step 1 – Watch For Snooze Clues

The very first step of this Ferber method guide is to make sure your baby is showing signs of sleepiness when you start sleep training.

Below is a list of common sleepy clues:

• Eye rubbing
• Yawing
• Less active/slower motion – baby will stop moving or lie on the floor
• Sucking is weaker from feeding
• Time being awake – for those following a routine

Anticipating your baby’s natural sleepy times at both naptime and bedtime will allow you to get your baby into sleep mode before he gets overtired. If a 6 months old baby has been awake for 3 hours, it’s probably time to go down.

Be mindful that an overtired baby (skips naps, catches brief catnaps, or doesn’t get enough sleep at night) will have a harder time settling down and sleeping longer stretches.

Fussiness, crankiness, and crying for no apparent reason are signs of overtiredness. Therefore, it is crucial to observe your baby for those early signs of sleepy cues.

Step 2 – Instill a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Baby needs to feel safe and comfortable in order to fall asleep.

Would you fall asleep or stay asleep if it’s too hot, too bright, or too noisy?

Make sure you consider the following:

• Set the thermostat to an optimal temperature (68 – 72 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Dress baby comfortably. A fleece onesie for wintertime, a short-sleeved pajama for the summer, and a wearable blanket for those who roll around
• Dark out curtain to keep lights away
• Use sound machines that play white noise or lullabies to help the baby fall asleep.

Step 3 – Put Baby in the Crib Awake

It can be VERY tempting to nurse or cuddle your baby to sleep. After all, who can resist that angelic face!

The point here is to teach your little one to fall asleep independently, not to rely on you to fall asleep. If you rock, sing or nurse her until she is snoozing, the lesson is not learned.

You want your baby to break the association that sleeping is to be rocked, singed, or nursed.

After you’ve done the bedtime routine, put your baby down in her crib while she’s still awake and drowsy. The more drowsy your baby is, the shorter time for her to fall asleep.

If she is still fully alert, add more clam-me-down activities to your bedtime routine. These can include:

• Massage with baby-safe oil
• Read a bedtime book together
• Rock on the glider
• Sing a lullaby
• Play with sensory balls

Make sure you have the list of sleep training essentials before you put your baby down on Day 1.

Step 4 – Leave the Room

Turn off all lights, sounds, or anything stimulating and quietly leave the room. Your baby will cry and that’s ok. Think of it as a teaching opportunity for her to learn to fall asleep on her own.

Tip: If your baby starts to cry the moment you put her down, comfort her briefly (1 minute tops) by patting or shh-ing while she’s in the crib.

DO NOT pick her up again, turn on the lights, give her a pacifier, etc. Doing so will signal your baby to cry more to get your attention.

Step 5 – Check-In and Console

Wait about 3 minutes (1st wait) and go in to console her. Try not to turn on the lights and only do very gentle comforting like rubbing the back, patting, or shh-ing. Your purpose here is to assure your baby that she is in a safe place while she learns how to fall asleep independently.

Your check-ins should be 2 minutes tops. Take a timer with you if needed.

Wait for about 5 minutes (2nd wait) and repeat the process. From there, return to check-in at progressively increasing intervals to comfort your baby.  Here is a sample check-in schedule.

We went by this schedule when we Ferberize both our kids. The first night, our son fussed for about 40 minutes before falling asleep by himself. But by the fourth night, he fell asleep just after the first check-in!

Download this handy sleep training worksheet to help with your check-in times

Step 6 – Be Flexible on the Check-In Intervals

Every baby and parenting style is unique so adjust the amount of time between your check-ins as needed.

For example, if your baby is having a really hard time falling asleep, you can shorten your check-in intervals or use the same check-in intervals for a couple of days.

When ferberizing baby #2, we shortened our check-in intervals in the first couple of days. since unlike baby #1, Madi was a bad sleeper and got super mad whenever we left the room.

Even though we modified our check-in schedule for Madi, it only took us 2 extra days to get her sleep-trained compared to her older brother.

The first day of sleep training is the hardest but if you progressively increase your check-in intervals, your baby will soon learn how to fall asleep unassisted.

Ferber Method Sleep Training for Naps

Consistency is key for any sleep training method, and Ferberizing is no exception. Use the same “progressive waiting” approach for nighttime sleep as you would for your baby’s naps.

