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Let’s Talk About: Toddler Sleep Training Tips + Storkcraft

Last month I wrote a blog post on infant sleep training and Graco’s Dual-Comfort Natural Bamboo Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress that you can find on Storkcraft’s website! If you missed it, you can click on this link to read all about it http://theparentologist.com/lets-talk-about-sleep-training-storkcraft/

 

This month I am focusing on some tips to help your toddler sleep better at night. Raise your hand if your toddler sleeps in your bed at some point throughout the night? Well, I am fairly certain that almost all of you, including myself, have raised your hand. My daughter started climbing out of her crib at 18 months and since then it has been a constant struggle for her to sleep in her own bed at night. Once she was able to walk and talk, there was no turning back.

 

Babies are contained in their cribs, but toddlers are not. Babies cry, but when toddlers put those tears into words and yell “mommy” at the top of their lungs for you it’s a whole new ballgame! Here are some things we have tried over the last couple of years that may help you and your toddler get a better night’s sleep! These ideas don’t work for everyone since there are so many sleep philosophies, but they may help! Because having a foot to the face in the middle of the night isn’t exactly the nicest way to wake up from a deep sleep! Wait, who am I kidding? I’m a mom, what is deep sleep? I’ll have to ask my husband. J

 

  1. Put a baby gate in your toddler’s doorway. By putting a baby gate in their doorway, they aren’t able to leave their room. Make sure you baby proof your child’s room so there is no way they can get hurt before implementing this plan. Cover the plugs. Secure the furniture to the wall. And make sure they can open the door if they need to call for you or better yet, keep the baby monitor in their room so you can communicate and even listen and watch them anytime you want! If a baby gate is in their doorway, and they wake up, they may just go back to bed, knowing they cannot leave. They may even feel safer and more contained than having a big doorway where anyone real or imaginary can come and go. And if they do cry for you, you just do what you did when they were infants and go to them. This will be easier to put them back in their own bed because chances are once they climb into your bed, no one is leaving!

 

  1. Use a Sticker Chart. Positive reinforcement and sticker charts work wonders for toddlers. Start small and give them a sticker for a time frame they can achieve. For example, if they can typically stay in their bed for an hour, then start giving a sticker every 45 minutes they are able to successfully sleep in their bed. Eventually they will work their way up to getting one sticker for sleeping in their bed the entire night, but they are small, so start small. Make sure the goal is measurable and achievable. And yes, longer sleeping habits equal less stickers but the rewards can get bigger and better, too. Start with something small like 5 minutes of play time on the computer or staying up 5 minutes later past their bedtime. For every sticker they earn, they get a kiss and hug from you. Or for every 5 stickers they get something bigger, 10 stickers, etc. Rewards don’t have to cost money, but you can have fun with this and even include prizes like a cookie or ice cream, a trip to the park, or even a movie or mini golf!

 

  1. Stick to a Consistent Routine. Following through is one of the best ways to sleep train a child. Toddlers like to know what to expect and do better with structure and familiarity. We typically do a bath, read books, and say a prayer before bed each night. Doing a bedtime routine in the same order at the same time each night will help their internal clock physically and mentally prepare them for bed. And it’s up to you how you phase out of the room. You can try leaving them in their room alone to practice self regulation or you can stay next to their bed until they fall asleep. But before you leave, if they are awake, let them know that you’ll be back to check on them. Even if that means you’ll check on them from the comfort of your own bed through the monitor, they will feel a sense of security knowing that you are nearby and watching over them. And if and when they do wake up and come to your bed, walk them back to their bed each and every time. You will be tired the first few nights of doing this, but this behavior should soon phase out. They will learn that you mean business and want to comply.

 

  1. Implement a Wake Up System. I suggest buying an OK to Wake alarm clock for your toddler. There are many different brands and styles but they are generally the same in that they will glow one color when your child is supposed to stay in their room during the night and glow a different color when it’s ok to leave the room in the morning. Just visit your local store or shop online for a toddler alarm clock. Many different price points will be available for you to choose from. There is one that you can even manage from your phone! No matter which one you choose, make sure you teach your child what the colors mean so they learn when they are supposed to stay in the room and when they are supposed to come see you. Toddlers really love these and sometimes will wake up and stay in their room wide awake looking at their clock or playing quietly until it changes color. They will innately want to please you and this makes the whole sleeping in their own bed thing a little more fun!

