As a dedicated parent, I cherish my son immensely. He embodies qualities that make him truly delightful: he is affectionate, inquisitive, and full of joy. However, like many toddlers, he has one minor challenge—his sleep habits leave much to be desired.
This issue may stem from his inability to self-soothe, which leads him to rely on me for comfort during the night. As he approaches 19 months old, I’ve decided that it’s time to implement a structured sleep training plan to improve both his rest and mine. Below is my comprehensive 30-step approach to sleep training my toddler:
- Begin his bedtime routine at the usual hour, incorporating familiar practices like rocking and nursing to promote comfort.
- Proceed with my evening routine, which typically involves settling into bed around 2:00 a.m.
- Get cozy in bed, adjusting until I find the perfect position for sleep.
- Start to drift off, just entering the realm of REM sleep.
- Is that a baby crying? Yes, it is—where is it coming from?
- My partner nudges me awake, reminding me, “The baby is crying.”
- Reluctantly peel myself from the warmth of the covers as my partner suggests, “Just let him cry.”
- Attempt to ignore the crying as I stare at the ceiling.
- After twenty minutes, I’m frustrated as my partner snores peacefully while my son cries out, “Mommy! Moooooommmmmmy!”
- Sigh, get out of bed, and quietly close the bedroom door to avoid waking my partner.
- Ensure all other doors are closed to avoid disturbing any siblings.
- Stand by my son’s bedroom door, silently wishing for him to stop crying.
- After nearly dozing off at the door, I decide to lie down in the hallway to listen.
- I’m jolted awake by a sharp pain in my hip from the floor.
- Realize my son is now sobbing uncontrollably.
- Finally, I decide to enter his room.
- I plan to just comfort him briefly, but I can’t resist when he smiles and reaches for me, calling, “Mommy!”
- Embrace him, sinking into the warmth of his tiny arms.
- Sway gently, feeling his head grow heavy on my shoulder.
- Convinced he is asleep, I carefully place him back in the crib.
- Exclaim, “CRAP!” and dash out as he instantly pops back up.
- Retreat down the hallway, closing the door behind me and burying myself under several blankets.
- Realize the cries still echo, “MOMMY!!”
- Hear my 9-year-old in the hall, realizing my son might wake everyone.
- Throw off the covers with a dramatic sigh.
- Encounter my 9-year-old, who states, “Mom, the baby wants you.”
- Curse my overly fertile uterus.
- Surrender completely by picking up my son, settling into the rocking chair, and nursing him until he falls asleep, despite the cramp in my leg.
- Accept that this routine may continue until he starts kindergarten or I find enough resources to hire a professional sleep consultant.
- Finally lay him down, sound asleep, and sneak out of the room as dawn breaks, reminding myself that these moments are fleeting—what does it matter in the grand scheme?
This article serves as a light-hearted reflection on the struggles of sleep training. If you’re considering a journey into parenthood, there are valuable resources available, such as this informative article and this expert guide on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, Make A Mom provides essential insights into the fertility journey.
In summary, sleep training a toddler can be a challenging yet rewarding process. The journey involves establishing a routine while navigating the ups and downs of your child’s emotional needs. Remember, persistence and patience are key!