![\"\"](\"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/sipa\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Screenshot-2020-02-06-at-01.14.46.png\")
\nHere are this week\u2019s topics:<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \t- Falling asleep to stay asleep<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Sleep associations and transitional objects<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n \t
- Learning to fall asleep on their own<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Division of responsibility<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Self-soothing skills for sleep<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n \t
- Using play to help your child learn healthy sleep habits<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n \t
- Managing curtain calls: The bedtime pass<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
After reviewing this module, please return to the instructional site to complete this week\u2019s activities.<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\nFalling asleep to stay asleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/sipa\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Gold-bar.png\")
<\/span>\nLearning good habits<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nFor children, learning to fall asleep independently is like developing a habit. Children become used to falling asleep the same way every night and rely on steps in their routine and things in their environment to feel ready for sleep. If any of the steps or environmental cues are missing, children often have a hard time falling asleep. When they wake up in the middle of the night, children need all those same pieces to quickly fall back asleep again. Teaching your child to fall asleep easily on his own at bedtime will help him stay asleep all night long.\nDrowsy but awake<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nMost importantly, leave the room while your child is drowsy but still awake. If you stay with your child until he falls asleep, you become the most important part of his habit. Leaving while your child is still awake gives him the opportunity to learn how to fall asleep on his own.\nHelping your child fall asleep independently<\/span><\/h3>\nSimilar to the need for consistency in the bedtime routine, consistency is key to setting the stage to falling asleep and to<\/span>\u00a0falling back asleep<\/span><\/i> during the night. If a child hasn\u2019t learned to fall asleep on her own, then she won\u2019t be able to fall back asleep on her own during the middle of the night or in the early morning.\u00a0 To start, helping your child learn to fall asleep on her own at bedtime will set the stage for success during the middle of the night, too. Learning is easier when you and your child are more alert, say at 7:30 pm instead of 2:00 am.<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/sipa\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Takeaway-message-1.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n\nChildren this age may sleep more deeply if they fall asleep without an adult in the room. When you stay in the room until he falls asleep, it\u2019s like part of his brain stays alert to ask \u201cAre you still there? What about now?\u201d which leads to him waking more during the night and needing you to help him fall back to sleep.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSleep associations and transitional objects<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\nSleep associations<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nSleep associations are things that your child uses to comfort herself and fall asleep, like a pacifier, stuffed animal, music, white noise, or even you! Using these things to fall asleep becomes a habit, and your child will come to need them anytime she wants to fall asleep. Sleep associations aren’t good or bad; they just need to be things that are easily available to your child during the night!\nBedtime independence<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nA transitional object (\u201clovey\u201d) is a type of sleep association, like a stuffed animal or blanket. Because a lovey is something your child can use to fall asleep without needing you to be there<\/em>, a lovey can help her learn how to fall asleep on her own. This can make for an easier bedtime and fewer night wakings.\u00a0 As you tuck your child in, prompt him on ways he can fall back asleep on her own.\n\n\u201cIf you get lonely, look for teddy. You can hug and squeeze him and tuck him in right next to you.\u201d<\/em>\nSome tips on loveys<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n \t- Try to have multiples of the same lovey. That way you have a spare in case one gets lost is in the wash, or you\u2019re traveling.<\/li>\n \t
- Make sure it\u2019s something your child can reach on his own if he wants it in the middle of the night.<\/li>\n \t
- Bring it anywhere your child needs to sleep, like grandma\u2019s house or a hotel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to sleep associations, make sure your child can reach or turn them on by herself. For example, if your child uses a white noise machine to fall asleep, set the machine where she can reach it and make sure that she knows how to turn it on by herself.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Learning to fall asleep on their own<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\nMany young children haven\u2019t learned how to fall asleep on their own and have a sleep association with you or another caregiver.\u00a0 Here are three plans for transitioning from lying down with your child to letting her fall asleep independently. These plans all work well and will all help your child learn how to fall asleep on her own. Pick the plan you feel most comfortable with. You will have the most success if you pick a plan that you feel good about and can be consistent with.\u00a0<\/span>\n\nAs you are picking a plan, consider what will be the best fit for your family.\u00a0 Sometimes it can be helpful for another caregiver or parent to be the one to do the checks, instead of the parent who usually stays in the bed or bedroom.\u00a0 It can be helpful to consider who will be able to best stick with the new plan. Sometimes it is harder to give up this cozy time for the parent than for the child!\u00a0<\/span>\n\nOnce you pick a plan, talk to your child about the changes that will happen at the end of bedtime.<\/span>\nHow long would each plan take?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Each plan takes a different amount of time before you will start seeing improvement. It is common for the problem to get worse before it gets better.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- With extinction, it usually takes children 3-7 days to learn how to fall asleep on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Graduated extinction can take a little longer. This plan can take a week or two to teach your child how to fall asleep on her own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Parental presence fading is the most gradual of the three plans and often takes 2-3 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1. Extinction (or “crying it out”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and make sure your child has everything she needs to be comfortable and safe for the night. Then, leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake. <\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Don\u2019t go back into your child\u2019s room, even if she calls or cries for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Graduated extinction (also called “scheduled check-ins”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Pick a time to wait before checking in. Many families find that 5 minutes is good to start with.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- You won\u2019t go into your child\u2019s room before the 5 minutes is up, even if she calls or cries out to you. Check-in after 5 minutes is up. Make your check-in visit short and boring.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Check-in regularly on that schedule until your child falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After one or two nights, you can try lengthening the time between check-ins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Parental presence fading<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Lie down with your child as she falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After she is falling asleep easily and consistently for a couple of nights, try lying down without touching her.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Once your child adjusts to this, move into a chair right next to the bed.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- While in the chair, pretend that you are asleep or read. Don\u2019t actively engage with your child as she tries to fall asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Move the chair farther away every couple of nights until it\u2019s out of the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nTransitioning away from being your child’s sleep association will take time and commitment.\u00a0 Think about what plan might work best for your family and what caregiver will be able to stick it out.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Self-soothing skills for sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nTeaching your child self-soothing skills helps him learn how to fall asleep on his own, and can also reduce night wakings.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLots of hugs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nTeach your child to give himself a big bear hug, or to hug a stuffed animal or doll if he feels anxious or lonely when he wakes up at night.\nPositive phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nYou can teach your child comforting things he can repeat to himself when he wakes up in the middle of the night, like:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m cozy and safe in my bed.\u201d<\/em>\n\u201cThe dark is nice and makes me feel sleepy.\u201d<\/em>\nVisualization<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nRemind your child that he can always imagine peaceful scenes like all his favorite animals sleeping at the zoo to help him relax.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMusic players or white noise<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nIf you use one of these at bedtime, make sure to teach your child how to turn the machine on at night and put it within his reach, so that he can turn it on by himself if he wakes up.\n\n
