Do Step 2 of the Sleep Lady Shuffle
Before you start on this challenge, make sure you've done Step 1 of the Sleep Lady Shuffle! Here's how to do Step 2:
- Step 1: Do your soothing bedtime routine.
- Step 2: Place your baby in the crib or kiss your kid good night and tuck him into bed when he's "drowsy but awake."
- Step 3: Then move your chair close to the door of your child's room and take a seat. This is your "Shuffle Position." If you have a toddler or older child, you can explain that tonight you're going to move your chair to give him a chance to learn to fall asleep on his own! Tell him you'll still be there to support him. Give him lots of encouragement to let him know you know he can do it! And know that it's common to see a regression the first night you move your chair further away.
- Step 4: You can reassure your kid verbally with soothing sounds or calming words, but stay in the chair as much as you can. You may get up to pat or stroke your kid a little if necessary, but try not to pick him up unless he's hysterical. If you do pick him up, stay in the room, don't walk around the house and try not to let him fall asleep in your arms.
- Step 5: Stay in the chair until he falls asleep at which point you can leave the room. (Phew!)
- Step 6: When he wakes up at night, go to his crib or bed briefly to calm him.
- Step 7: Then return to your Shuffle Position that you were in at bedtime and soothe him verbally. It might be hard to drag your tired body out of bed to sit in the chair, but it's the key to success so try to stick with the program!
- Step 8: Continue with your chair in the same position for three nights and repeat the above steps.
- Step 9: If you have a toddler or older kid, review your kid's sleep manners sticker chart and dole out praise and stickers in the morning. Make sure you have his attention (no T.V.), give him stickers or stars for his chart, and focus on the behaviors your want to see more of.
How are things going so far? Has your child been adjusting well or is he crying a lot? Have you noticed any new techniques your kid has learned to put himself to sleep? Have you been utterly consistent or do you find yourself breaking the rules? Come clean! Share your thoughts in the comments below!
More sleep advice articles:
- Commit to Getting Your Kid to Sleep
- Educate Yourself About Your Childs Sleep
- Start a Sleep Log
- The Importance of Consistency When Sleep Coaching
- Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine
- Create a Sleep-Friendly Bedroom
- The Importance of Putting Your Kid to Sleep "Drowsy but Awake"
- The Sleep Lady Shuffle: What It Is and How To Do It
- Do Step 1 of the Sleep Lady Shuffle
- Do Step 3 of the Sleep Lady Shuffle
- Be Your Kid's Nap Coach
- Check Off Your Sleep Coaching Checklist
- Create a Solid Sleep Plan
- Nightmares and Night Terrors (And How to Tell the Difference)
- Potty Training and Sleep
- End Early Rising
- The Sleep Lady on Transitioning Your Kid from a Crib to a Big-Kid Bed
- Ending Bedtime Stalling
Answered by
Kim West, a.k.a. the Sleep Lady
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