However, keep in mind that Ferberizing your baby at nap time will need to be slightly modified.

If your baby cries for over 30 minutes, then there goes the naptime. Consider setting a limit of a total of 10 or 15 minutes of crying.

It’s ok to slightly increase your baby’s nap time to accommodate for lost sleep from the previous night or nap. An overtired baby can be irritable and have a harder time falling asleep, which will make sleep training much harder.

It’s also a fine balance to not let your baby sleep too much or too late during the day which it eats into our baby’s nighttime sleep.

So, if your baby normally naps for 1 hour, let her sleep for an additional 30 minutes to make up for some lost snooze times.

Final Thoughts About Ferber Method Guide For Sleep Training

Baby W’s crying jags diminished steadily over 3 nights, and by the fifth night… drumroll, please… he fell asleep without a sound AND slept through the night!

We used the exact recipe to sleep train Madi when she turned 6 months old, and she is able to fall asleep by herself and stay asleep for 10+ hours.

Every nap and bedtime, we just put our babies in their cribs awake. They’ll toss and turn, and eventually fall asleep. Even when they wake in the middle of the night screaming, probably from nightmares, they’ll fall right back to sleep within minutes without anyone going in to comfort them.

When we traveled across the globe with baby W, he quickly got over his jetlagged spells because we stuck to the consistent strategies that got him to sleep trained in the first place.

I hope you find this Ferber method guide informative.

Now, you have everything you need to get started with sleep training your baby.

Before you start Ferberizing your baby, make sure to leave a quick comment to let me know what you think of this Ferber method guide!

Step By Step Ferber Method Guide To Successfully Sleep Train Your Baby

Ferber Method Guide Related Posts

• How to Get Your Child to Sleep Alone
• 14 Sleep Training Essentials for Your Baby
• How I Sleep Trained My 6-Month-Old in 5 Days

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Are you getting ready to make the switch to a toddler bed? It can be an exciting time for both you and your child, but it’s important to make sure they are ready for the change.

Here are 8 signs that your child is ready for a toddler bed, along with some tips on how to make the transition go smoothly.​

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What exactly is a toddler bed?

A toddler bed is a small bed designed for toddlers. Most toddler beds are low to the ground and have rails on all sides to prevent your child from falling out. Toddler beds generally have a mattress size of 27.5 inches by 51.5 inches, which is about half the size of a twin bed mattress.

Many toddler beds also have unique designs, and some even come with built-in storage to help you keep your toddler’s room tidy.

Toddler beds are an important transition for toddlers who are outgrowing their cribs but are not quite ready for a regular bed.

How long can a child sleep in a toddler bed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends transitioning your child out of a crib and into a big kid bed once the crib railing is lower than their chest. At this height, children are more easily able to climb out of the crib, which can lead to injury.

There’s no exact answer on when to move to a toddler bed, but kids usually made the switch between 2 to 3 years of age.

Baby W didn’t transition to a toddler bed until he turned 3. We wanted to keep him in the crib for as long as possible. But when one morning I saw him climb out of his crib and sat on top of the changing station waiting for me to pick him up, I instantly ordered a toddler bed that day.

Every child and family situation is different, so here are some signs your child is ready for a toddler bed.

Signs your child is ready for a toddler bed

Your child is too big for the crib

According to New York Times, most pediatricians recommend moving to a regular bed when a child is 34 to 36 inches tall.

Even if your toddler seems to be sleeping soundly through the night, it’s important to take a closer look at how she’s actually sleeping.

Is she able to stretch out and move around comfortably? Or is she cramped up in a small space?

If it’s the latter, it might be time to consider switching to a toddler bed. This will give her more room to move around, and also make it easier for her to get in and out of bed on her own.

Your child climbs out of the crib

It can be bittersweet when your little one starts climbing out of the crib. On one hand, it’s a sign that they’re growing up and becoming more independent. On the other hand, it means that it’s time to switch to a toddler bed.

One tip here if you want to keep your little one a bit longer in the crib, try to remove anything that can be a stepping stone. Your toddler may step on plushies, pillows, or small nearby appliances such as humidifiers and air purifiers.

Baby W’s changing station was right next to his crib so he managed to climb out of his crib by pressing on the changing station next to him.

Also, If you see your child trying to swing his leg across the rail, it’s time to switch to a toddler bed.

