Leaving your little one in the care of a loved one, whether it’s a grandparent, babysitter, or a trusted friend, can be stressful—especially when it comes to bedtime. Ensuring your child sticks to their regular sleep routine is important for maintaining healthy sleep habits. But how can you help your caregivers follow through with your child’s sleep schedule? At Rocky Mountain Sleeping Baby, we specialize in helping families navigate sleep routines, so here’s how to set your loved ones up for success when putting your kids to sleep.
Communicate Your Child’s Sleep Routine Clearly
The key to a smooth bedtime for your child in your absence is clear communication. Create a detailed sleep routine that covers everything from bedtime rituals to when and how to handle nighttime wakings.
- Bedtime Routine: Outline the steps you follow each night. For example, “At 7:00 PM, we start with a warm bath, followed by putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, and reading two books before bed.” Be as specific as possible so the caregiver knows exactly what to do.
- Sleep Environment: Let your caregiver know what your child needs to feel comfortable—whether it’s a favorite blanket, a nightlight, or a white noise machine. Mention any sleep associations your child relies on, like a special stuffed animal or lullabies.
Write Down a Sleep Schedule
Providing a written schedule makes it easier for caregivers to follow your routine without having to rely on memory. Include your child’s regular nap times, bedtime, and expected wake-up time in the morning. Babies and toddlers thrive on consistency, so sticking to these set times will help them feel secure and relaxed.
- Example:
- Nap: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Bedtime: 7:30 PM
- Expected Wake-Up: 7:00 AM
Prepare for the ‘What Ifs’
Sleep disruptions are common, especially when someone new is watching your baby. Preparing your loved one for how to handle night wakings or early wake-ups can help them feel more confident.
- Night Wakings: If your child wakes up during the night, should the caregiver wait a few minutes before intervening or go in right away? Would you prefer they offer gentle reassurance or use specific comforting techniques like rocking or patting?
- Early Morning Wakings: What should they do if your child wakes up earlier than usual? Share any tips on how to extend sleep or handle an early wake-up in a way that aligns with your sleep training philosophy.
Introduce Your Child to Their Caregiver’s Sleep Role in Advance
Help your child get comfortable with the idea of their caregiver handling bedtime. In the days leading up to your absence, allow the caregiver to participate in your regular bedtime routine. This will help your child become familiar with the process while you’re still present, making the transition smoother when you’re not there.
- Practice Runs: Have the caregiver go through the bedtime routine with you a few times before the big night. This way, both your child and the caregiver can feel confident.
Leave Sleep Tools and Resources
Make sure your caregiver has access to all the necessary sleep tools. Whether it’s blackout curtains, a white noise machine, or a baby monitor, ensure everything is set up and ready to go. You might also want to leave behind some helpful resources, such as favorite songs or specific soothing techniques you use to help your baby or child settle down.
Trust Your Caregiver’s Instincts
While it’s important to be clear about your expectations, it’s equally important to trust the person you’ve chosen to care for your child. They may need to adjust or adapt based on how your child responds, especially since bedtime routines can look slightly different with someone new. Encourage them to follow their instincts if something feels off but offer the reassurance that your sleep routine is there to help guide them.
Additional Resources for Caregivers
For more tips on how to communicate sleep routines to caregivers and why maintaining consistency is important, check out this helpful article from The Sleep Foundation.
How Rocky Mountain Sleeping Baby Can Help
If you’re finding it difficult to get your baby or child into a consistent sleep routine, or if you’re unsure how to communicate your routine to caregivers, Rocky Mountain Sleeping Baby can help. Our personalized sleep consulting services provide expert guidance on establishing and maintaining healthy sleep habits, even when you’re not there to tuck your little one in. With our support, you can feel confident that your child will have restful nights no matter who is watching them.
Setting your loved ones up for success when putting your child to sleep comes down to clear communication, preparation, and trust. By outlining your child’s routine, providing a written schedule, and preparing for potential disruptions, you can ensure a smooth bedtime process—even when you’re not there. If you need assistance creating a sleep routine or want expert guidance on sleep training, contact Rocky Mountain Sleeping Baby for personalized support.
