So many changes happen to the family dynamics when a new family arrives! Some may worry that this is going to play havoc on their toddler's sleeping and not know how to navigate through the changes.
In order to help maintain your toddler's great sleeping habits, it's helpful to be mindful of certain aspects and prepare ahead.
Here are a few suggestions to help with keeping your toddler's sleep on track:
Patience: Yes...patience is a virtue when it comes to having a toddler in the house as most of us can attest to. This is one of those times where you will need a lot of patience because there may be times when they simple do not want to go to bed because they want to be where all of the action is. Reassurance that nothing has changed regarding their bedtime (and nap time) is important. Let them know that they need their sleep to help out the next day and that you will be there in the morning when they wake up. Staying consistent from the very first night will help prevent nighttime battles in the future.
Preparation: Simply talking about the new baby that is going to be joining your family soon, also helps your toddler get used to the idea of a little brother or sister. Including them in the preparations and telling them about the changes that are going to be coming will help ease the transition.
Routines: It is all about routine and structure at that age and toddlers thrive on it! Your toddler will greatly benefit if you keep the routines they are used to. This means keeping the bath, story time and snuggles before bed as part of their routine. They use these cues to help them know it is THEIR time to sleep. Introducing a bedtime routine chart can also help them (and you) stay focused. Keep the bedtime routine between 30-45minutes so it is used as a cue that it is leading up to sleep.
Rooms: When possible your toddler and baby should sleep in separate rooms. This will allow you to attend to your new baby during the night while allowing your toddler to sleep without any disruptions. Your newborn is going to have a VERY different sleeping pattern and your toddler needs their rest to wake healthy and happy.
Keeping them in their crib: Transitioning to a toddler bed too soon can cause major disruption. If your toddler is under the age of 3, it is encouraged to keep them in their crib. Having the big responsibility of staying in a new bed all night long can be too much for children at this age. If it is possible, borrow a bassinet or crib for your newborn, so this can allow your toddler to stay in their familiar sleep space.
Special Attention: It can be very helpful to plan special activities for your toddler while they are getting used to all of the changes in the house. A little extra attention after dinner can go a long way in helping them feel special and secure while still maintaining their great sleeping habits.
Sleep tight!
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