Surviving the Extinction BurstParenting a toddler can be a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and, sometimes, sleepless nights. If you’ve embarked on the journey of sleep training, you might be familiar with the term "extinction burst." It sounds daunting, but understanding and addressing it can be the key to a peaceful night’s sleep for both you and your little one. Let's dive into what an extinction burst is, why it happens, and how you can navigate through it successfully. What is an Extinction Burst? An extinction burst occurs when you first start to withdraw reinforcement from a behaviour—in this case, your toddler’s nighttime awakenings. Picture this: your toddler has gotten used to certain responses when they wake up at night, such as being picked up, rocked, or given a bottle. When you begin sleep training and stop these responses, your toddler might initially escalate their behaviour. This escalation is the extinction burst. Essentially, things get worse before they get better as your child tests the boundaries to see if their previous behaviour will eventually yield the desired response. Steps to Work Through the Extinction Burst
When to Seek Professional Help If you find that the extinction burst is lasting longer than expected, or if you're struggling to stay consistent and need additional support, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional. A certified pediatric sleep consultant can offer personalized advice and strategies tailored to your child’s needs. They can also provide the emotional support you need during this challenging time. Final Thoughts Navigating through an extinction burst during sleep training can be exhausting, but it’s a vital step toward helping your toddler learn to self-soothe and sleep independently. By staying consistent, creating a comforting bedtime routine, and seeking help when necessary, you can guide your child through this phase and onto restful nights for the entire family. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many parents have faced the same challenges and come out the other side with happier, well-rested children. Hold on to that thought, keep pushing through, and soon, peaceful nights will become the norm rather than the exception. If you need help through this stage of your sleep training journey I'd be more than happy to help. Book your Free 20-minute Sleep Evaluation Call today. I'll learn more about what's happening with your child's sleep, explain why and how I can help your family become a well rested one. AuthorErin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016. Struggling to get your little one to sleep through the night? Whether you're dealing with early wake-ups or endless bedtime battles, our personalized sleep solutions are here to help. Don't wait—take the first step towards peaceful nights and well-rested days. Book your Free Sleep Evaluation today and discover how we can make sleep a reality for your family. |
To The Moon and Back Sleep ConsultingProviding families the tools & support they need to get their little ones sleeping through the night and napping like champs! Everyone has more fun when they are well rested! Visit Woolino - Use the LINK to get 10% off.
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