Navigating Evenings Out Without Sacrificing Your Baby's Sleep
After working hard to get your little one sleeping well with a Sleep Sense Consultant, it can be daunting to think about going out for an evening. Now that the schedule is in place, you might feel like you'll need to stay home until your child leaves home, but you still need to live your life. Here are a few tips to help you make this work without ruining all your hard work:
1. Embrace the 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 rule is all about balance. If you stick to your baby’s sleep schedule 80% of the time, a little deviation 20% of the time won’t ruin all your progress. This mindset allows for flexibility without stress. It’s okay to bend the rules occasionally for special occasions or much-needed social time.
2. Plan Ahead
One of our favorite things to do when our first son was a great sleeping baby was to have dinner at friends’ houses. Here’s how you can do it too:
- Set Up a Sleep Space: Bring along a pack-and-play and set it up in a quiet room. Ensure the room is dark and conducive to sleep, just like at home.
- Follow the Routine: Do a few steps of the bedtime routine to help your baby wind down. This might include a bedtime story, some quiet cuddling, or playing a lullaby.
- Enjoy Adult Time: Once your baby is asleep, enjoy some time with your friends. Having your baby nearby in a safe sleep environment lets you relax and enjoy the evening without worrying.
- Transfer Gently: When it's time to go home, gently transfer your baby to the car seat, then to their crib once you’re home. A smooth transition is key to minimizing disruptions. If they wake up, that is fine. Just put them back into their crib once you get home.
This might slightly disrupt the sleep schedule, but it usually won’t derail your progress. Babies are more adaptable than we often give them credit for, and a little bit of flexibility can go a long way.
3. Slightly Later is Okay
If you can plan your outing to be back within an hour of your baby’s usual bedtime, this small deviation shouldn’t be too disruptive. Aim for earlier outings and stick close to the schedule as much as possible. An hour’s difference is generally manageable and won’t throw off the entire routine. Just be sure to compensate with a slightly earlier nap or a more extended wind-down period the next day if needed.
4. Get a Sitter
Now that your baby is a champion sleeper, take advantage of this by getting a sitter now and then. It’s nice to have a break and enjoy some adult time, and you can be confident that your little one is getting all the sleep they need. When choosing a sitter, find someone who understands and respects your baby’s sleep routine. This ensures consistency and helps your baby feel secure and comfortable even when you’re not there.
5. Communicate Clearly
Make sure anyone caring for your baby understands their sleep schedule and routine. This includes grandparents, babysitters, and even friends if you're visiting their house. Clear communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps maintain your baby’s sleep habits.
6. Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself
Remember, parenting is all about balance. It’s important to maintain your baby’s sleep routine, but it’s also crucial to take care of your own social and emotional needs. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly. Flexibility and a positive attitude will go a long way in keeping both you and your baby happy and well-rested.
By following these tips, you can maintain your baby’s sleep schedule while still enjoying some much-needed social time. Remember, a well-rested parent is just as important as a well-rested baby! So, go ahead and plan that evening out—you deserve it!