After reviewing this module, please return to the instructional site to complete this week\u2019s activities.<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\nFalling asleep to stay asleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\nLearning good habits<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nFor children, learning to fall asleep independently is like developing a habit. Children become used to falling asleep the same way every night and rely on steps in their routine and things in their environment to feel ready for sleep. If any of the steps or environmental cues are missing, children often have a hard time falling asleep. When they wake up in the middle of the night, children need all those same pieces to quickly fall back asleep again. Teaching your child to fall asleep easily on his own at bedtime will help him stay asleep all night long.\nDrowsy but awake<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nMost importantly, leave the room while your child is drowsy but still awake. If you stay with your child until he falls asleep, you become the most important part of his habit. Leaving while your child is still awake gives him the opportunity to learn how to fall asleep on his own.\nHelping your child fall asleep independently<\/span><\/h3>\nSimilar to the need for consistency in the bedtime routine, consistency is key to setting the stage to falling asleep and to<\/span>\u00a0falling back asleep<\/span><\/i> during the night. If a child hasn\u2019t learned to fall asleep on her own, then she won\u2019t be able to fall back asleep on her own during the middle of the night or in the early morning.\u00a0 To start, helping your child learn to fall asleep on her own at bedtime will set the stage for success during the middle of the night, too. Learning is easier when you and your child are more alert, say at 7:30 pm instead of 2:00 am.<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nChildren this age may sleep more deeply if they fall asleep without an adult in the room. When you stay in the room until he falls asleep, it\u2019s like part of his brain stays alert to ask \u201cAre you still there? What about now?\u201d which leads to him waking more during the night and needing you to help him fall back to sleep.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSleep associations and transitional objects<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\nSleep associations<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nSleep associations are things that your child uses to comfort herself and fall asleep, like a pacifier, stuffed animal, music, white noise, or even you! Using these things to fall asleep becomes a habit, and your child will come to need them anytime she wants to fall asleep. Sleep associations aren’t good or bad; they just need to be things that are easily available to your child during the night!\nBedtime independence<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nA transitional object (\u201clovey\u201d) is a type of sleep association, like a stuffed animal or blanket. Because a lovey is something your child can use to fall asleep without needing you to be there<\/em>, a lovey can help her learn how to fall asleep on her own. This can make for an easier bedtime and fewer night wakings.\u00a0 As you tuck your child in, prompt him on ways he can fall back asleep on her own.\n\n\u201cIf you get lonely, look for teddy. You can hug and squeeze him and tuck him in right next to you.\u201d<\/em>\nSome tips on loveys<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n \t- Try to have multiples of the same lovey. That way you have a spare in case one gets lost is in the wash, or you\u2019re traveling.<\/li>\n \t
- Make sure it\u2019s something your child can reach on his own if he wants it in the middle of the night.<\/li>\n \t
- Bring it anywhere your child needs to sleep, like grandma\u2019s house or a hotel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to sleep associations, make sure your child can reach or turn them on by herself. For example, if your child uses a white noise machine to fall asleep, set the machine where she can reach it and make sure that she knows how to turn it on by herself.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Learning to fall asleep on their own<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\nMany young children haven\u2019t learned how to fall asleep on their own and have a sleep association with you or another caregiver.\u00a0 Here are three plans for transitioning from lying down with your child to letting her fall asleep independently. These plans all work well and will all help your child learn how to fall asleep on her own. Pick the plan you feel most comfortable with. You will have the most success if you pick a plan that you feel good about and can be consistent with.\u00a0<\/span>\n\nAs you are picking a plan, consider what will be the best fit for your family.\u00a0 Sometimes it can be helpful for another caregiver or parent to be the one to do the checks, instead of the parent who usually stays in the bed or bedroom.\u00a0 It can be helpful to consider who will be able to best stick with the new plan. Sometimes it is harder to give up this cozy time for the parent than for the child!\u00a0<\/span>\n\nOnce you pick a plan, talk to your child about the changes that will happen at the end of bedtime.<\/span>\nHow long would each plan take?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Each plan takes a different amount of time before you will start seeing improvement. It is common for the problem to get worse before it gets better.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- With extinction, it usually takes children 3-7 days to learn how to fall asleep on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Graduated extinction can take a little longer. This plan can take a week or two to teach your child how to fall asleep on her own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Parental presence fading is the most gradual of the three plans and often takes 2-3 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1. Extinction (or “crying it out”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and make sure your child has everything she needs to be comfortable and safe for the night. Then, leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake. <\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Don\u2019t go back into your child\u2019s room, even if she calls or cries for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Graduated extinction (also called “scheduled check-ins”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Pick a time to wait before checking in. Many families find that 5 minutes is good to start with.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- You won\u2019t go into your child\u2019s room before the 5 minutes is up, even if she calls or cries out to you. Check-in after 5 minutes is up. Make your check-in visit short and boring.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Check-in regularly on that schedule until your child falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After one or two nights, you can try lengthening the time between check-ins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Parental presence fading<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Lie down with your child as she falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After she is falling asleep easily and consistently for a couple of nights, try lying down without touching her.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Once your child adjusts to this, move into a chair right next to the bed.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- While in the chair, pretend that you are asleep or read. Don\u2019t actively engage with your child as she tries to fall asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Move the chair farther away every couple of nights until it\u2019s out of the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nTransitioning away from being your child’s sleep association will take time and commitment.\u00a0 Think about what plan might work best for your family and what caregiver will be able to stick it out.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Self-soothing skills for sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nTeaching your child self-soothing skills helps him learn how to fall asleep on his own, and can also reduce night wakings.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLots of hugs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nTeach your child to give himself a big bear hug, or to hug a stuffed animal or doll if he feels anxious or lonely when he wakes up at night.\nPositive phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nYou can teach your child comforting things he can repeat to himself when he wakes up in the middle of the night, like:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m cozy and safe in my bed.\u201d<\/em>\n\u201cThe dark is nice and makes me feel sleepy.\u201d<\/em>\nVisualization<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nRemind your child that he can always imagine peaceful scenes like all his favorite animals sleeping at the zoo to help him relax.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMusic players or white noise<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nIf you use one of these at bedtime, make sure to teach your child how to turn the machine on at night and put it within his reach, so that he can turn it on by himself if he wakes up.\n\n