Your child asks for a bigger bed

Even if your child never climbed out of the crib, he may be asking for an adult-style bed because he simply doesn’t want to be in the baby bed anymore. Your child is feeling a sense of independence and switching to a toddler bed will be a breeze. So when your child starts asking for a bigger bed, don’t be surprised if a toddler bed is at the top of their list.

Your child is a good sleeper

The transition from a crib to a toddler bed can be an exciting and emotional time for both parent and child. If your child is a good sleeper, it’ll be easier to make the move.

Toddler beds are designed for children 18 months and older who are able to get in and out of bed independently. If your child is used to sleeping through the night in a crib, they’ll likely have no trouble making the switch to a toddler bed. In fact, they may find the toddler bed more comfortable since it’s larger and has more space to move around.

If your child is still waking up several times during the night or taking naps during the day, postponing the transition to a toddler bed may be best.

Your child jumps inside the crib

If your child is regularly jumping in the crib, it’s time to make the switch to a toddler bed. A toddler bed is stronger and more durable than a crib, meaning that it can better withstand your child’s movement.

Your child is potty training

The process of potty training can be stressful for both parents and children. One key to success is consistency. Once you’ve decided to start potty training, it’s important to stick with it.

A good way to be consistent is to switch from the crib to a toddler bed. This will give them more independence and make it easier for them to get in and out of bed if they need to use the restroom at night.

Of course, every child is different, so ultimately you’ll need to use your best judgment when deciding when to make the switch. However, making the switch before your child is fully potty trained can help avoid accidents and accidents battles at night.

RELATED POST: Everything You Need To Know About Potty Training

You have a baby on the way

The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time for any family. However, it can also be a time of upheaval, as parents scramble to make room for the new arrival.

One way to ease the transition is to switch your toddler from a crib to a toddler bed. This way, you can reuse your toddler’s crib for the new baby. Not only is this more economical, but it also helps to keep things consistent for your toddler. After all, they are already dealing with the major life change of a new sibling.

Switching to a toddler bed will help them feel secure and comfortable in their own space. Plus, it will give them a chance to feel like a big kid – something that they are sure to enjoy.

You are ok leaving your child unsupervised

The switch from a crib to a toddler bed is a big step for both parent and child. Once your little one has the independence to get out of bed, he may try to do so in the middle of the night or early in the morning. As a result, it’s important to be consistent with bedtime rules.

If you’re okay with your child being unsupervised for a short period of time, then it’s probably time to make the switch. Let your child know that he can get out of bed when he wakes up, but he must stay in his room until you come to get him in the morning. This will help him to understand the new rules and boundaries. With consistency and patience, the transition from crib to a toddler bed can be a smooth one.

When Baby W first transitioned to the big kid bed, he always came to our room around 7 am when he woke. However, we don’t usually get up until 7:30 am so we had to tell him to either stay in his toddler bed or quietly play with his toys in his room. We were consistent in our rules so eventually, he learned to stay in his room until I go get him in the morning.

Tips on how to transition your child to a toddler bed

Pick out the right bed

The most important thing is to choose the right bed. Look for something that’s low to the ground so it’s easy for your child to get in and out of, and make sure there are no sharp edges or corners that could cause injury.

Most toddler bed fits standard crib mattress so your toddler can continue to use the same mattress from the crib.

You can pick a toddler bed with your child’s favorite character. From Paw Patrol to Disney Princess theme, options are endless when it comes to design.

We love this Dream On Me toddler bed because of its smart design with ample storage space. And better yet, with 6 different color options to choose from, you’re sure to find one that matches your home.

Let your child accessorize

To help make the switch as smooth as possible, try to let your toddler be involved in the process. If they’re old enough, let them pick out their new bedding and any other accessories they might want. This will help them feel ownership over the new space and make it more inviting.

You can also let them pick out a few favorite stuffed animals or dolls to sleep with. And if they’re old enough, involve them in the decision-making about where to put the new bed in their room.

Allowing your child to have a say in the process will help them feel more comfortable about making the switch.

Keep routines consistent

If your child is used to being put to bed at a certain time, stick to that schedule as much as possible. This will help them feel secure and relaxed in their new surroundings.

Our bedtime routine starts off with a warm bath, reading books, and going to bed. When I first introduced the toddler bed to my kids at night, they didn’t even make a fuss about their new beds because they know it was time to sleep.

