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How I Successfully Sleep Trained My Two-Year-Old in One Week

As a mother, one of the most overwhelming issues I faced was sleep – or rather, the lack of it. My two-year-old son, Oliver, had developed some not-so-ideal sleeping habits. He would wake several times throughout the night, often needing my presence to settle back down, and he was resistant to naps during the day. After consulting with friends, reading countless parenting articles, and engaging in lengthy discussions with my partner, we decided it was time for a change. I set my sights on sleep training. Here’s how I successfully trained Oliver to sleep through the night in just one week.

Understanding the Importance of Sleep

Before diving into the process, I took time to understand the significance of sleep for toddlers. Studies show that adequate sleep is crucial for a child’s development, behaviour, and overall well-being. Recognising this need motivated me to take action. I knew that developing a consistent sleep routine would not only benefit Oliver but also restore some calm to our household.

Preparing for Sleep Training

1. Create a Plan: Educating myself was the first step. I read various sleep training methods, considering options such as the Ferber Method and the No Tears Method. Ultimately, I opted for a gentle approach that involved a gradual retreat method, allowing Oliver to comfort himself while knowing that I was still nearby.

2. Establish a Bedtime Routine: Consistency was key. We introduced a calming bedtime routine that lasted about 30 minutes each night. This included bath time, reading a story, and a quiet cuddle session. By helping Oliver wind down, he learned that bedtime meant rest.

3. Set a Sleep Schedule: I decided on a fixed bedtime of 7:30 PM, ensuring Oliver received 11-14 hours of sleep each night, as recommended for his age group. We also maintained a consistent wake-up time, which would help regulate his internal clock.

The Training Week

Night 1: Initial Protest
The first night was undoubtedly the hardest. After our bedtime routine, I settled Oliver into his cot while encouraging him to fall asleep independently. It took nearly an hour of crying and fussing before he finally drifted off – a challenge, but I knew it was just the beginning.

Night 2: Shortened Protest
The second night, Oliver protested for about 30 minutes before finally succumbing to sleep. I began to see a glimmer of hope. Each time he woke in the night, I offered comfort without picking him up, patting his back and whispering soothing words until he settled back down.

Night 3: Less Resistance
By the third night, I noticed a significant change. Oliver protested only briefly before falling asleep, and he woke less frequently. It was a relief to see him adapting and starting to understand the new routine.

Night 4-5: Celebration of Progress
By the fourth night, Oliver was settling down with minimal fuss. I began to feel a sense of achievement! Having provided consistent reassurance and sticking to our routine, those early morning wake-ups became fewer and fewer.

Night 6: A Remarkable Change
On the sixth night, he fell asleep within minutes, and I experienced the bliss of having several uninterrupted hours to myself. It felt surreal! Our bedtime routine had become a comforting ritual rather than a battle.

Night 7: Consistency is Key
By the end of the week, Oliver was not only falling asleep without resistance but was also sleeping through the night. I could scarcely believe the transformation. It was clear that this new routine was becoming part of our lives, bringing peace and stability to our evenings.

Adjusting to New Habits

After the week of sleep training, we faced several trips and events that tested our new routine. However, I remained steadfast in our approach. Whenever Oliver strayed from the routine, I gently reminded him of our bedtime practices, and he quickly fell back in line.

Conclusion

Of course, every child is different, and what worked for us may not work for every family. Nevertheless, the key elements were consistency, structure, and a lot of patience. By the end of that transformative week, I not only gained a well-rested child but also improved my sense of well-being.

Sleep training can be challenging, but with persistence and love, you too can navigate this important phase in your child’s life. A restful night’s sleep is within reach, and every parent deserves it!