<\/span>\nLearning good habits<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nFor children, learning to fall asleep independently is like developing a habit. Children become used to falling asleep the same way every night and rely on steps in their routine and things in their environment to feel ready for sleep. If any of the steps or environmental cues are missing, children often have a hard time falling asleep. When they wake up in the middle of the night, children need all those same pieces to quickly fall back asleep again. Teaching your child to fall asleep easily on his own at bedtime will help him stay asleep all night long.\nDrowsy but awake<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nMost importantly, leave the room while your child is drowsy but still awake. If you stay with your child until he falls asleep, you become the most important part of his habit. Leaving while your child is still awake gives him the opportunity to learn how to fall asleep on his own.\nHelping your child fall asleep independently<\/span><\/h3>\nSimilar to the need for consistency in the bedtime routine, consistency is key to setting the stage to falling asleep and to<\/span>\u00a0falling back asleep<\/span><\/i> during the night. If a child hasn\u2019t learned to fall asleep on her own, then she won\u2019t be able to fall back asleep on her own during the middle of the night or in the early morning.\u00a0 To start, helping your child learn to fall asleep on her own at bedtime will set the stage for success during the middle of the night, too. Learning is easier when you and your child are more alert, say at 7:30 pm instead of 2:00 am.<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nChildren this age may sleep more deeply if they fall asleep without an adult in the room. When you stay in the room until he falls asleep, it\u2019s like part of his brain stays alert to ask \u201cAre you still there? What about now?\u201d which leads to him waking more during the night and needing you to help him fall back to sleep.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSleep associations and transitional objects<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\nSleep associations<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nSleep associations are things that your child uses to comfort herself and fall asleep, like a pacifier, stuffed animal, music, white noise, or even you! Using these things to fall asleep becomes a habit, and your child will come to need them anytime she wants to fall asleep. Sleep associations aren’t good or bad; they just need to be things that are easily available to your child during the night!\nBedtime independence<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nA transitional object (\u201clovey\u201d) is a type of sleep association, like a stuffed animal or blanket. Because a lovey is something your child can use to fall asleep without needing you to be there<\/em>, a lovey can help her learn how to fall asleep on her own. This can make for an easier bedtime and fewer night wakings.\u00a0 As you tuck your child in, prompt him on ways he can fall back asleep on her own.\n\n\u201cIf you get lonely, look for teddy. You can hug and squeeze him and tuck him in right next to you.\u201d<\/em>\nSome tips on loveys<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n \t- Try to have multiples of the same lovey. That way you have a spare in case one gets lost is in the wash, or you\u2019re traveling.<\/li>\n \t
- Make sure it\u2019s something your child can reach on his own if he wants it in the middle of the night.<\/li>\n \t
- Bring it anywhere your child needs to sleep, like grandma\u2019s house or a hotel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to sleep associations, make sure your child can reach or turn them on by herself. For example, if your child uses a white noise machine to fall asleep, set the machine where she can reach it and make sure that she knows how to turn it on by herself.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Learning to fall asleep on their own<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\nMany young children haven\u2019t learned how to fall asleep on their own and have a sleep association with you or another caregiver.\u00a0 Here are three plans for transitioning from lying down with your child to letting her fall asleep independently. These plans all work well and will all help your child learn how to fall asleep on her own. Pick the plan you feel most comfortable with. You will have the most success if you pick a plan that you feel good about and can be consistent with.\u00a0<\/span>\n\nAs you are picking a plan, consider what will be the best fit for your family.\u00a0 Sometimes it can be helpful for another caregiver or parent to be the one to do the checks, instead of the parent who usually stays in the bed or bedroom.\u00a0 It can be helpful to consider who will be able to best stick with the new plan. Sometimes it is harder to give up this cozy time for the parent than for the child!\u00a0<\/span>\n\nOnce you pick a plan, talk to your child about the changes that will happen at the end of bedtime.<\/span>\nHow long would each plan take?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Each plan takes a different amount of time before you will start seeing improvement. It is common for the problem to get worse before it gets better.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- With extinction, it usually takes children 3-7 days to learn how to fall asleep on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Graduated extinction can take a little longer. This plan can take a week or two to teach your child how to fall asleep on her own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Parental presence fading is the most gradual of the three plans and often takes 2-3 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1. Extinction (or “crying it out”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and make sure your child has everything she needs to be comfortable and safe for the night. Then, leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake. <\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Don\u2019t go back into your child\u2019s room, even if she calls or cries for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Graduated extinction (also called “scheduled check-ins”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Pick a time to wait before checking in. Many families find that 5 minutes is good to start with.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- You won\u2019t go into your child\u2019s room before the 5 minutes is up, even if she calls or cries out to you. Check-in after 5 minutes is up. Make your check-in visit short and boring.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Check-in regularly on that schedule until your child falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After one or two nights, you can try lengthening the time between check-ins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Parental presence fading<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Lie down with your child as she falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After she is falling asleep easily and consistently for a couple of nights, try lying down without touching her.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Once your child adjusts to this, move into a chair right next to the bed.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- While in the chair, pretend that you are asleep or read. Don\u2019t actively engage with your child as she tries to fall asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Move the chair farther away every couple of nights until it\u2019s out of the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nTransitioning away from being your child’s sleep association will take time and commitment.\u00a0 Think about what plan might work best for your family and what caregiver will be able to stick it out.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Self-soothing skills for sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nTeaching your child self-soothing skills helps him learn how to fall asleep on his own, and can also reduce night wakings.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLots of hugs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nTeach your child to give himself a big bear hug, or to hug a stuffed animal or doll if he feels anxious or lonely when he wakes up at night.\nPositive phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nYou can teach your child comforting things he can repeat to himself when he wakes up in the middle of the night, like:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m cozy and safe in my bed.\u201d<\/em>\n\u201cThe dark is nice and makes me feel sleepy.\u201d<\/em>\nVisualization<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nRemind your child that he can always imagine peaceful scenes like all his favorite animals sleeping at the zoo to help him relax.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMusic players or white noise<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nIf you use one of these at bedtime, make sure to teach your child how to turn the machine on at night and put it within his reach, so that he can turn it on by himself if he wakes up.\n\n
