Setting Your Night Nurse Up for Success with Sleep Training
Hey there, Rested Families!
Welcome to your adventure in better sleep! Let’s talk goals: Our aim is to have your baby sleep trained by the end of our time together. Now, we can't make any iron-clad promises – every baby is unique, after all – but that's what we're shooting for. To get as close to this goal as possible, we need to work together as a team. Think of us as your sleep training dream team, with you as the MVP and our night nurses as your expert coaches. This guide is your playbook for making the most of your night nurse experience and setting the stage for sleep training success and for great sleep habits for your little one.
1. The Rested Approach: Moms on Call
At Rested, we're all about the Moms on Call (MOC) method. It's like a secret sauce for sleep training that's worked wonders for many families. Here's what's on the menu:
Schedules tailored to your baby's age (because 3-week-olds and 9-month-olds are *not* the same)
Clear routines that'll have your baby thinking, "Oh, I know what's coming next!"
Soothing techniques that our night nurses have mastered (they're like baby whisperers, seriously)
Remember, what happens during the day affects nighttime sleep. So, consistency is key - think of it as a 24-hour gig!
Don’t fret, if Taking Cara Babies is your jam, or you prefer, The Wake and Sleep Method, we can do those too.
We’re here to support you in whatever care plan you decide for your baby.
2. Prepping for Your Night Nurse's Arrival
No matter what care plan you choose we have found that the follow really helps make a different in baby’s nighttime routine.
To kick off each night smoothly:
If it fits your baby's MOC schedule, try to wrap up the bedtime routine before your night nurse arrives. *I will provide sample routine for parents*
Have your little one swaddled (if they're still into that and it's safe) and in the crib when the night nurse comes. Safety first: If your baby can roll over, it's time to ditch the swaddle and switch to a sleep sack. We want your little one snug as a bug, but safe as can be!
Pass the sleep baton over to your night nurse. This isn't us being lazy, promise! We've seen how having the baby up when the night nurse arrives can disrupt the sleep cycle. This helps ease baby into a good routine. Think of it like a relay race - you're handing off a sleepy baby, and we're running with helping them to create good sleep habits throughout the night.
Your night nurse will chat with you about this handover process so you
3. Creating Sleep Paradise
Let's set up a sleep space that'll make your baby never want to leave (until they're teenagers, that is):
1. Temperature :
Think Goldilocks - not too hot, not too cold. Aim for 68-72°F (20-22°C).
2. Lighting :
Blackout curtains are your new best friend.
A small nightlight or red bulb for those midnight diaper changes.
3. Sound :
White noise machine on low - like a gentle "shhh" that never gets tired.
4. Crib setup :
Firm mattress with a snug sheet - no one likes a wrinkly bed!
Keep it minimalist - no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animal parties.
5. Humidity :
Aim for 50-70% - not too desert, not too rainforest.
This setup is like a 5-star hotel for babies, supporting our sleep training efforts.
4. Sleep Saboteurs to Watch Out For
Keep an eye out for these sneaky sleep disruptors:
1. Too much excitement during the day (we know your family and friends really want to meet your little one, but if at all possible, work out a schedule and limit visitors. Tell your family and friends don’t shoot the messenger)
2. Inconsistent daytime holding patterns (babies love routine, even if they can't tell time). We know you want to hold your little one, trust us, so do the night nurses because they are so cute in cuddly.)
3. Feeding schedules that are all over the place. We totally understand that some babies are snackers, and each baby is different. Feeding on a schedule as best we can helps regulate things a bit. But there’s no pressure. Do what feels right for you and your little one.
4. Naps? What naps? (Skipping naps is tricky and typically just leads to an overtired baby)
5. Daily routines that change more often than your baby's diapers. Consistency is so helpful here. Consistency during the day helps with sleep
6. Playing musical cribs. I know it’s tempting to try different cribs, bassinets. But there’s just something about sleeping in your own bed right? Same for your little one.
7. Teething (nature's way of testing your patience)
8. Growth spurts (eating like a teenager already?)
9. Jet-setting (even if it's just to grandma's in the next time zone)
10. Mixed messages from different caregivers (everyone on the dream team being on the same page is crucial)
11. The peek-a-boo problem: Popping in and out of the baby's room during sleep times is like a really unfun game of peek-a-boo. It's best to resist the urge to check "just one more time." Your baby monitor is your new best friend for those "Is the baby okay?" moments.
5. Making the Most of Your Night Nurse Experience
Want to be the dream team of sleep training? Here are some tips:
1. Consistency is king (or queen): Try to keep things similar day and night. Your baby will thank you (eventually).
2. Trust the process: We know it's tempting to check in, but your night nurse has got this. Too many nighttime pop-ins might confuse your baby and or wake them up. Totally check in via your monitor if your just want to look at that cute little face.
3. Chat it up: Share your thoughts with your night nurse, but also be open to their wisdom. Two heads are better than one!
4. Keep 'em informed: Let your night nurse know about any daytime changes. It's like giving them the Cliffs Notes for your baby's day. We know recording in Daily Connect can seem like the straw that breaks the camels back fo your to do list. BUT if you are able it can really be helpful for your night nurse to say what’s going on during the day to help her adjust and plan at night.
5. Patience: Rome wasn't built in a day, and sleep training doesn't happen overnight. Every baby moves at their own pace.
6. Bedtime is not a suggestion: When possible, stick to a consistent bedtime. Your baby's internal clock will get the memo.
7. Take care of yourself: A well-rested you equals a more consistent sleep trainer. It's not selfish, it's strategic!
8. Get on the same page: Chat with your night nurse about expectations. It's like creating your game plan for the big sleep.
9. Plan for the future: As your time with the night nurse winds down, strategize for maintaining those hard-earned sleep habits.
Remember, you and your night nurse are the Dynamic Duo of Dreamland. Following these tips will help create a positive sleep training experience that's smoother than your baby's bottom (post-diaper change, of course).
At Rested, we're here to guide you through this wild and wonderful journey. Our night nurses are like sleep fairies, here to sprinkle some slumber dust and support you every step of the way. With a little patience, a lot of consistency, and a dash of teamwork, we'll have your whole family sleeping like babies (the good kind of sleeping babies, that is).
Thanks for trusting Rested with your family's sleep needs. We're pumped to be part of your journey to Sleepytown!
Sweet dreams!