Be patient

Some children take to their new bed right away, while others may need some time to adjust. It is also important to keep the crib available for a while, as toddlers often like to have a familiar place to rest or nap. With a little patience and understanding, the transition from a crib to a toddler bed can go smoothly for everyone involved.

How to keep toddler in bed while transitioning from crib

If you’re finding that your toddler is now climbing out of their bed, there are a few things you can do to help keep them safely in their sleeping area.

• Try using a bed rail for toddler bed. Bed rails provide a gentle barrier that will help keep your toddler from falling out and a sense of encasement like the crib.
• Make sure to teach your toddler about bedtime boundaries. Explain that they should stay in their bed during the night, and be sure to enforce this rule consistently.
• Be sure to praise your child when they stay in bed and stay calm if they do get up.

With a bit of effort, you can help your toddler transition successfully to a big kid bed.

Toddler Bed safety tips

As a parent, you want your child to be safe at all times – especially when they’re asleep in their bed. To help ensure your toddler’s safety, follow these tips:

• JAMA certified: Look for a JAMA-certified Toddler Bed. This certification means that the bed meets rigorous safety standards.
• Bed rail safety: Consider adding a bed rail to prevent your toddler from falling out of bed. There are many different types of bed rails on the market, so be sure to choose one that’s child-proof and easy to install. Also, check that the rails are securely attached to the bed frame and no loose parts.
• Toddler bed bumper: A toddler bed bumper can be placed on the bottom of the toddler bed. This will provide an extra cushion in case your toddler rolls off from the bed. Choose a bumper that is made of breathable material and that can be easily removed for washing.
• Child-proof: Take steps to child-proof the bedroom, such as installing door locks, window guards, and outlet covers. This will help prevent your child from accessing dangerous areas.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your toddler’s safety while they sleep.

Should I move my toddler to a toddler bed or twin bed?

If you’re wondering whether to move your toddler to a toddler bed or twin bed, there are a few things to consider.

• Cost – A twin bed may be more expensive up front, but it will last longer since your child can use it for years to come.
• Space – If you have a small bedroom, a toddler bed may be a better option since it takes up less space.
• Other children – If you have another child who’s close in age, it may be easier to have them share a room with two twin beds.

Final thoughts on signs your child is ready for a toddler bed

Ultimately, there isn’t one right answer when it comes to moving your toddler to a new bed – it’s important to consider what will work best for your family.

With a little preparation, transitioning to a toddler bed can be an exciting and positive experience for your child.

Have you made the transition to a toddler bed yet? If so, what tips would you add to this list? Leave me a message below and let me know!

Articles you may like

• The Secrets To Getting Your Child To Sleep Alone
• 10 toddler fine motor activities you should do at home
• All you need to know about potty training

Signs your child is ready for a toddler bed and tips on making the switch.

The post Signs Your Child Is Ready For A Toddler Bed and Tips on How to Make the Switch appeared first on SoCal Mommy Life.

Hey there, new mama! Congratulations on your bundle of joy. Now that the baby is here, it’s time to start thinking about setting up their nursery.

If you’re looking for some super-cute ideas to decorate your newborn baby’s room, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll share a ton of adorable ways to make your little one’s space as special and unique as they are. Keep reading for all the details!

This post is all about newborn baby room decorating ideas

_{This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.}

1. Dreamy Baby Pink Nursery

Recreate this baby room idea:

This dreamy theme is just what you need to create a beautiful and inspiring nursery for your baby girl. The blush color instantly turns your baby’s room into a magical sanctuary. To recreate this dreamy newborn baby room, stick to using curtains with ruffles and heart-shaped decorative pillows as well as textured blankets for inspiration.

2. Light Blue Modern Farmhouse Nursery

Recreate this baby room idea:

He will be the most beautiful baby in this light blue modern farmhouse nursery. The wall shelf/bookcase is a clever way to add space vertically while giving the nursery an expensive look. The bold and cozy design of the shag gives the nursery a modern touch. Throw in some white and neutral-colored baskets and you’ve got yourself a perfect boy nursery!

3. Neutral Minimalist Changing Station

Recreate this baby room idea:

This neutral minimalist changing station is the perfect way to create an inviting space for your baby. If you’re expecting and don’t know the gender of your baby yet, stick with neutral tones. A mesh white basket with bamboo handles stores all baby essentials with style. Also, you can also decorate the wooden floating shelf with cute baby stuff or hang your baby’s cute outfits.

