Preparing for Sleep Training with Panasonic

This post was sponsored by Panasonic. All opinions are my own.

Sleep training can be intimidating to new parents. It is both mentally and physically exhausting, but with the right preparation and a good baby monitor, you can have great success. For me, sleep training meant having to listen to Ben crying all while knowing I couldn’t go in and console him. That can be heartbreaking for a parent. Despite everything, I knew that if I stuck with the sleep training he would be sleeping through the night in no time.

I was able to sleep train Ben quite quickly and will be sharing some tips for successful sleep training below. The first two or three nights were challenging, but after that I saw great progress and today he typically sleeps 12 hours each night. One of my biggest tips for sleep training is to ensure you have a good quality baby monitor before you begin, this will allow you to keep an eye on baby while still letting them cry it out.

We use the Panasonic Long Range baby monitor for its many features. First, it plays lullabies which help Ben settle down. It also has excellent screen quality so I can clearly see Ben in his crib and know that he is okay even from a distance. The volume controls on this baby monitor are great, and it has a built in temperature setting so I know if the temperature in Ben’s room is comfortable. We also love that its secure, meaning it can’t be hacked through your WiFi network, which was a big deal for us since at the cottage we often have poor internet connection. The long range allows us to move around more when we are on vacation without worrying that we will lose camera connection. It also packs up small for travel.

With the Panasonic Long Range baby monitor I was able to get rid of two other devices — I love to consolidate! Previously, I had a temperature egg, which reads room temperature, and a sound machine, both of which we got rid of when we switched to this baby monitor because the Panasonic Long Range baby monitor has these features built-in.

Elle’s Tips for Preparing for Sleep Training

1. Prepare mentally
Know that you will have a few tough nights but it will only get better. Sleep training is beneficial to both baby and parents. Imagine an evening of self-care, productivity or cuddling with your spouse – you need this just as much as them!

2. Get your partner on board
You both need to be on the same page when sleep training and you both need to be comfortable with the approach you have chosen. Don’t start sleep training until you have agreed on the approach you are going to take. This all comes back to routine and the fact that babies need routine in order to establish a sleep schedule.

3. Get equipped
Buy a good baby monitor. A good baby monitor will help you feel comfortable leaving baby alone in their crib to cry it out. You’ll want to be able to see them clearly, and if your baby monitor plays lullabies – bonus! Our Panasonic Long Range baby monitor does it all, so we are never worried when we have to leave Ben to settle on his own.

4. Make the room dark
Before sleep training make sure your baby’s room is dark, and decide beforehand if you will use a night light in the baby’s room or not. I decided not to use one, but I know others who have had great success with night lights in their child’s room.

5. Be consistent
Look ahead in your calendar and ensure you have at least two weeks free from travel where you can maintain a consistent sleep schedule. If you can’t commit to a consistent plan, you may find it harder to sleep train.

6. Make sure you already have a good bedtime routine
If you introduce a bedtime routine before you begin sleep training, your baby will recognize that it’s time for bed and will ideally settle faster. Stick to this routine every night, babies thrive on routine.

7. Talk to your pediatrician
Before starting to sleep train, talk to your pediatrician to ensure your baby is ready. Some conditions such as acid reflux, sleep apnea or allergies could be preventing your baby from getting a good night’s sleep and will interfere with your sleep training.

If I’m being honest, you WILL experience some very tough nights but you’ll be thankful when your baby is sleeping through the night. Consistency is key! There will always be scenarios which may set your baby’s schedule off. Illness, sleep regression, and travel can all mean starting over. Just remember to stick to your bedtime routine as much as possible even throughout these circumstances to make retraining easier. Even through the toughest nights remember you are strong and your hard work will pay off. You got this!

Click here to buy the Panasonic Long Range baby monitor for $40 off (regular $199, now $149) between Feb 15 – Mar 7.

This post was sponsored by Panasonic. All opinions are my own.