Are the Holidays a Good Time to Sleep Train?
By : Melissa Bramwell (SENIOR Sleep SQUAD Consultant)
As we step into the festivities and merriment of the holiday season, a compelling question arises for many… Is the holiday season an ideal time to embark on the journey of sleep training for your little one?
Read on as I navigate through this question, finding the sweet spot between the holiday magic and the quest for better sleep habits for your baby or toddler.
Understanding Sleep Training: A Quick Refresher
Before we dive into the holiday aspect, let's revisit the concept of sleep training.
The essence lies in teaching your baby or toddler the art of falling asleep independently. This involves disassociating them from any sleep props they might currently rely on, such as feeding, rocking, or pacifiers. The goal? Cultivating a sense of self-soothing and fostering independent sleep, leading to more serene bedtimes and uninterrupted nights for the entire household.
The Enchanting Holiday Season
Now, let's shift our focus to the holiday season—a time of magical lights, cheerful music, and the warmth of celebrations, especially with your little ones.
However, it's also synonymous with the hustle and bustle of a constant 'go, go, go.' From work parties to family gatherings, it can be a whirlwind of activities amid your usual daily tasks.
Weighing Sleep Training Against Holiday Hustle
Considering both sleep training and the holiday season, it's crucial to evaluate whether your plate is full to the brim or has a little more room. Every family is unique, after all. Here's a breakdown to help you navigate this decision:
Travel Plans:
If your holiday involves traveling to see family or hosting relatives, there might be more people and activities, creating a less-than-ideal sleep training environment.
Environmental Stimuli:
A successful sleep training environment thrives on quiet and low stimulation. If you're at a bustling family friend's house or have guests staying over, the increased voices and noises can be disruptive.
Navigating Opinions:
Some family members or friends might not align with your decision to sleep train. To avoid unwanted opinions, it could be wise to postpone until a quieter time when it's just you, your partner, and any dedicated caregivers.
A Reminder on Commitment and Consistency
In the midst of the holiday hustle, remember the golden rule for sleep training: commitment and consistency.
It's okay if this season isn't the right time for you. Sleep training is a journey that can be undertaken at any age.
In essence, whether you decide to embark on sleep training during the holiday season or choose to wait, commitment and consistency will be your allies. The beauty of this process is that, when the time is right, you'll be giving your entire family the invaluable gift of restful nights.
Wishing you all a joyous and well-rested holiday season!
We Are Here to Help!
If you need further assistance feel free to set up a complimentary discovery call with either myself or someone on the Kelly Murray Sleep Squad.
We've designed a newborn sleep plan tailor-made for parents like you, working towards those healthy sleep habits. We would love to chat with you more about other options for your baby and how we can help get you and your child better nights sleep.
All team members have completed training with Kelly and have learned the Murray Method. Kelly continues to support, guide and oversee the Sleep Squad as they work with the families who trust in us. This way, all clients are able to experience the same amazing results (and lots and lots of sleep).
Sweet Dreams…
Kelly Murray is a certified sleep coach and an award-winning pediatric sleep consultant based in Chicago offering sleep coaching services nationwide.
