After months of sleepless nights and exhausting battles at bedtime, I finally decided it was time to sleep train my two-year-old. Armed with a mix of determination and a touch of desperation, I embarked on a week-long adventure that would change our nights forever.

First, I spent a bit of time preparing the nursery, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. I selected a soothing nightlight and chose a set of calming stories for our bedtime routine. The aim was to signal to my little one that it was time to wind down.

On the first night, I held my breath as I settled my toddler into bed, reminding myself to be consistent. Instead of rocking them to sleep, I read a story and sang a lullaby. When they fussed, I returned to reassure but kept my distance, reinforcing that it was time to sleep. The first night was a challenge, with tears and protests echoing through the house, but I remained steadfast.

As the days went by, the upheaval transformed into something manageable. By night three, I noticed my toddler settling more quickly and resisting less. A gentle pat and a quiet goodnight became our new ritual. By the end of the week, I was amazed at the transformation—the nightly battles had melted away, and my once restless little one was happily drifting off to sleep with a smile.

Looking back, I realised that consistency, patience, and a bit of love were the cornerstones of our success. Not only did my toddler learn to fall asleep independently, but I also regained those precious hours that had been lost to bedtime struggles.

4 Steps to Conquer Sleep Regression Like a Pro

Sleep regression can feel like an insurmountable hurdle for parents, but with a few strategic steps, you can tackle it with ease.

1. Understand the Phases: Recognising that sleep regressions are a normal part of development is crucial. Often occurring at key milestones, such as when your baby begins to crawl or walk, these phases can create temporary disruptions in sleep patterns. Being informed helps to temper expectations.

2. Establish a Consistent Routine: Consistency is key. Implementing a calm, soothing bedtime routine can signal to your little one that it’s time for sleep. This could involve a warm bath, gentle lullabies, or quiet storytime, helping to create a sense of security.

3. Adapt to Changes: Flexibility is essential during sleep regressions. You may need to adjust nap times or bedtime schedules to accommodate your child’s evolving needs. Staying attuned to their sleep cues will enable you to provide the support they require.

4. Practice Patience and Self-Care: Finally, remember to practice patience—both with your child and yourself. Sleep regressions can be trying, so it’s vital to prioritise self-care. Whether it’s taking a short break or connecting with fellow parents, ensuring you’re in a good place will empower you to navigate this challenging period with confidence.

By following these steps, you can conquer sleep regression like a seasoned pro, turning what could be a stressful experience into an opportunity for growth for both you and your child.

It was a daunting task, the thought of getting our toddler to sleep alone. For months, we had navigated the nightly routine of rocking him to sleep in our arms, only for him to wake up and find himself alone in his room, often resulted in tears and frantic cries.

We decided it was time to make a change. The first step involved creating a soothing bedtime ritual that would signal it was time for sleep. We introduced a calming routine of bath time, followed by a gentle story, and then cuddles in his bed. Each night, we would remind him that he was a brave little boy, and it was perfectly okay to sleep on his own.

To ease the transition, we implemented a “sleep fairy” concept. We told him that the sleep fairy would bring a special surprise if he stayed in his bed until morning. This idea sparked his curiosity and excitement, making the prospect of sleeping alone feel like an adventure rather than a daunting ordeal.

Gradually, we would sit with him until he drifted off and then quietly slip away. It took a few nights of patience and reassurance, but soon enough, he began to embrace the idea of his own space, calling it his "big boy bed."

It was a remarkable transformation – the little warrior who once insisted on our presence now slept peacefully in his own realm, and we savoured those rare minutes of quiet once the house settled. While it required a fair bit of persistence, the end result was nothing short of rewarding – our toddler now embraced bedtime like a pro.