4. Pastel Rainbow Baby Room Decor Ideas

Recreate this baby room idea:

Over the past months, we’ve been seeing rainbow décor everywhere. It makes us feel good and inspiring – a perfect theme for nurseries. Instead of painting the rainbow, try these removable rainbow wallpapers that are super easy to apply. Decorate with some unicorn plush animals and beaded pendant light for a boho touch.

5. Brown and Blue Whale Nursery Theme

Recreate this baby room idea:

Want your newest addition to loving the open water as much as you do? Bring them home to a room that’s filled with whale nursery decor. Start with a gigantic whale wallpaper that fills up an entire wall. A crochet round rug complements the ocean waves and curves of the whales. Finally, add a whale night light as your baby’s guardian.

6. Blush And Pink Newborn Baby Room

Recreate this baby room idea:

The blush and pink colors in this newborn baby room are so dreamy and gorgeous! I absolutely love the boho macrame decorations, they add such a beautiful touch. The color scheme complements any white crib and is perfect for any girl nursery.

7. Wall Pegboard Newborn Baby Room Decor

Recreate this baby room idea:

Pegboards are an amazing way to organize all those cute little things for your baby. You can install pegboard anywhere in your baby’s room, but the best place to put these is on top of the changing station. Make the pegboard wall even more functional by adding a stylish organizer with a mirror. Also, you can also add a shelf and hang your baby’s clothes while getting them dressed.

8. Modern Yellow Nursery

Recreate this baby room idea:

This bright and modern nursery is perfect for a baby’s first memories. To create the look, add in a yellow chunky knit blanket to give it that sunny feel along with wooden shelves where you can display all those picture books.

9. Monochrome Safari Nursery Theme

The perfect atmosphere for those who are planning on sharing a room with the baby! This monochrome safari theme will keep things muted while adding some animal designs to make the space fun. Start off by placing the black and wood crib next to the wall in your room and decorate the wall with some animal wall decors. The wicker bell pendant lamp keeps the space muted while adding a touch of safari to the room.

10. Boy Nursery For Small Spaces

Recreate this baby room idea:

Wall decals are an easy and affordable way to add color or texture to any room. We love this cherry blossom tree because not only does it add some much-needed color, but also creates an illusion that makes the space feel bigger than what’s actually there!

11. Cozy Farmhouse Nursery Decorating Ideas

Recreate this baby room idea:

You can spruce up your baby’s nursery with this cozy farmhouse theme. Change (or play) with your baby in this organic seagrass basket. Complement this super cute changing basket with a macrame wall decor and a gold hanging mirror to complete the look. 

12. Blue Fairytale Baby Room Decorating Idea

Recreate this baby room idea:

Transform your baby’s room into a fairytale with a blue color palette and some eye-catching details. A must-have for this look is the princess dome canopy for the crib. Place some star-shaped area rugs and complete the look with a mountain mural wallpaper.

13. Bright Transitional Baby Room Idea

Recreate this baby room idea:

A bright and breezy baby room can be created using the newest trends in interior design.
The key to creating this type of space is eliminating any elements that may feel outdated or traditional, while still providing an overall cozy feeling for your little one’s nursery. This includes going with white furniture, such as this stylish children’s storage unit, with a bright pastel accent chair and a cozy knitted ottoman.

14. Boho Neutral Baby Room

Recreate this baby room idea:

The boho-neutral baby room theme is all about the texture. It’s soft, romantic and feminine with a hint of rustic for good measure. If you want to give your baby’s room a bohemian vibe, place an open teepee in their nursery. You can decorate it with tassels and a macrame rainbow (these are so popular now!) for that extra touch of style. Oh, and don’t forget about the macrame dream catcher wall decor in the background.

15. Sweet Safari Baby Room Decorating Ideas

Recreate this baby room idea:

With these baby decorating ideas for safari themes you can create the perfect nursery with fun safari animals and green vines. First, please a round gold mirror on top of the changing station and wrap it around with a faux eucalyptus garland. Complement the gold mirror with a wicker storage tower. Finally, hang some sweet safari animals wall decor to complete the look!

16. Pink Floral Newborn Baby Room Decor

Recreate this baby room idea:

The sweet pink colors in this room are perfect for any new baby girl. The floral pattern on the wall makes it feel like you’re walking into an paradise, and with all of these soft pastel tones throughout – there won’t be much time where she’ll want anything else.

