Could This Sleep Separation Technique Work For You?

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With a combination of practical experience and expert advice, Supernanny supports parents by giving them tools to be their best when kids need them the most.

In a recent episode of Supernanny, a Couple is taught a sleep separation technique that is designed to help your child get used to sleeping alone in a bed. Supernanny explains to this tired Mom and Dad how this technique will make it easier for them to gain a period of blissful independence each evening before heading off to dreamland themselves.

The steps are as follows:

  • Supernanny emphasis the importance of following a calming bedtime routine.
  • Once you’ve put the little one to bed, do not lie down or sit beside them. Sit on the floor instead and keep your head down so they can see your profile but not your eyes.
  • Turn the light off and say “now it’s time to be quiet and go to sleep”.
  • If your child keeps on talking to you, insist that “it’s sleep time now” in a gentle but firm voice and don’t get drawn into a discussion.
  • If they get out of the crib or bed, put them back with a little cuddle and kiss the first time, only a kiss the second time, then with very little physical contact after that. This is probably the hardest part- but consistency is key and in the long run will help your child feel secure in their bed without feeling any anxiety of being left alone.
  • Move further away from the bed each night, little by little
  • Eventually you will be sitting with the door open, and finally you will be able to just say goodnight and leave the room.

If you’re struggling with getting your baby to deal with sleep separation anxiety this method may work for you, but whatever method you try, remember that the first thing we all need to sleep well is the knowledge that we are safe and secure.

The goal when dealing with separation anxiety should be to increase your child’s confidence level in being separated from you, i.e. that you will be back.

9 Comments

  1. CCaaroolyyn Baaisi

    April 20, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    Mirá Osi, lo que estabamos hablando Luis Diego Villatoro

  2. Nicole Rae McArthur

    April 20, 2016 at 9:57 pm

    Kyle Jay McArthur

  3. Robin Granville

    April 21, 2016 at 12:19 am

    I believe this works

    • Nicole Rae McArthur

      April 21, 2016 at 12:23 am

      Might be worth a try on a night we don’t have to be up early the next day!

  4. Niamh Ingalla

    April 21, 2016 at 2:21 am

    Eric Ingalla

  5. Lisa Lubcke

    April 21, 2016 at 11:18 am

    Iv tried that but my 15month old gets all worked up because im there. This is only recent that i have started this but i have to leave the room and he will fall asleep within a few mins after a bit of a cry. Its half way through the night that he ends up in my bed as he wont go back down

  6. Sarah Miklavic-Kinley

    April 22, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    I remember this from the show years ago. Didn’t work with my last child. He is now 6 and comes into the bed each night.
    They will grow out of it eventually. I think we worry too much about this. When I gave up caring, we all slept better. I lost my first child when she was 2 in an accident. 16yrs later and I would give anything to this day to have her in my bed with me. So, if my 6 yo or 11&12 yr want to snuggle or lay on the floor by my bed? I’ll let them. I’m don’t making babies- no need for my bed for that- haha!

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