 

So going back to getting a good night’s sleep, make sure you have a good quality mattress for your child. Graco’s new Natural Organic Crib and Toddler Mattress will help do the trick (#ad)! And then, as a parent, you can rest assured your child is sleeping on a safe, durable, and good quality mattress. You can be certain that when you buy something from Storkcraft it’s great quality!

 

“Since its founding in 1945, Storkcraft has been keeping babies safe for over 70 years and has provided families with affordable, innovative, and quality furniture that will be with you every step of the way!”

 

I love that this mattress has five inches of natural foam and is made of high quality, natural, soybean oil materials and has a dye-free organic cotton cover. The cover is removeable for an easy clean and has a water resistant lining! Trust me, this will come in handy when your child is potty training! One side of the mattress is firmer for infants and the other side is softer for toddlers. Make sure the mattress is on the right side for each age, because it will make a difference! This double-sided mattress will grow with your child as they grow, which will save you money in the long run! But speaking of price, did I mention that this mattress is affordable at just over $100? That’s a steal for an organic mattress! And it’s so soft! I’ve even laid on it myself and it’s very comfortable!

 

And as a mom, I love that the mattress is anti-static and anti-microbial and free of lead and phthalates. Safety is always first in my book and this mattress meets or exceeds all safety and flammability standards. Plus it has a 6-year manufacturer warranty! To shop this mattress please visit https://storkcraftdirect.com/products/natural-organic-foam-crib-toddler-mattress/

 

For more information about Storkcraft and their products including cribs, mattresses, gliders, changing tables, dressers, safety gates, and more, please visit their website https://storkcraftdirect.com

 

To shop the Storkcraft Portofino 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer in Espresso crib we have used for both of our children please visit https://storkcraftdirect.com/products/portofino-4-in-1-convertible-crib-changer/ The changing table is attached to the crib and can transform into a toddler bed. I personally researched so many cribs when my first child was born and I specifically chose this one based on the stellar safety measures, convenience, and price.

 

Thank you Storkcraft for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

 

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Hello! I am Dr. Kim and I am The Parentologist! I am first and foremost a wife and a mom. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. I hope through my professional and personal experience we can collaborate with each other on how to better ourselves and our relationships with our families and our children.

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TODAY.com Parenting Team Parenting Contributor

About Dr. Kim

Hello! I am Dr. Kim and I am The Parentologist! I am first and foremost a wife and a mom. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. I hope through my professional and personal experience we can collaborate with each other on how to better ourselves and our relationships with our families and our children. Read More…

My Instagram

🇺🇸 What a monumental day in history we had t 🇺🇸 What a monumental day in history we had today! 🇺🇸

As soon as we woke up I started educating my children, specifically my daughter, on what the inauguration meant and why today was such a special day in history. We both were glued to the television as we watched @kamalaharris be sworn in as the first Black South Asian woman Vice President and @joebiden be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. We also were powerfully moved hearing @amandascgorman - the youngest inaugural poet in history recite “The Hill We Climb.” 

My daughter was so excited to participate and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with the rest of the county and she was so proud to see and be a part of history in the making. I haven’t been to Washington D.C. in about 8 years but I promised I would take her one day when the pandemic is over. 

In the meantime, I have a fun fact for you! Did you know that President Joe Biden and I both graduated from the same university? Yep! We both went to @syracuseu 🍊 And in fact, @joebiden is the first @syracuseu alumnus to become President of the United States! 