17. Pink And Grey Baby Room Decor Ideas

Recreate this baby room idea:

Pink and grey is a great color combination for an elegant baby girl room. To recreate this look, start with grey furniture such as a grey crib and grey nursing chair. Add some soft feminine elements with a pink floral toss pillow and ruffle crib skirts.

18. Modern French Country Nursery

Recreate this baby room idea:

Modern French country theme is all about soft, rustic and elegant. Recreate this look with a light colored breastfeeding chair. Add a light blue blanket with ruffles and a candle-style chandelier as a final touch.

There are lots of fun and stylish ways to decorate your newborn’s room. So whether you’re just starting to think about what you want or have already started putting things together, be sure to take a look at these ideas for some inspiration. And don’t forget to leave me a comment below and let me know which one is your favorite!

This post was all about newborn baby room decorating ideas.

Newborn Baby Room Decorating Ideas Related Posts:

• 21 Brain-Boosting Developmental Activities For Infants (0-3 Months)
• Best Infant Toys We’ve Ever Found Online
• Best Non-Toxic Baby Crawling Mat Every Mom Swears By

The post Super-Cute Newborn Baby Room Decorating Ideas appeared first on SoCal Mommy Life.

People who say they sleep like a baby usually don’t have one

Like 99% of new moms, I was sleep-deprived. I became sick and tired of having to rock my 6-month-old son in my arms for an hour before he dozed off. Baby Chunbao didn’t have any routines whatsoever. He slept whenever and however long he wanted. At about 6-month postpartum, I was exhausted and eager to get sleep training underway.

I researched and learned helpful tips from therapists and friends. After deciding on a sleep training program and carry through with lots of patience, we were able to sleep train our 6-months-old baby in 5 days! We have found key success factors that worked for us so I’m here to share that experience with you.

What is sleep training?

Sleep training is the process of helping a baby fall asleep on his own. A sleep-trained baby can sleep through the night and can fall back to sleep after he awakens in the middle of the night all on their own.

Now, sleep training doesn’t necessarily mean that the child sleeps in his own room. A sleep-trained child can co-sleep or sleep in the same room as his parents. A sleep-trained child can fall asleep and stay asleep without other’s help even if he is sleeping on the same bed as his parents.

If you want to know how to make your child sleep alone, check out this useful article here.

Why is sleep training so important?

Most babies do not have the ability to fall and stay asleep in an organized pattern, although they inherently need to do so. It is our job to sleep train and bring much-needed structure into our family’s lives. After all, who wants to spend hours soothing a child to sleep and then be woken up again a few hours later?!

Research has shown that adequate sleep duration on a regular basis leads to improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health.

If you are unsure how many hours your baby needs to sleep in a day (including daytime naps), refer to the following sleeping needs guidelines from the National Sleep Foundation:

Sleep training your baby can help your whole family get some much-needed nighttime sleep so that you can focus on the things that matters most!

At 9-months-old, Baby Chunbao goes down at 7:30 pm and I am able to accomplish so much before I go to bed – prepping for tomorrow’s meals, read a book, watch a movie, and have a bubble bath with wine!

When should I start sleep training my baby?

Sleep training can begin as early as 4 months, with the pediatrician’s approval. Usually, the doctor will assess your baby’s health to see if she is ready to skip the night feeding. Keep in mind that the goal of sleep training is to have your baby sleep through the night, thus no more middle of the night feedings!

Before getting started with sleep training, make sure:

• Your baby doesn’t have medical conditions such as fever, reflux and cutting teeth, that may keep your baby awake at night.
• You and all caregivers are committed and agree on the sleep training methodology.
• You are ready to skip night nursing/feedings. If you nurse 5 times in the middle of the night. You should be prepared to nurse your baby only once before bed then not again until morning.
• No travel plans for at least 2 weeks. Differences in sleep environment and time zones can make sleep training difficult.

What is the best sleep training method?

There are many approaches to sleep training with varying degrees of crying.  Since every baby and parenting style is unique, there is really no one-size-fits-all solution to sleep training.

However, since we are talking about sleep training your baby within a short period of time (as short as 5 days), I have found that the check-and-console method has worked well with most babies. You get to see results sooner (compared to lesser tear methods) and less “harsh” on the baby (compared to the Cry It Out method).

