How to Transition Your Child to Their Own Sleep Space Gently
Guest Blog By Brie Ann Seyfang, Sleep Consultant
Sterling Sleep Solutions, LLC
Where your child sleeps is a huge decision! How do you know when is the right time to transition your child to their own sleep space? As a parent there are so many decisions to make on a daily basis and where they sleep is no different. Some parents choose to bedshare to foster closeness and offering a nurturing sleep environment. While some fall into bedsharing as a way to get more sleep. As children grow, the need for independent sleep can arise. As a sleep consultant, I offer simple strategies that help your child transition into their own sleep space with confidence.
I always tell my clients that If what your doing is working for you then keep doing it. BUT if your ready to make some changes so that everyone can sleep better then let’s figure out a sleep solution that will work well for your family.
Bedsharing can offer many benefits, such as bonding and comfort when nursing. BUT when you are awake several times a night it can still lead to sleep deprivation for you and your child. Sleep deprivation can impact you and your child’s health and decrease you and your child’s ability to fight off colds well.
As a parent you may experience feelings of guilt, anxiety and worry as you consider transitioning your child to their own sleep space. You may fear that your child will struggle to sleep alone. Most children do surprising well with a slow, gentle approach that sets them up for success from the beginning. I understand the unique challenges and emotions that parents face during this change and offer gentle techniques and sleep solutions tailored to your family’s needs that focus on building confidence in your child.
Transitioning your baby or child to their own sleep space might be the next best step to allow everyone to get more rest.
In this blog, we will explore gentle strategies and ideas for parents navigating this transition.
Create a Safe Sleep Space for your child- Set up a cozy sleep space for your child. Let them pick out the bedding . Encourage your child to explore and play in their new space. Let them know that they have the option to sleep here or with you. Let it be their idea to sleep in their own bed while offering reassurance that they can still continue to bedshare when they desire to.
Establish a bedtime routine- This routine helps to build positive sleep associations as they get used to going to bed in their new sleep space.
Use Role Play- Grab a favorite stuffed animal and show your child with the stuffed animal what your family’s expectations are for bedtime. Make it fun! Role play with the stuffed animal during the day several times to help them learn.
Celebrate progress! Celebrate little wins with your child in the morning by doing a fun dance together, letting your child pick out their favorite breakfast or offering their favorite sticker!
As a sleep consultant, I provide personalized support that meets you where you are at in your bedsharing journey. I help parents navigate this transition with gentle, slow sleep solutions to allow everyone to be comfortable with the next steps. This helps your child have the ability to sleep in a new space on their own which builds their independence.
I coach parents every step of the way through personalized sleep plans, education and gentle techniques that encourage sleep for everyone. I stive to listen with compassion to parents’ concerns and goals to be able to address their child’s evolving sleep needs so that your child can get the rest they need. Getting healthy sleep helps children be in a better mood, increases their immune systems and helps them focus on learning new skills.
With patience, consistency and the right support system in place, you can successfully transfer your child to their own sleep space while fostering a healthy and positive sleep environment for the entire family. Mom and Dad will also benefit from having some time to spend time together, read, or simply reconnecting at the end of the day as a couple.
Remember, there is help available, You are not alone! Click here for more information on how I can support you if you choose to work with me. I offer a Free 15 Minute Sleep Evaluation Call to be able to chat more about your family’s sleeping arrangement. When you book your appointment remember to mention the code UW10 in the notes section to receive $10 off any service!
Transitioning from bedsharing to independent sleep is a significant milestone in a child’s development and a testament to the strength of the parent-child bond.
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A note from Audra:
We personally consulted with Brie Ann when my husband mentioned that he was ready for our children to at least start thinking about sleeping in their own spaces. At ages 6 and 3, they had shown zero interest. Within just one session, utilizing Brie Ann’s advice and adding in homeopathy, our children began sleeping in their own shared bedroom happily and with confidence. This is no small accomplishment. Leading up to this transition, our oldest wouldn’t even willingly sleep next to daddy only and insisted on being by both of us. Bria Ann listened intently and offered gentle ways to transition our boys’ that kept our connection intact and did not cause the boys’ or us stress.