\n
\n\nFor children, learning to fall asleep independently is like developing a habit. Children become used to falling asleep the same way every night and rely on steps in their routine and things in their environment to feel ready for sleep. If any of the steps or environmental cues are missing, children often have a hard time falling asleep. When they wake up in the middle of the night, children need all those same pieces to quickly fall back asleep again. Teaching your child to fall asleep easily on his own at bedtime will help him stay asleep all night long.\nDrowsy but awake<\/span><\/h3>\n
Drowsy but awake<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nMost importantly, leave the room while your child is drowsy but still awake. If you stay with your child until he falls asleep, you become the most important part of his habit. Leaving while your child is still awake gives him the opportunity to learn how to fall asleep on his own.\nHelping your child fall asleep independently<\/span><\/h3>\nSimilar to the need for consistency in the bedtime routine, consistency is key to setting the stage to falling asleep and to<\/span>\u00a0falling back asleep<\/span><\/i> during the night. If a child hasn\u2019t learned to fall asleep on her own, then she won\u2019t be able to fall back asleep on her own during the middle of the night or in the early morning.\u00a0 To start, helping your child learn to fall asleep on her own at bedtime will set the stage for success during the middle of the night, too. Learning is easier when you and your child are more alert, say at 7:30 pm instead of 2:00 am.<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nChildren this age may sleep more deeply if they fall asleep without an adult in the room. When you stay in the room until he falls asleep, it\u2019s like part of his brain stays alert to ask \u201cAre you still there? What about now?\u201d which leads to him waking more during the night and needing you to help him fall back to sleep.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSleep associations and transitional objects<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\nSleep associations<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nSleep associations are things that your child uses to comfort herself and fall asleep, like a pacifier, stuffed animal, music, white noise, or even you! Using these things to fall asleep becomes a habit, and your child will come to need them anytime she wants to fall asleep. Sleep associations aren’t good or bad; they just need to be things that are easily available to your child during the night!\nBedtime independence<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nA transitional object (\u201clovey\u201d) is a type of sleep association, like a stuffed animal or blanket. Because a lovey is something your child can use to fall asleep without needing you to be there<\/em>, a lovey can help her learn how to fall asleep on her own. This can make for an easier bedtime and fewer night wakings.\u00a0 As you tuck your child in, prompt him on ways he can fall back asleep on her own.\n\n\u201cIf you get lonely, look for teddy. You can hug and squeeze him and tuck him in right next to you.\u201d<\/em>\nSome tips on loveys<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n \t- Try to have multiples of the same lovey. That way you have a spare in case one gets lost is in the wash, or you\u2019re traveling.<\/li>\n \t
- Make sure it\u2019s something your child can reach on his own if he wants it in the middle of the night.<\/li>\n \t
- Bring it anywhere your child needs to sleep, like grandma\u2019s house or a hotel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to sleep associations, make sure your child can reach or turn them on by herself. For example, if your child uses a white noise machine to fall asleep, set the machine where she can reach it and make sure that she knows how to turn it on by herself.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Learning to fall asleep on their own<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\nMany young children haven\u2019t learned how to fall asleep on their own and have a sleep association with you or another caregiver.\u00a0 Here are three plans for transitioning from lying down with your child to letting her fall asleep independently. These plans all work well and will all help your child learn how to fall asleep on her own. Pick the plan you feel most comfortable with. You will have the most success if you pick a plan that you feel good about and can be consistent with.\u00a0<\/span>\n\nAs you are picking a plan, consider what will be the best fit for your family.\u00a0 Sometimes it can be helpful for another caregiver or parent to be the one to do the checks, instead of the parent who usually stays in the bed or bedroom.\u00a0 It can be helpful to consider who will be able to best stick with the new plan. Sometimes it is harder to give up this cozy time for the parent than for the child!\u00a0<\/span>\n\nOnce you pick a plan, talk to your child about the changes that will happen at the end of bedtime.<\/span>\nHow long would each plan take?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Each plan takes a different amount of time before you will start seeing improvement. It is common for the problem to get worse before it gets better.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- With extinction, it usually takes children 3-7 days to learn how to fall asleep on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Graduated extinction can take a little longer. This plan can take a week or two to teach your child how to fall asleep on her own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Parental presence fading is the most gradual of the three plans and often takes 2-3 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1. Extinction (or “crying it out”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and make sure your child has everything she needs to be comfortable and safe for the night. Then, leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake. <\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Don\u2019t go back into your child\u2019s room, even if she calls or cries for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Graduated extinction (also called “scheduled check-ins”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Pick a time to wait before checking in. Many families find that 5 minutes is good to start with.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- You won\u2019t go into your child\u2019s room before the 5 minutes is up, even if she calls or cries out to you. Check-in after 5 minutes is up. Make your check-in visit short and boring.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Check-in regularly on that schedule until your child falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After one or two nights, you can try lengthening the time between check-ins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Parental presence fading<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Lie down with your child as she falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After she is falling asleep easily and consistently for a couple of nights, try lying down without touching her.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Once your child adjusts to this, move into a chair right next to the bed.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- While in the chair, pretend that you are asleep or read. Don\u2019t actively engage with your child as she tries to fall asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Move the chair farther away every couple of nights until it\u2019s out of the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nTransitioning away from being your child’s sleep association will take time and commitment.\u00a0 Think about what plan might work best for your family and what caregiver will be able to stick it out.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Self-soothing skills for sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nTeaching your child self-soothing skills helps him learn how to fall asleep on his own, and can also reduce night wakings.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLots of hugs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nTeach your child to give himself a big bear hug, or to hug a stuffed animal or doll if he feels anxious or lonely when he wakes up at night.\nPositive phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nYou can teach your child comforting things he can repeat to himself when he wakes up in the middle of the night, like:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m cozy and safe in my bed.\u201d<\/em>\n\u201cThe dark is nice and makes me feel sleepy.\u201d<\/em>\nVisualization<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nRemind your child that he can always imagine peaceful scenes like all his favorite animals sleeping at the zoo to help him relax.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMusic players or white noise<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nIf you use one of these at bedtime, make sure to teach your child how to turn the machine on at night and put it within his reach, so that he can turn it on by himself if he wakes up.\n\n
