After working hard to get your little one sleeping well, it can be daunting to think about going for evenings out. Now that the schedule is in place, you might feel like you’ll need to stay home until your child leaves home! Gah!
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
If one of your favourite things to do is have dinner at friend’s or visit Nan and Pop for dinner, here’s how you can do it:
- Set Up a Sleep Space: Bring along a portacot (or have a bed available if an older child) 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, a song and a cuddle
- 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
- Low key transfer for babies: When it’s time to go home, gently transfer your baby to the car seat. Once home, head in to their sleep zone, pop baby back into sleeping bag, cuddle and kiss, into the cot. They will likely wake gently (which is what you want). They like to know where they are. They will then finish off their full night of sleep.
This might slightly disrupt the sleep schedule, but it usually won’t derail your progress, Babies are more adaptable than we give them credit for, and a little bit of flexibility can go a long way. Use a similar process for a toddler in that it’s a low key dressing into pjs, toilet, hop straight into bed for the rest of the night
3. Slightly later is ok
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 quieter day the following day.
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 looking after your child 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 child’s sleep habits.
6. Be flexible and kind to yourself
Remember, parenting is all about balance. It’s important to maintain your child’s sleep routine, but it’s also important to take care of your own social and emotional needs.
Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Flexibility and a positive attitude will go a long way to keeping both you and and your child happy and well-rested. By following these tips, you can maintain your child’s sleep schedule whilst still enjoying some much needed social time.
After all, a well-rested parent is just as important as a well-rested baby! So go ahead and plan that evening out – you deserve it!
