With LOVE day approaching I thought it was a great time to discuss ways to incorporate a babysitter into your little one’s routine.

Not only did we hear, when pregnant, that we would never sleep again, but also, that we would never “date” our spouse again (insert eye-roll).

Well. I am here to tell you that is false. Entering the new stages of motherhood, parenthood… whatever hood you call it… does NOT mean date nights will never occur. I do understand that we all have different villages, and life circumstances, but dating your spouse can STILL be a necessity during this new stage of life.

Now that we know that dating your spouse is still able to be a part of your life, even in this new journey… let’s discuss why an independent sleeper is key to ensuring regular date nights.

WHY IS SLEEP KEY?

Knowing that you have an independent sleeper allows for you to have three different date night scenarios.

Healthy sleepers allow for predictability and routine. Knowing that your little one will be getting ready for bed, and getting to bed each night, around the same time (without stalling) allows for the parents to prepare their date night, their sitter and their little ones for the occasion.

Tip #1

For a wonderful date night on the town, after bedtime, have someone come over and watch the monitor.

This was, and still is, our favorite way to ensure that our children our down, and in bed for the night, safely, while we enjoy a night together.

Some things we tell the sitter:

Chill, enjoy Netflix!
If anyone wakes or begins to cry, wait a few minutes.
Give us a call first so that we can be on the phone together if you need to enter.
Let them know that mommy and daddy are on a date (introduce who you are), and mommy is on the phone.
We leave our numbers and the neighbors numbers for emergencies.

Thankfully, once our little ones are in bed, they are there til morning. Unless a snuggy falls out the bed, or sickness appears.

Tip #2

Enjoy a date night out on the town, while the babysitter puts the kids to bed.

We usually always make it a little easier on the sitter and do the bath routine before the sitter gets there. This causes less anxiety for us, and an easier time with the kids for the sitter.

Things to do to prepare for the sitter:

Discuss with your kids ahead of time.
- Let them know that someone else will be doing bedtime routine.
- Prepare them for the differences in the routine.
Leave a Note for the sitter:
- What the kids take to bed.
- What can and cannot be in the bed.
- Safe sleep.
- Food cutting/snacks allowed.
Prepare the room:
- Sound machine’s on
- Nightlights ready
- Sleep Sack out
Have the time they need to be in bed.

The first few times this can cause some anxiety, but after your little one’s get used to this, they will do just fine. Remember, one off night will not destroy your routine.

Tip #3

Date Night in! My husband and I love a date night in home. There is nothing better than putting your kids to bed, grabbing take-out, watching your favorite show or pulling out a game.

Things to do to prepare for a Date-Night in:

Have the take-out already place or picked up.
Grab some dessert.
Have the theme or the night planned.
Place your phones down.
Enjoy one another.

If all of this seems so insane to you because your little one’s schedule is so inconsistent, you’re never able to successfully get them to sleep independently for more than an hour or two, and sleep is just not something you have taken serious, but want to… I would love to chat with you. Book a FREE call with me.

Dating your spouse while being a parent does not need to disappear.

Your Sleep Coach,

Brooke