\n
\n\nMost importantly, leave the room while your child is drowsy but still awake. If you stay with your child until he falls asleep, you become the most important part of his habit. Leaving while your child is still awake gives him the opportunity to learn how to fall asleep on his own.\nHelping your child fall asleep independently<\/span><\/h3>\nSimilar to the need for consistency in the bedtime routine, consistency is key to setting the stage to falling asleep and to<\/span>\u00a0falling back asleep<\/span><\/i> during the night. If a child hasn\u2019t learned to fall asleep on her own, then she won\u2019t be able to fall back asleep on her own during the middle of the night or in the early morning.\u00a0 To start, helping your child learn to fall asleep on her own at bedtime will set the stage for success during the middle of the night, too. Learning is easier when you and your child are more alert, say at 7:30 pm instead of 2:00 am.<\/span>\n
Helping your child fall asleep independently<\/span><\/h3>\nSimilar to the need for consistency in the bedtime routine, consistency is key to setting the stage to falling asleep and to<\/span>\u00a0falling back asleep<\/span><\/i> during the night. If a child hasn\u2019t learned to fall asleep on her own, then she won\u2019t be able to fall back asleep on her own during the middle of the night or in the early morning.\u00a0 To start, helping your child learn to fall asleep on her own at bedtime will set the stage for success during the middle of the night, too. Learning is easier when you and your child are more alert, say at 7:30 pm instead of 2:00 am.<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nChildren this age may sleep more deeply if they fall asleep without an adult in the room. When you stay in the room until he falls asleep, it\u2019s like part of his brain stays alert to ask \u201cAre you still there? What about now?\u201d which leads to him waking more during the night and needing you to help him fall back to sleep.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSleep associations and transitional objects<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\nSleep associations<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nSleep associations are things that your child uses to comfort herself and fall asleep, like a pacifier, stuffed animal, music, white noise, or even you! Using these things to fall asleep becomes a habit, and your child will come to need them anytime she wants to fall asleep. Sleep associations aren’t good or bad; they just need to be things that are easily available to your child during the night!\nBedtime independence<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nA transitional object (\u201clovey\u201d) is a type of sleep association, like a stuffed animal or blanket. Because a lovey is something your child can use to fall asleep without needing you to be there<\/em>, a lovey can help her learn how to fall asleep on her own. This can make for an easier bedtime and fewer night wakings.\u00a0 As you tuck your child in, prompt him on ways he can fall back asleep on her own.\n\n\u201cIf you get lonely, look for teddy. You can hug and squeeze him and tuck him in right next to you.\u201d<\/em>\nSome tips on loveys<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n \t- Try to have multiples of the same lovey. That way you have a spare in case one gets lost is in the wash, or you\u2019re traveling.<\/li>\n \t
- Make sure it\u2019s something your child can reach on his own if he wants it in the middle of the night.<\/li>\n \t
- Bring it anywhere your child needs to sleep, like grandma\u2019s house or a hotel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to sleep associations, make sure your child can reach or turn them on by herself. For example, if your child uses a white noise machine to fall asleep, set the machine where she can reach it and make sure that she knows how to turn it on by herself.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Learning to fall asleep on their own<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\nMany young children haven\u2019t learned how to fall asleep on their own and have a sleep association with you or another caregiver.\u00a0 Here are three plans for transitioning from lying down with your child to letting her fall asleep independently. These plans all work well and will all help your child learn how to fall asleep on her own. Pick the plan you feel most comfortable with. You will have the most success if you pick a plan that you feel good about and can be consistent with.\u00a0<\/span>\n\nAs you are picking a plan, consider what will be the best fit for your family.\u00a0 Sometimes it can be helpful for another caregiver or parent to be the one to do the checks, instead of the parent who usually stays in the bed or bedroom.\u00a0 It can be helpful to consider who will be able to best stick with the new plan. Sometimes it is harder to give up this cozy time for the parent than for the child!\u00a0<\/span>\n\nOnce you pick a plan, talk to your child about the changes that will happen at the end of bedtime.<\/span>\nHow long would each plan take?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Each plan takes a different amount of time before you will start seeing improvement. It is common for the problem to get worse before it gets better.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- With extinction, it usually takes children 3-7 days to learn how to fall asleep on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Graduated extinction can take a little longer. This plan can take a week or two to teach your child how to fall asleep on her own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Parental presence fading is the most gradual of the three plans and often takes 2-3 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1. Extinction (or “crying it out”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and make sure your child has everything she needs to be comfortable and safe for the night. Then, leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake. <\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Don\u2019t go back into your child\u2019s room, even if she calls or cries for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Graduated extinction (also called “scheduled check-ins”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Pick a time to wait before checking in. Many families find that 5 minutes is good to start with.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- You won\u2019t go into your child\u2019s room before the 5 minutes is up, even if she calls or cries out to you. Check-in after 5 minutes is up. Make your check-in visit short and boring.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Check-in regularly on that schedule until your child falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After one or two nights, you can try lengthening the time between check-ins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Parental presence fading<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Lie down with your child as she falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After she is falling asleep easily and consistently for a couple of nights, try lying down without touching her.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Once your child adjusts to this, move into a chair right next to the bed.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- While in the chair, pretend that you are asleep or read. Don\u2019t actively engage with your child as she tries to fall asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Move the chair farther away every couple of nights until it\u2019s out of the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nTransitioning away from being your child’s sleep association will take time and commitment.\u00a0 Think about what plan might work best for your family and what caregiver will be able to stick it out.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Self-soothing skills for sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nTeaching your child self-soothing skills helps him learn how to fall asleep on his own, and can also reduce night wakings.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLots of hugs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nTeach your child to give himself a big bear hug, or to hug a stuffed animal or doll if he feels anxious or lonely when he wakes up at night.\nPositive phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nYou can teach your child comforting things he can repeat to himself when he wakes up in the middle of the night, like:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m cozy and safe in my bed.\u201d<\/em>\n\u201cThe dark is nice and makes me feel sleepy.\u201d<\/em>\nVisualization<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nRemind your child that he can always imagine peaceful scenes like all his favorite animals sleeping at the zoo to help him relax.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMusic players or white noise<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nIf you use one of these at bedtime, make sure to teach your child how to turn the machine on at night and put it within his reach, so that he can turn it on by himself if he wakes up.\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n
