Saturday Sleep Tip

Sometimes your child/children have to take a nap or go to sleep at someone else's house. This may be a one time occurrence; it may be something that happens when you go to dinner at someone's house; it may be that they take naps at Grandma's house when you go to work. Whatever the circumstances, my advice is basically the same...

• Try to get babies/kids used to this earlier in life- don't be afraid to put them down at someone else's house when you are out and it is naptime.
• Create as similar of a sleep environment as possible: dark room, sound spa/white noise, pack n play, whatever they sleep with. (I have been known to cover brighter windows with blankets (pushpins are handy for this), use tape and aluminum paper...).
• If someone else is going to put your child down for a nap it helps if you have put them down there before.

*If a child is more familiar with a location going to sleep will be easier.
*Babies may cry as a way of complaining that this isn't their bed. They may just have to cry- it doesn't mean that they aren't tired and shouldn't go to bed there. Setting the expectation that they are going to sleep there is a good idea.
*For older children, you can explain the situation. You may also want to make sure the room is kid proof. I know of kids that have gotten into candles and made messes. My own children have scattered my mom's dresser contents all over the place.
*Being able to sleep in another location is a great idea- saves on babysitter costs, makes traveling easier, makes babysitters and daycare transitions easier, makes it easier for grandparents or others that watch your children, makes children portable and makes it so you aren't always homebound.

Question for You

Working Moms: How do you get your kids enough sleep when they go to daycare?

Sunday Sleep Dilemma

Q: How can I let a babysitter put my kids down to bed? I just haven't been able to let this happen.

A: First, you need to find a babysitter that you trust and that likes kids.
Second, you need to just do it and let what happens happen- babysitters are quite a blessing- you need to be able to go out with spouse, friends...
Third, you need to prepare your children for the babysitter- explain your expectations of them and what the night will look like for them (if they are at the appropriate age for such an explanation- otherwise skip this step).
Fourth, write out directions for your babysitter and your phone number (add tips like how the baby likes to be put down- they are not going to know these things. May even want to add things like don't put them down on their tummy- if the baby doesn't do this.)
Fifth, go over these verbally with the babysitter- show them where things are- paci, swaddling blanket, PJs, etc. Show them how to do anything they have questions about- they may be nervous about asking questions so be attentive to that. Also, you may want to do somethings for them- close the blinds, turn on noise makers, put out water cups, put out toothbrushes...
Sixth, go, have fun. And when you get back don't be cheap paying them- you want them to come back.
Seventh, reuse the good babysitters, get rid of the bad ones. It is nice when a babysitter starts to learn your routines and your kids like the consistency. We have a few favorite babysitters- and my kids love them, they know our routines, and my kids listen to them- even about bedtime. They do a great job!!