This sleep training method is simple.

First, lay your baby in his crib drowsy and leave the room. When he starts to cry, go in and check on him. Do not pick him up! Gradually increase the time between your checks, allowing your baby more and more time to learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.

You can learn more about the Ferber sleep training method and download a FREE sleep training worksheet here.

We were able to sleep train Baby Chunbao in a few days with this method. Below are 5 tips that have made our sleep training journey a pleasant ride.

_{This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.}

5 secrets for success in sleep training

Secret #1: Be consistent (and persistent!)

This is the first on the list because this is the most important step in sleep training your baby. Be consistent means that you do the same things the same way over time.

Here is what consistent means in terms of sleep training:

• You set the mood for sleep at the same time, in the same place every day.
• The bedtime ritual discussed below is executed in the same sequence consistently.
• You and whoever else involved in the sleep training process must be in total alignment in your determined methodology, including nap and sleep times.

Let me delve a bit further into the last bullet point because this is where I see the most broken links. If mommy lets the baby cry for 5 minutes before she went in to check on her and dad decides to pick the baby up the second she cries, that’s inconsistency. Another example is that both parents do the cry it out method at night and the nanny lets the baby fall asleep in her arms, that’s inconsistency.

So why is being consistent in every aspect of sleep training so important?

Sleep training is a learned skill and it takes practice to be good at it. Let’s say your child is learning how to speak English. If you teach her with an American accent and the next day, someone teaches her with a British accent, would she be confused? You are sending mixed messages to your baby that’ll hinder her from learning to fall asleep sooner. Consistency is key.

We had a 24-hour nanny who came to our house Sunday nights and leave Friday nights. She even sleeps in the nursery (in her own bed of course). She always rocks baby Chunbao to sleep and picks him up the moment he cries. Her actions are understandable because a nanny’s job is to make a baby happy.

However, this backfired when we started to sleep train our baby.

The inconsistency made it impossible for us to sleep train baby Chunbao. It was not until our nanny left months after we started the sleep training process that baby Chunbao became self-sufficient in putting himself to bed.

Being persistent is just as important as being consistent in sleep training your baby. Simply put, don’t give up. How long it takes to sleep train a baby varies from family to family. Just like learning to ride a bike varies from person to person.

Secret #2: Set a bedtime routine

Now that you know how important it is to be consistent, setting a bedtime routine prepares the baby to sleep so that when you are done with the last routine, the baby knows that it’s time to sleep.

15 minutes is all you need.

A bedtime routine should consist of short, simple and soothing activities that calm down the baby after a day of rowdy play. It is best if each activity becomes more and more gentle as they progress.

Here are some examples of bedtime routine activities, in the order of gentleness:

• Sing and dance along with her favorite song
• Bounce on your legs or in the bouncer
• Play with sensory balls or gentle games like stacking blocks and peekaboo
• Bath
• Massage with baby-safe massaging oil
• Read a bedtime book together
• Rock on the glider
• Sing a lullaby
• Nurse or bottle feed
• Say good-night

Some bedtime routines consist of all the above activities while some only have 3. The point here is to engage in activities that your baby enjoys but not to get her too excited. If your baby doesn’t like baths, don’t incorporate it in your routine. Babies don’t need daily baths anyways. Also, if activities like playing peekaboo get your baby too excited, don’t make it a daily ritual as well.

To start, select 4-5 activities that you’re committed to doing every day with your baby. You can always reduce the more she is sleep trained.

When I first started sleep training baby Chunbao around 6 months old, our bedtime ritual consists of bathtime, read books, nurse, lullaby, and a kiss-good-night. Around 10 months old, we did bathtime, bottle feed, and a kiss-good-night. Now at 1 year and a half, he sleeps when it’s time to sleep (usually around 7:30 pm)!

Some parents find that white noise helps a baby fall asleep faster so do some trial and error to see if it works. You can invest in one like this or use an app on your smart device. Our humidifier produces a low, soft tone that happens to be a trance for baby Chunbao. Talking about killing two birds with one stone!

Be conscious that before you start the bedtime routine, your baby should be awake for an appropriate amount of time between 3-4 hours. An over- or under tired baby will have trouble falling asleep.

