Why Consistency is so Important During Sleep Training
BY meg meadows, senior Sleep Consultant
It’s the key to sleep training success!
The number one key to sleep training success is consistency. Creating a plan that you are confident in and following it consistently. Sounds pretty straightforward, yet many parents struggle with consistency when they begin sleep training.
Progress is not always linear, and there are bound to be some challenging moments. During these challenging times, consistency is an essential part of the process. It is a moment where major progress can be made, or a major regression can occur.
So why is it so critical?
It takes time and practice to master a new skills
Our little ones need time and practice to master a new skill. Falling asleep independently is just that - a new skill.
Think of a time you were learning a new skill. It can be very frustrating at first, but with time and practice, eventually, you master this skill. Now imagine someone stepped in and just did it for you instead. You were deprived of the opportunity to learn and progress with your new skill.
That's what we do when we go back to using sleep props during sleep training. We are sabotaging any progress and sending mixed messages.
Inconsistency creates confusion and uncertainty
When we are inconsistent, we create a lot of confusion and uncertainty. If your little one is working hard on this new way of falling asleep, then we assist again it is very confusing. They can’t understand why sometimes they receive assistance and why sometimes they are expected to do it on their own. Why keep working hard on independent sleep if it’s possible to bring a prop back?
Babies and toddlers are pattern seekers
They look for patterns in their day. When we have a consistent pattern, and they know what to expect next, they feel safe and secure. When patterns change or our response changes, they feel insecure as they can't trust what will happen next.
When we move forward with consistency during sleep training, we are sending messages that we, as parents, are confident, sturdy leaders. That everything is ok that it is ok to be frustrated. By remaining consistent, we communicate confidence in our baby's abilities to master this new skill.
Consistency is the key to sleep training success
The fairest thing you can do for your baby or toddler is to remain consistent. Once you have started the process, you don't want to backtrack on all that progress you have already made.
I know it feels so tempting to go back to a sleep prop when you are also tired and just want to help your baby get back to sleep faster. Sure at that moment, yes, your baby may go back down faster by feeding or rocking to sleep, but then you'll backtrack on all your progress, and your little one won't know what your response will be next time.
So next time, they will cry longer, wondering when your response will change again. By remaining consistent, we allow our little ones to develop a consistent strategy of their own. We allow them the opportunity for growth and learning while installing a feeling of safety and security.
Working with a sleep coach is an amazing way to ensure that you remain consistent and see the success you are looking for. We'd love to help you! Book a free discovery call to learn more about working with a member of the Kelly Murray Sleep Squad to accomplish your goals.
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.