\n\nChildren this age may sleep more deeply if they fall asleep without an adult in the room. When you stay in the room until he falls asleep, it\u2019s like part of his brain stays alert to ask \u201cAre you still there? What about now?\u201d which leads to him waking more during the night and needing you to help him fall back to sleep.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSleep associations and transitional objects<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
Sleep associations and transitional objects<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\nSleep associations<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nSleep associations are things that your child uses to comfort herself and fall asleep, like a pacifier, stuffed animal, music, white noise, or even you! Using these things to fall asleep becomes a habit, and your child will come to need them anytime she wants to fall asleep. Sleep associations aren’t good or bad; they just need to be things that are easily available to your child during the night!\nBedtime independence<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nA transitional object (\u201clovey\u201d) is a type of sleep association, like a stuffed animal or blanket. Because a lovey is something your child can use to fall asleep without needing you to be there<\/em>, a lovey can help her learn how to fall asleep on her own. This can make for an easier bedtime and fewer night wakings.\u00a0 As you tuck your child in, prompt him on ways he can fall back asleep on her own.\n\n\u201cIf you get lonely, look for teddy. You can hug and squeeze him and tuck him in right next to you.\u201d<\/em>\nSome tips on loveys<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n \t- Try to have multiples of the same lovey. That way you have a spare in case one gets lost is in the wash, or you\u2019re traveling.<\/li>\n \t
- Make sure it\u2019s something your child can reach on his own if he wants it in the middle of the night.<\/li>\n \t
- Bring it anywhere your child needs to sleep, like grandma\u2019s house or a hotel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to sleep associations, make sure your child can reach or turn them on by herself. For example, if your child uses a white noise machine to fall asleep, set the machine where she can reach it and make sure that she knows how to turn it on by herself.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Learning to fall asleep on their own<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\nMany young children haven\u2019t learned how to fall asleep on their own and have a sleep association with you or another caregiver.\u00a0 Here are three plans for transitioning from lying down with your child to letting her fall asleep independently. These plans all work well and will all help your child learn how to fall asleep on her own. Pick the plan you feel most comfortable with. You will have the most success if you pick a plan that you feel good about and can be consistent with.\u00a0<\/span>\n\nAs you are picking a plan, consider what will be the best fit for your family.\u00a0 Sometimes it can be helpful for another caregiver or parent to be the one to do the checks, instead of the parent who usually stays in the bed or bedroom.\u00a0 It can be helpful to consider who will be able to best stick with the new plan. Sometimes it is harder to give up this cozy time for the parent than for the child!\u00a0<\/span>\n\nOnce you pick a plan, talk to your child about the changes that will happen at the end of bedtime.<\/span>\nHow long would each plan take?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Each plan takes a different amount of time before you will start seeing improvement. It is common for the problem to get worse before it gets better.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- With extinction, it usually takes children 3-7 days to learn how to fall asleep on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Graduated extinction can take a little longer. This plan can take a week or two to teach your child how to fall asleep on her own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Parental presence fading is the most gradual of the three plans and often takes 2-3 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1. Extinction (or “crying it out”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and make sure your child has everything she needs to be comfortable and safe for the night. Then, leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake. <\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Don\u2019t go back into your child\u2019s room, even if she calls or cries for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Graduated extinction (also called “scheduled check-ins”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Pick a time to wait before checking in. Many families find that 5 minutes is good to start with.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- You won\u2019t go into your child\u2019s room before the 5 minutes is up, even if she calls or cries out to you. Check-in after 5 minutes is up. Make your check-in visit short and boring.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Check-in regularly on that schedule until your child falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After one or two nights, you can try lengthening the time between check-ins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Parental presence fading<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Lie down with your child as she falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After she is falling asleep easily and consistently for a couple of nights, try lying down without touching her.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Once your child adjusts to this, move into a chair right next to the bed.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- While in the chair, pretend that you are asleep or read. Don\u2019t actively engage with your child as she tries to fall asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Move the chair farther away every couple of nights until it\u2019s out of the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nTransitioning away from being your child’s sleep association will take time and commitment.\u00a0 Think about what plan might work best for your family and what caregiver will be able to stick it out.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Self-soothing skills for sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nTeaching your child self-soothing skills helps him learn how to fall asleep on his own, and can also reduce night wakings.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLots of hugs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nTeach your child to give himself a big bear hug, or to hug a stuffed animal or doll if he feels anxious or lonely when he wakes up at night.\nPositive phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nYou can teach your child comforting things he can repeat to himself when he wakes up in the middle of the night, like:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m cozy and safe in my bed.\u201d<\/em>\n\u201cThe dark is nice and makes me feel sleepy.\u201d<\/em>\nVisualization<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nRemind your child that he can always imagine peaceful scenes like all his favorite animals sleeping at the zoo to help him relax.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMusic players or white noise<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nIf you use one of these at bedtime, make sure to teach your child how to turn the machine on at night and put it within his reach, so that he can turn it on by himself if he wakes up.\n\n
\n
\n
\n\nSleep associations are things that your child uses to comfort herself and fall asleep, like a pacifier, stuffed animal, music, white noise, or even you! Using these things to fall asleep becomes a habit, and your child will come to need them anytime she wants to fall asleep. Sleep associations aren’t good or bad; they just need to be things that are easily available to your child during the night!\nBedtime independence<\/span><\/h3>\n
Bedtime independence<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nA transitional object (\u201clovey\u201d) is a type of sleep association, like a stuffed animal or blanket. Because a lovey is something your child can use to fall asleep without needing you to be there<\/em>, a lovey can help her learn how to fall asleep on her own. This can make for an easier bedtime and fewer night wakings.\u00a0 As you tuck your child in, prompt him on ways he can fall back asleep on her own.\n\n\u201cIf you get lonely, look for teddy. You can hug and squeeze him and tuck him in right next to you.\u201d<\/em>\nSome tips on loveys<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n \t- Try to have multiples of the same lovey. That way you have a spare in case one gets lost is in the wash, or you\u2019re traveling.<\/li>\n \t
- Make sure it\u2019s something your child can reach on his own if he wants it in the middle of the night.<\/li>\n \t
