Do Step 3 of the Sleep Lady Shuffle

Before you tackle this challenge, make sure you've done Step 1 and Step 2 of the Sleep Lady Shuffle! Here's how to do Step 3:

• 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: Assume your "Shuffle Position." Move your chair to the hall outside of your kid's room. For some parents and kids, moving into the hallway can seem like a daunting step. It is, but just stay in eyeshot and keep the door open enough so that your child can still see you from his bed. Know that it's common to see a regression the first night you move your chair further away. This step will be easier if you haven't been going to the crib or bedside to soothe your child to sleep in the last 6 nights. (But if you have, no stress! Just try to stay in your chair as much as possible from here on out!)
• Step 4: Once you are in the chair, try to stay as quiet as you can. An occasional soothing "Shh shh" is OK, but try not to intervene. Stay in the chair and only get up to pat or stroke your kid if absolutely necessary. If he gets so upset that he needs some help calming down, go to his bedside, reassure him, give him a hug or if necessary pick him up. But really try not to let him fall asleep in your arms. Once he's calm, put him back in the crib or bed and return to your chair.
• Step 5: Quietly and intermittently let him know you are there and stay in the chair until he falls asleep.
• Step 6: Once he's sound asleep, you can get up from the chair and leave the hall.
• Step 7: If he wakes during the night, return to his room and do a quick crib or bed side check and return to your chair until he's asleep. You can soothe him verbally from the chair if needed.
• Step 8: Continue with your chair in the same position for three nights.
• 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.

Ultimately, your goal is to move out of view and then be able to say "night night" and leave your kid to go to sleep by himself without sitting in the chair at all. (Imagine that!) You may be able to do this after completing Step 3, but some of you may have to keep moving your chair further down the hall a few more times. First out of eyeshot, then even further away. Just move your chair and follow the above steps each night. The key is not to get stuck in one position for more than 3 nights or you'll just give your kid a new sleep crutch. Dragging it out makes it harder, not easier, for your kid.

How is it going? Are you sticking with it? Are you seeing light at the end of the sleep tunnel? Has your kid learned how to soothe himself to sleep? Is he sleeping through the night yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
More sleep advice articles:

• Commit to Getting Your Kid to Sleep
• Educate Yourself About Your Child’s 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 2 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