Enjoying Evenings Out Without Sacrificing Your Baby’s Sleep

After working hard with a Sleep Sense Consultant to establish a solid sleep routine for your baby, the thought of going out for an evening can be intimidating. You might feel like you need to stay home until your child is grown, but it’s important to maintain your social life too. Here are some tips to help you enjoy evenings out without undoing all your hard work:

1. Embrace the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule is all about balance. If you follow your baby’s sleep schedule 80% of the time, a little deviation 20% of the time won’t ruin your progress. This approach allows for flexibility without stress. It’s perfectly fine to occasionally bend the rules for special occasions or much-needed social time.

2. Plan Ahead

When my first two children were very young, we often hosted dinners at our home. We would put them to bed at their usual time and welcome guests shortly after. We enjoyed evenings with friends, sipping wine and eating good food, without having to compromise our children’s routines.

An alternative could be helping your child fall asleep elsewhere (in a stroller or even in your arms, if necessary and if it works for them) by offering them a similar bedtime routine to the one you offer at home:

• Set Up a Sleep Space: Equip yourself with a fully reclining stroller if you are outdoors or at a restaurant, or bring a travel crib if you plan to visit friends.
• Follow the Usual Routine: If possible, step away from the party to find some privacy and calm, and go through some of the usual bedtime routine steps to help your child relax, such as reading a story, cuddling, or singing a lullaby.
• Enjoy the Company: Once your child is asleep, relax and enjoy your time with friends. Knowing your child is nearby in a safe sleep environment will help you unwind.
• Transfer Gently to Their Crib: When it’s time to go home, gently transfer your child to their car seat, trying not to wake them, and do the same to place them in their crib once you’re home. The transition should be as smooth as possible to minimize sleep disruptions. If they wake up, help them fall back asleep as you usually do at home.

This might slightly disrupt their sleep schedule on that specific day, but it usually won’t derail your progress. Babies are more adaptable than we often realize, and a bit of flexibility goes a long way.

3. Slightly Later is Okay

If you can plan your outing to return within an hour of your baby’s usual bedtime, this small deviation shouldn’t be too disruptive. Aim for earlier outings and stick to the schedule as much as possible. An hour’s difference is generally manageable and won’t throw off the entire routine. If needed, compensate with an earlier nap or a longer wind-down period the next day.

4. Get a Sitter

Now that your baby is sleeping well, take advantage of it by hiring a sitter occasionally. Enjoying some adult time is important, and you can be confident your little one is getting the sleep they need. Choose a sitter who understands and respects your baby’s sleep routine to ensure consistency and comfort for your baby even when you’re not there.

5. Communicate Clearly

Ensure that anyone caring for your baby understands their sleep schedule and routine. This includes grandparents, babysitters, and even friends if you’re visiting their house. Clear communication ensures everyone is on the same page and helps maintain your baby’s sleep habits.

6. Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself

Remember, parenting is about balance. Maintaining your baby’s sleep routine is important, but so is taking care of your own social and emotional needs. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly. Flexibility and a positive attitude will help keep both you and your baby happy and well-rested.

By following these tips, you can uphold your baby’s sleep schedule while enjoying some much-needed social time. A well-rested parent is just as important as a well-rested baby, so go ahead and plan that evening out—you deserve it!

– Sara