Did you travel over the Summer?
Was it smooth sailing, only to hit a massive sick storm upon re-entry?
Maybe your child had to sleep in a large (but ventilated) walk-in closet because bedrooms were sparse with many family members in the same beach house.
Did your two-and-a-half-year-old jump out of her pack-n-play, and you found yourself co-sleeping for the rest of your trip? Perhaps Grandma thought it was a good idea for all the little cousins to sleep in the same room, but their ages ranged from 6 months to 6 years old. It can be challenging to navigate your child's sleeping situation while away from home.
Do not lose hope! It is always possible to get back on track. Parents often feel that getting back on track is impossible when things fall apart, especially if they have gotten off track for an extended period, but that is not true. Your kids are incredibly brilliant and resilient little beings.
Kids are the most adaptable and can learn so fast. The downside is that all it takes is one night of getting off track for them to learn so fast that thing you do not want to be doing.
If you have already sleep-trained, you know how good it was, and you can return to a sleeping household. If you have not yet sleep trained, getting your sleep situation worse from travel or sickness could inspire you to start.
How To Get Back On Track
Sleep Step 1
Get home before you start anything! Significant changes are only possible if your child is in their regular environment.
You want to set your child up to succeed, and sleeping in a room with you when that is different from what happens at home will need to be clarified. Get home and then start.
Sleep Step 2
If your child got sick during your trip, take them to see their pediatrician. You never know if your child may have developed an ear infection or a virus needing medication.
You want a clean health bill before you start the sleep program or are re-training. You never want to wonder if they are still sick, so getting the A-OK to start will give you peace of mind.
Sleep Step 3
Has your child jumped out of their Pack and Play or their crib? It is crucial to figure out how to deal with this issue because jumping out of the crib can be dangerous. It may be time to get on the internet and order a twin or full-sized bed. I prefer this than to take the side off of the crib.
Make sure you get a railing. Sleep training your toddler in a new big boy bed may be a new venture. Call me to schedule a talk and craft your new sleep plan!
If you were away and there was a time difference, give it a couple of days before you begin. We want your child to acclimate to the new time. It is time to go for it!
Sleep Step 4
Make a clear decision. You are home, and it is time to go for it. Go over your notes from Little Sleepers and commit. Remember that your child knows how to sleep.
They still remember - they just learned that a different way to sleep could happen! It is like riding a bike. Stay consistent and calm. Your child may take 1-5 days to get back on track.
Sleep Step 5
If you have no notes from Little Sleepers, we have yet to work together! Let's chat, and you can begin your journey of having a fantastic sleeper.
Whatever your current sleep-because-of-travel-and-sickness derailment is - please know that it is possible and reasonable to get your child sleeping through the night again.