📸: @chrissywphoto #inauguration #inagurationday #inaguration2021 #joebiden #kamalaharris #presidentbiden #syracuseuniversity #syracuse #syracuseu #historyismade #madamvicepresident #mommyandme #46thpresident #sandiego #sandiegoblogger #momblogger #parentingblogger #motherhood
This time of year is notorious for dry air, allerg This time of year is notorious for dry air, allergies, and sinus trouble. #ad 

And since I work from home, it can get quite noisy and distracting with my husband and two children here, so sometimes I get my best work done in the comfort of my own bed. And the best part is that I can have my new @crane_usa “4 in 1” cool mist humidifier on at all times with essential oils to help with overall wellness and since it comes with a sound machine I can block out the other noises in the house! 

And at night, it helps my sinuses as I sleep, especially when the dry air of the heater is on, and it has a nightlight so my kids can see where they are going in the middle of the night when they inevitably need water or a hug! 

This is our 6th #cranehumidifier style and it’s my favorite one yet! Check out my stories for a closer look! 👀 #happyhealthyhumidity 

#humidifier #coldandflu #humidifiers #peaceandquiet #workingfromhome #workingmom #working #coldandfluseason #coldandflurelief #winter #winterstyle #wintertime #wintervibes #winter2021 #wahm #wahmlife #wahmlifestyle #workfromhomemom #workfromhomelife #workfromhome #workathomemom #workathome #workathomelife #newmom #babyshowergift #sinusrelief
{New Blog Post} “How to Teach Children Gratitude {New Blog Post} “How to Teach Children Gratitude” 🌱✨🌸

Throwing it back to one of the first mommy and me photos I ever posted on my feed because I’ve been teaching my daughter about gratitude since she was this little, possibly even younger (she is two here for reference)! 

Gratitude is such an important virtue and must have trait to build a child’s character. It also shows therapeutic benefits when you show gratitude to others, so why wouldn’t you want to make it a priority to teach and instill in your children? 

In this blog, I have suggestions for how to teach children gratitude broken down by ages and stages from infancy to teenage years, while also including some conversation prompts, and links to my favorite gratitude journals for busy families that we use here at home! 

Find the direct link to read in my bio and stories! I also published similar articles on @todayparents and @redtricycle if you follow me there! #drkimblog
DOUBLE TAP if you agree!! 🙋🏼‍♀️ I am DOUBLE TAP if you agree!! 🙋🏼‍♀️

I am that mom who wants to do it all and when I get overwhelmed or start suffering from a major case of burnout, I feel guilty if I take a break instead of giving my body and mind permission to slow down or even stop. 

As moms we often feel guilty if we take a break or believe we are perceived as weak if we ask for help. I have learned that the more I ask for help and the more time I take for myself, the better I am for my children. 

Guilt is an emotional response to something you perceived you did wrong, but when you experience unnecessary guilt, it’s counterproductive to healing and helping you with what you need most. So give it a try and let me know how you are going to take a break and not feel guilty about it this week below in the comments! ⤵️ #drkimparentingtips #theparentologist #drkimparentingadvice
DOUBLE TAP if you used to love Hello Kitty when yo DOUBLE TAP if you used to love Hello Kitty when you were little - and still do! 🙋🏼‍♀️🐱#ad

I am so excited to have all of these new items from the @erincondren Hello Kitty collection that launched today to keep work fun, playful, and reminiscent of childhood - something all adults need a little more of, am I right? 

The collection is all about organization, kindness, and friendship. My favorite piece of the collection is the “Daily Kindness and Joy Journal” that boldly says BE KIND, BE NICE, REPEAT on the front cover but I am also pretty obsessed with the Hello Kitty x Erin Condren Pencil Case and Vegan Leather Padfolio! 