Secret #3: Place baby in the crib awake

After you have completed the bedtime routine, your baby should be drowsy. If not, proceed to leave him in the crib to start the sleep training process. As you consistently do the bedtime routine, your baby will learn that it’s time for bed after you have completed the routine and will be less fussy when you put him down.

Secret #4: Check-in on your baby in timed intervals

At first, your baby may fuss or cry when you leave the room. Wait about 3 minutes and check-in to console her. Leave the room after 2 minutes tops. Your baby may still be crying and that’s ok.

For the 2nd interval (or wait), go in after 5 minutes and console her for no more than 2 minutes. Your baby may still be crying.

On the 3rd wait, go in after 10 minutes and console for no more than 2 minutes. From there, you would gradually increase the time between your checks, allowing your baby more and more time to learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.

Your plan for check-ins may look similar to this chart.

This plan for check-ins can be adjusted according to your baby’s needs. You can increase your wait time if frequent check-ins are too overstimulating to your baby. You can also keep the same check-in schedule for a couple of days if your baby needs more time to fall asleep.

Important things to keep in mind when checking in on your baby:

• Do not turn on the lights. Bright lights may overstimulate your baby.
• Do not pick your baby up, rock, swing, or sing.
• Console for no more than 2 minutes. Bring a timer with you, if needed.
• Use very gentle consoles like patting on the butt, rub on the back, stoke on the head, or whisper shhh.
• If your baby wants to roll over or stand up, gently place him on the side he prefers to sleep on

Remember that your goal is to train your baby to fall asleep by herself. Your check-ins should be as least invasive as possible.

Secret # 5: Introduce a bedtime lovey

If your baby already has a bedtime lovey, great! If not, please do not skip this step.

A bedtime lovey is a comfort object a baby brings to bed. This is not the same as a lovey a baby carries around all day. You only want a bedtime lovey for your baby so that he associates it with sleep. A bedtime lovey is usually soft and cuddly, like a small teddy bear, soft washcloth, throw pillow, blankie, etc.

Here are some highly-rated bedtime loveys for babies

Learn More

Learn More

Learn More

A bedtime lovey will make the baby fall asleep easier once he makes the lovey-sleep association.

How do you introduce a bedtime lovey? The act of just placing the lovey next to your sleepy baby will help him make the association that the lovey is for sleep. The key here is once again, be persistent!

Baby Chunbao never had a lovey. In fact, we received a few blankies and teddies from friends but he never showed interest in them. He was about 7 months old at that time. Research shows that comfort aids play a crucial role in sleep training so I gave my son a teddy dog only for bedtime. He didn’t budge at first. One day, a few days after he was sleep trained, he reached for his teddy and fell asleep in his crib!

A lovey can also help a baby fall back to sleep when she wakes in the middle of the night. Instead of looking for mommy in the middle of the night, a lovey will provide the baby comfort and help them fall back to sleep. 

I have witnessed multiple times through our baby monitor that when baby Chunbao woke up in the middle of the night screaming, probably from a nightmare, he grabbed his teddy and fell right back to sleep.

Co-Sleeping and sleep training

I highly, highly recommend having a separate nursery for your baby. In simple terms, do not sleep in the same room as your baby.

During the process of sleep training, the baby is learning to fall asleep on her own. In the first couple of nights, she will wake up in the middle of the night looking for comfort. If she sees mommy or daddy (trust me she knows someone’s there even with the lights off) she’ll get up and cry.  This is the reason I’m not a believer in co-sleeping.

For some, it is a luxury to have an extra room for the baby but you can always be creative here. A converted walk-in closet, a corner in the office, a nook in the master bedroom can all be tucked with a crib.  

Check out some creative bedroom sharing ideas with your baby here.

Final thoughts on sleep training your baby

Be flexible about how you apply your sleep training method and carefully observe how your baby reacts. Sleep training is not as stressful as most parents think. Know that your baby will be sleep trained if you are consistent in putting the efforts!

Now you have everything you need to get started with sleep training.

Before you get started with sleep training your baby, be sure to leave a comment below to let me know what you think of these 5 simple steps to get your baby sleep trained.

Baby sleep training related articles

• 5 Tips on Sleep Training With the Ferber Method
• 14 Sleep Training Essentials For Your Baby
• How to Get Your Child to Sleep Alone

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The post 5 Proven Tips to Get Your Baby Sleep Trained Fast appeared first on SoCal Mommy Life.