- Bring it anywhere your child needs to sleep, like grandma\u2019s house or a hotel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to sleep associations, make sure your child can reach or turn them on by herself. For example, if your child uses a white noise machine to fall asleep, set the machine where she can reach it and make sure that she knows how to turn it on by herself.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Learning to fall asleep on their own<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\nMany young children haven\u2019t learned how to fall asleep on their own and have a sleep association with you or another caregiver.\u00a0 Here are three plans for transitioning from lying down with your child to letting her fall asleep independently. These plans all work well and will all help your child learn how to fall asleep on her own. Pick the plan you feel most comfortable with. You will have the most success if you pick a plan that you feel good about and can be consistent with.\u00a0<\/span>\n\nAs you are picking a plan, consider what will be the best fit for your family.\u00a0 Sometimes it can be helpful for another caregiver or parent to be the one to do the checks, instead of the parent who usually stays in the bed or bedroom.\u00a0 It can be helpful to consider who will be able to best stick with the new plan. Sometimes it is harder to give up this cozy time for the parent than for the child!\u00a0<\/span>\n\nOnce you pick a plan, talk to your child about the changes that will happen at the end of bedtime.<\/span>\nHow long would each plan take?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Each plan takes a different amount of time before you will start seeing improvement. It is common for the problem to get worse before it gets better.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- With extinction, it usually takes children 3-7 days to learn how to fall asleep on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Graduated extinction can take a little longer. This plan can take a week or two to teach your child how to fall asleep on her own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Parental presence fading is the most gradual of the three plans and often takes 2-3 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1. Extinction (or “crying it out”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and make sure your child has everything she needs to be comfortable and safe for the night. Then, leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake. <\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Don\u2019t go back into your child\u2019s room, even if she calls or cries for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Graduated extinction (also called “scheduled check-ins”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Pick a time to wait before checking in. Many families find that 5 minutes is good to start with.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- You won\u2019t go into your child\u2019s room before the 5 minutes is up, even if she calls or cries out to you. Check-in after 5 minutes is up. Make your check-in visit short and boring.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Check-in regularly on that schedule until your child falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After one or two nights, you can try lengthening the time between check-ins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Parental presence fading<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Lie down with your child as she falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After she is falling asleep easily and consistently for a couple of nights, try lying down without touching her.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Once your child adjusts to this, move into a chair right next to the bed.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- While in the chair, pretend that you are asleep or read. Don\u2019t actively engage with your child as she tries to fall asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Move the chair farther away every couple of nights until it\u2019s out of the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nTransitioning away from being your child’s sleep association will take time and commitment.\u00a0 Think about what plan might work best for your family and what caregiver will be able to stick it out.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Self-soothing skills for sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nTeaching your child self-soothing skills helps him learn how to fall asleep on his own, and can also reduce night wakings.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLots of hugs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nTeach your child to give himself a big bear hug, or to hug a stuffed animal or doll if he feels anxious or lonely when he wakes up at night.\nPositive phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nYou can teach your child comforting things he can repeat to himself when he wakes up in the middle of the night, like:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m cozy and safe in my bed.\u201d<\/em>\n\u201cThe dark is nice and makes me feel sleepy.\u201d<\/em>\nVisualization<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nRemind your child that he can always imagine peaceful scenes like all his favorite animals sleeping at the zoo to help him relax.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMusic players or white noise<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nIf you use one of these at bedtime, make sure to teach your child how to turn the machine on at night and put it within his reach, so that he can turn it on by himself if he wakes up.\n\n
\n
\n\nA transitional object (\u201clovey\u201d) is a type of sleep association, like a stuffed animal or blanket. Because a lovey is something your child can use to fall asleep without needing you to be there<\/em>, a lovey can help her learn how to fall asleep on her own. This can make for an easier bedtime and fewer night wakings.\u00a0 As you tuck your child in, prompt him on ways he can fall back asleep on her own.\n\n\u201cIf you get lonely, look for teddy. You can hug and squeeze him and tuck him in right next to you.\u201d<\/em>\nSome tips on loveys<\/span><\/h3>\n
Some tips on loveys<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n \t- Try to have multiples of the same lovey. That way you have a spare in case one gets lost is in the wash, or you\u2019re traveling.<\/li>\n \t
- Make sure it\u2019s something your child can reach on his own if he wants it in the middle of the night.<\/li>\n \t
- Bring it anywhere your child needs to sleep, like grandma\u2019s house or a hotel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to sleep associations, make sure your child can reach or turn them on by herself. For example, if your child uses a white noise machine to fall asleep, set the machine where she can reach it and make sure that she knows how to turn it on by herself.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Learning to fall asleep on their own<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\nMany young children haven\u2019t learned how to fall asleep on their own and have a sleep association with you or another caregiver.\u00a0 Here are three plans for transitioning from lying down with your child to letting her fall asleep independently. These plans all work well and will all help your child learn how to fall asleep on her own. Pick the plan you feel most comfortable with. You will have the most success if you pick a plan that you feel good about and can be consistent with.\u00a0<\/span>\n\nAs you are picking a plan, consider what will be the best fit for your family.\u00a0 Sometimes it can be helpful for another caregiver or parent to be the one to do the checks, instead of the parent who usually stays in the bed or bedroom.\u00a0 It can be helpful to consider who will be able to best stick with the new plan. Sometimes it is harder to give up this cozy time for the parent than for the child!\u00a0<\/span>\n\nOnce you pick a plan, talk to your child about the changes that will happen at the end of bedtime.<\/span>\nHow long would each plan take?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Each plan takes a different amount of time before you will start seeing improvement. It is common for the problem to get worse before it gets better.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- With extinction, it usually takes children 3-7 days to learn how to fall asleep on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Graduated extinction can take a little longer. This plan can take a week or two to teach your child how to fall asleep on her own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Parental presence fading is the most gradual of the three plans and often takes 2-3 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1. Extinction (or “crying it out”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and make sure your child has everything she needs to be comfortable and safe for the night. Then, leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake. <\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Don\u2019t go back into your child\u2019s room, even if she calls or cries for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Graduated extinction (also called “scheduled check-ins”)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Finish your bedtime routine and leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Pick a time to wait before checking in. Many families find that 5 minutes is good to start with.