Swipe to see my business attire on top and activewear on the bottom work style! 😉 And head to my stories to see it all up close and for your convenience I have everything linked for you http://liketk.it/35XZC and make sure to follow me at THEPARENTOLOGIST @liketoknow.it  for more of my favorites!!! #liketkit #erincondren
{New Blog Post} “Sensory Play, Pretend Play, and {New Blog Post} “Sensory Play, Pretend Play, and Role Play Ideas for Children with Autism” 🧩 🧸 🚂 ⚽️ 
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For the last 3 years I have spent my career therapeutically helping families and children of all ages on the Autism Spectrum. Play has been a fundamental way for many of my clients to communicate if they are non-verbal. And some of my clients have had to be taught how to play with a toy or another person. The play ideas listed on the blog can be used with children with or without special needs. Play is a universal way a child can explore their world in a way that makes sense to them and cultivate imagination, creativity, and fun! As a Registered Play Therapist, I love the work I do and couldn’t be prouder of the progress my clients have made with play over the years! #drkimblog
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#autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismspectrum #autismcommunity #autismparent #autismlife #autismparents #autismparenting #autistickids #autisticchildren #autistictoddler #autismresources #playtherapy #playtherapist #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #activitiesforkids #activitiesfortoddlers #activitiesforchildren #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #sensoryprocessingdisorder #sensoryactivities #momswhoblog #ontheblog #newblogpost #parentingblogger #momblogger
{New Blog Post} ✨🌱🧴“Ways to Take Control {New Blog Post} ✨🌱🧴“Ways to Take Control of Your Eczema” #ad 
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These winter months have been so dry and my eczema has been flaring up. Can anyone relate? For decades I have used a variety of treatment options from over-the-counter ointments and lotions to doctor prescribed steroid medication. In today’s blog, I am partnering with @mediqcme to share more of my story and struggles with atopic dermatitis as well as some new treatment options! If you or a loved one suffer from eczema or atopic dermatitis it’s a must read! 
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Plus there is a survey at the end of the blog you can fill out and opt in to be entered to win 1 of 10 VISA gift cards! 🙌🏻 Link in bio and in stories! #itchyskinhelp #drkimblog
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#eczema #eczemarelief #eczemahealing #eczematreatment #eczemaproblems #eczemawarrior #atopicdermatitis #itchyskin #itchyskinrelief #atopicskin #atopicdermatitistreatment #atopicdermatitismanagement #eczemamanagement #winterskincare #winterskin #winterskincareroutine #winterskincaretips #newblogpost #momswhoblog #ontheblog #wellnessblogger #wellnesstips #wellnessexpert
{New Blog Post} 🌿 “How to Utilize Play to Get {New Blog Post} 🌿 “How to Utilize Play to Get Your Kids to Do What You Want” 
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As a Registered Play Therapist, play is the foundation to the way I help children conceptualize and conquer the world. Play is second nature to children and the way they respond to many of life’s obstacles. Sometimes as parents, it is easy to get into a power match with your children, especially when you want your children to comply with a request and they won’t budge. When this happens, we need to change the way our adult mind thinks and switch it to the way a child thinks. Instead of giving them a punitive consequence, try these play recommendations that can be used with children as young as toddlerhood all the way to adolescents! #drkimblog 
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#playtherapy #playtherapist #therapistsofinstagram #playoutsidethebox #learningthruplay #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #parenting #parentingtips #parenting101 #parentingteens #parentingtweens #parentingtoddlers #parentingadvice #parentingexpert #parentingblogger #parentingblog #newblogpost #ontheblog #momswhoblog #parenthood #toddlerproblems #toddlermom #behaviortherapist #behaviortherapy #positiveparentingsolutions #positiveparentingtips #positiveparenting
{New Blog Post} “Tips on How To Set Goals Effect {New Blog Post} “Tips on How To Set Goals Effectively in 2021” ✨ 
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It’s is usually around this time that I start thinking of the goals I want to accomplish for the year. And whether you believe in making resolutions, affirmations, or goals, it is time to be proactive!! On the blog, I outlined an organizational system I use year after year to help me accomplish my goals. And I hope they work for you!! 
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What are some of your goals you want to accomplish this year? 
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#2021 #2021goals #goals #goalsetting #goalgetter #goalsettingtips #goalsetter #goalsetting2021 #goalcrusher #momhustle #snowday #snowman #newgoals #newgoals2021 #mommyandme #letthembelittle #letthembekids #letthemplay #playoutside #playoutdoors #playoutsidethebox #familyday #familyfun #familysnowday
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