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Preparing for Baby’s First Sleepover

I am a Similac ambassador and received compensation for this post.

Being able to take a night or two away from your baby is a big step for most moms, and an even bigger one for baby. It is possible though, and it is even easy to do when both mom, baby and a trusted caregiver are all prepared and ready for the big night. No matter what age, from infant to five year old, that first sleepover takes place it is important that you prepare everyone involved well before the actual night of the sleepover.

Whether you will be out of town for the sleepover or just trying a first sleepover with the grandparent’s it is important that you completely trust whoever the caregiver is going to be with your child. Remember and consider the following things to prepare for baby’s first sleepover.

Preparing for Baby's First Sleepover

Arrange for Regular Visits

Well before the night of the first sleepover arrange for regular visits between your child and their overnight caregiver. The best place would be at the home of the caregiver, since any sleepover would take place there, but just being able to get the two together and build a big level of comfort is good. As a mom it is important for you to take a step back during these visits and give grandma, aunt, uncle, sister etc hands on, one on one time with the baby.

Note Your Babies Routines

After a few months you are well tuned to the needs and routines of your baby, but it won’t be the same for someone else and you might not even realize the little things you respond to anyway. In the days leading up to the sleepover, begin jotting notes down regarding your baby’s daily and nightly routine. Things like how many times to expect the baby to wake up at night, cues your baby gives you, and the way your tot prefers to sleep are all important and can take away a lot of guesswork in the middle of the night.

Plan For Anxiety

While we want to think and hope that everything is going to be okay all the time, sometimes babies and children do not deal well on that first, or any sleepover. Be prepared to find out that your child is having a hard time and prep the overnight adult for a rough and anxious night if you suspect it may be likely. Make sure you have discussed every stress reducing technique that your baby responds to in order to help everyone get through the night.

Encourage Fun

Sleepovers are supposed to be fun, and babies of every age enjoy a good laugh and stimulating play. Go over your baby’s favorite ways to play, sensory stimulation they are especially fond of and toys they enjoy with their caregiver. When there is plenty to keep baby entertained they forget that someone else is playing with them and stop looking around for you.

Pack the Essentials

Make sure you come prepared for that first sleepover with everything your infant will need. Pack an extra change of clothes for those “just in case” moments and make sure you have lots of diapers and wipes ready. You can bring over a pack ‘n play for your infant to sleep in if the home doesn’t have a crib. You’ll also want to be sure to have the milk necessary for your baby’s feedings. If you are nursing and pumping, make sure the caregiver is comfortable and knows how to properly store and reheat the milk. If you are supplementing or formula feeding, pack enough bottles and a dish brush and consider pre-measuring the formula with a simple formula dispenser to avoid confusion.

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If you’re looking for a quality formula you can count on, turn to Similac! They have a formula for every stage and infant need so you can be sure to find a formula that fits your child. They are the #1 selling brand in America, which shows they are mom-tested and approved! Use their formula finder to help you find the right formula for your baby.

How old was your child at their first sleepover?

Similac partnered with bloggers such as me for its Similac StrongMoms Ambassador Program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. Similac believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Similac’s polices align with WOMMA Ethics Code, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. 

Liz Mays

Wednesday 22nd of October 2014

I think I tried it when my daughter was in first grade for the first time. It went just fine!

Tracie

Wednesday 22nd of October 2014

Great tips! We didn't do sleepovers with my daughter until she was older, but I can see a lot of reasons why one might become necessary at a younger age.

Dina

Wednesday 22nd of October 2014

what a pretty baby!! My babys first sleepover happened around 8 months when we left him to travel to another state. It's hard to leave them.

April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition

Wednesday 22nd of October 2014

I can't even remember how old my kids were when they had their first overnight away from home. These are great tips to make it easier for everyone!

Felicia

Tuesday 21st of October 2014

Our babies were BIG before we did an overnight. I breastfed so it was hard to leave them as infants.

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