I am so thankful for this series, I really have learned a lot from so many of your posts & feedback. It’s definitely sad to see it end, but I am excited that the girls are already brainstorming ideas to get it started again soon! A special thank you to Sarah & Heather for making all of this happen!
When I really think about it, I have so much to say about the baby/toddler sleep situation that I should probably just go ahead & write a book about it. From the start, Waverly’s sleep schedule (or lack of it) was a pretty big struggle & something we definitely found challenging. There were many, many moments that I was convinced we would literally never sleep again (which will probably be the case after this post). Yet after lots of research, soul-searching, patience, & wine – we made it through. I really am proud (& extremely happy) to say that Waverly Maye is a rock star sleeper these days.
In an effort not to overwhelm anyone (& since this a beyond one-year series), I thought it would be most helpful to focus on what we have done since Waverly was a toddler. For anyone who is interested, we read & lived by the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child when Waverly was younger. I definitely recommend it, I’m convinced that it set the groundwork for Waverly being a good sleeper now & plan to use it again with any future babes.
For us, more than anything, a solid, consistent night-time routine seems to be the key to good sleep. Waverly is a total creature of habit (something I think she got from me). She thrives on a routine & really remembers every detail of it. So our evenings tend to run very similar each night, a bath at about 5:30, dinner at 6:30, & lately, a family walk at about 7:15. Then Waverly always kisses her daddy good night (same spot), walks with me up the stairs to pick out her books, & we read on the recliner before singing songs until about 8 (which was just extended for summer). At that time, I lay her down in her crib, turn on her sleep sheep & humidifier, & hand her a blankie. Seriously, if I forget any of those steps she is totally quick to point it out. It really shocks me everytime, but I do love that she obviously really likes her routine (& that she insists that its me to do it every night).
Also, I spray this Bath & Body Works spray that was recommended to me by our babysitter (who swears by it), I don’t know if it’s in my head but I totally think this stuff is some sort of magical potion. 😉
From that point on, Waverly usually sleeps like a baby until around 7 or 7:30 the next morning. Sometimes she will wake up once in the night, but will almost always put herself back to sleep within minutes. We learned the hard way not to go in there & get her because that will lead to wanting to be with us all night. Of course, there are parts of me that wants to do just that, forget about all of this, & bring her into our bed for the rest of her toddler life. Yet ultimately, I know that (for us) this is what works the best for her (& our) sleep, which is obviously important for everyone’s happiness! 🙂
With all of that being said, there are definitely times that we have gotten brave & gone out to a late dinner or concert with Waverly (we are crazy, I tell ya!). I am always nervous but Waverly always surprises us & is totally fine, just partying the night away! So as Type-A & totally routine driven I am, I obviously am all about making memories & “special” out of the ordinary moments with this sweet girl, too.
XO
We read that book too, and took tons of advice from it. Sleeping was such a battle for us, now that it is going well, I don't know what to do with all of my extra time. 🙂
Routine! It's all about the routine right? My kids try and avoid bedtime, but once the routine gets started they are okay. I always find it fascinating that toddlers remember every single detail, and if you do something one time you have to do it like that for-ev-er! haha
Definitely getting that book, I could use all the sleep help I can get! Thanks 🙂
The Joni Journey
I need to check that book out. Marcus does not share his momma's love for a solid night's sleep, or an afternoon nap. I'm convinced I will be at least 70 before I sleep well again.
I have always said routine is key! I swear the little thrive on it and it is what made Charli such the great little sleeper/human she is! 😉 haha
Totally, routine is key! ANd breaking up the routine, also key! Never heard of the spray but it makes sense with the chamomile and lavender- both sleep aids.
Sounds very VERY similar to how I am and how we do things and it also works like a charm. Sometimes I think we just got lucky with Tyson, but then again I give ourselves some credit as we also did our research and did things deliberately to help him sleep well. I truly believe that affects their happiness. So BRAVO to you momma for helping your little one with such a great schedule and learning how to sleep!! 🙂
Years ago when Bob Dole lost the election, he said he…"went home and slept like a baby….I woke up and cried every two hours." LOL! : )
I might have to get some of that spray… for me and Annabelle 🙂
I totally agree with you! Routine is essential and I think that is what makes those one-off nights, like a later dinner, easier. They will know that the routine will eventually happen. (If that makes sense! ha.)
Love her little routine. She is so cute. I think I need some of that spray! 🙂
We thrive on routine over here too! I look forward to it and so does she. Win win situation right??
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Happy Sunday! Lou Lou Girls
I swear by routine as well! It's so important!
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