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- You won\u2019t go into your child\u2019s room before the 5 minutes is up, even if she calls or cries out to you. Check-in after 5 minutes is up. Make your check-in visit short and boring.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Check-in regularly on that schedule until your child falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After one or two nights, you can try lengthening the time between check-ins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Parental presence fading<\/span><\/h3>\n\n \t- Lie down with your child as she falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After she is falling asleep easily and consistently for a couple of nights, try lying down without touching her.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Once your child adjusts to this, move into a chair right next to the bed.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- While in the chair, pretend that you are asleep or read. Don\u2019t actively engage with your child as she tries to fall asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Move the chair farther away every couple of nights until it\u2019s out of the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\nTransitioning away from being your child’s sleep association will take time and commitment.\u00a0 Think about what plan might work best for your family and what caregiver will be able to stick it out.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Self-soothing skills for sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nTeaching your child self-soothing skills helps him learn how to fall asleep on his own, and can also reduce night wakings.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLots of hugs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nTeach your child to give himself a big bear hug, or to hug a stuffed animal or doll if he feels anxious or lonely when he wakes up at night.\nPositive phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nYou can teach your child comforting things he can repeat to himself when he wakes up in the middle of the night, like:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m cozy and safe in my bed.\u201d<\/em>\n\u201cThe dark is nice and makes me feel sleepy.\u201d<\/em>\nVisualization<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nRemind your child that he can always imagine peaceful scenes like all his favorite animals sleeping at the zoo to help him relax.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMusic players or white noise<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nIf you use one of these at bedtime, make sure to teach your child how to turn the machine on at night and put it within his reach, so that he can turn it on by himself if he wakes up.\n\n
\n
\n
- \n \t
- Try to have multiples of the same lovey. That way you have a spare in case one gets lost is in the wash, or you\u2019re traveling.<\/li>\n \t
- Make sure it\u2019s something your child can reach on his own if he wants it in the middle of the night.<\/li>\n \t
- Bring it anywhere your child needs to sleep, like grandma\u2019s house or a hotel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to sleep associations, make sure your child can reach or turn them on by herself. For example, if your child uses a white noise machine to fall asleep, set the machine where she can reach it and make sure that she knows how to turn it on by herself.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Learning to fall asleep on their own<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/span>\n\nMany young children haven\u2019t learned how to fall asleep on their own and have a sleep association with you or another caregiver.\u00a0 Here are three plans for transitioning from lying down with your child to letting her fall asleep independently. These plans all work well and will all help your child learn how to fall asleep on her own. Pick the plan you feel most comfortable with. You will have the most success if you pick a plan that you feel good about and can be consistent with.\u00a0<\/span>\n\nAs you are picking a plan, consider what will be the best fit for your family.\u00a0 Sometimes it can be helpful for another caregiver or parent to be the one to do the checks, instead of the parent who usually stays in the bed or bedroom.\u00a0 It can be helpful to consider who will be able to best stick with the new plan. Sometimes it is harder to give up this cozy time for the parent than for the child!\u00a0<\/span>\n\nOnce you pick a plan, talk to your child about the changes that will happen at the end of bedtime.<\/span>\nHow long would each plan take?<\/span><\/h3>\n
- \n \t
- Each plan takes a different amount of time before you will start seeing improvement. It is common for the problem to get worse before it gets better.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- With extinction, it usually takes children 3-7 days to learn how to fall asleep on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Graduated extinction can take a little longer. This plan can take a week or two to teach your child how to fall asleep on her own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Parental presence fading is the most gradual of the three plans and often takes 2-3 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1. Extinction (or “crying it out”)<\/span><\/h3>\n
- \n \t
- Finish your bedtime routine and make sure your child has everything she needs to be comfortable and safe for the night. Then, leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake. <\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Don\u2019t go back into your child\u2019s room, even if she calls or cries for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Graduated extinction (also called “scheduled check-ins”)<\/span><\/h3>\n
- \n \t
- Finish your bedtime routine and leave your child\u2019s room while she is drowsy but still awake.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Pick a time to wait before checking in. Many families find that 5 minutes is good to start with.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- You won\u2019t go into your child\u2019s room before the 5 minutes is up, even if she calls or cries out to you. Check-in after 5 minutes is up. Make your check-in visit short and boring.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Check-in regularly on that schedule until your child falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After one or two nights, you can try lengthening the time between check-ins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Parental presence fading<\/span><\/h3>\n
- \n \t
- Lie down with your child as she falls asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- After she is falling asleep easily and consistently for a couple of nights, try lying down without touching her.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Once your child adjusts to this, move into a chair right next to the bed.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- While in the chair, pretend that you are asleep or read. Don\u2019t actively engage with your child as she tries to fall asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Move the chair farther away every couple of nights until it\u2019s out of the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\n\n\n\nTransitioning away from being your child’s sleep association will take time and commitment.\u00a0 Think about what plan might work best for your family and what caregiver will be able to stick it out.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSelf-soothing skills for sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/span>\n\n\n\n\nTeaching your child self-soothing skills helps him learn how to fall asleep on his own, and can also reduce night wakings.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLots of hugs<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\nTeach your child to give himself a big bear hug, or to hug a stuffed animal or doll if he feels anxious or lonely when he wakes up at night.\nPositive phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\nYou can teach your child comforting things he can repeat to himself when he wakes up in the middle of the night, like:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m cozy and safe in my bed.\u201d<\/em>\n\u201cThe dark is nice and makes me feel sleepy.\u201d<\/em>\nVisualization<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\nRemind your child that he can always imagine peaceful scenes like all his favorite animals sleeping at the zoo to help him relax.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMusic players or white noise<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\nIf you use one of these at bedtime, make sure to teach your child how to turn the machine on at night and put it within his reach, so that he can turn it on by himself if he wakes up.\n\n - After she is falling asleep easily and consistently for a couple of nights, try lying down without touching her.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Pick a time to wait before checking in. Many families find that 5 minutes is good to start with.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Don\u2019t go back into your child\u2019s room, even if she calls or cries for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- With extinction, it usually takes children 3-7 days to learn how to fall asleep on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Each plan takes a different amount of time before you will start seeing improvement. It is common for the problem to get worse before it gets better.<\/span><\/li>\n \t