5 Reasons Your Child Sleeps Better at Granny’s house.
Whenever I sit to write a blog, I can’t help but think of myself as Carrie Bradshaw and I can’t not start a blog without saying something like…”As I sit here, exhausted from another sleepless night, I can't help but wonder: why does my child sleep better at their grandparents' house?”
Okay enough pretending to be Carrie - and I actually am sitting here quite refreshed as I write this (smug, I know! Sorry!)
However, the mystery does remain why DO our kids always seem to have the best night sleep when at Grandparent’s houses? Between juggling work deadlines and the chaos of daily life, this mystery feels both frustrating and intriguing.
Here’s my thoughts into why your baby might be getting more rest when they stay with grandma and grandpa.
The Power of Experience
Grandparents bring a wealth of experience to the table. They've been through the sleepless nights and fussy bedtimes before. Plus, they are more likely to have more patience and a calm demeanour compared to us, as they don’t do bedtime with little ones every night! Unlike us, juggling a million things, they can devote their full attention and if they are anything like my mother-in-law, they are more likely to bend the rules.
A Calmer Environment
Let’s face it—our homes are often bustling with activity. Between work, housework, and everything in between, it’s hard to create a consistently calm environment. Grandparents' homes, on the other hand, often have a slower pace. This tranquil atmosphere can be more conducive to sleep, making it easier for your baby to settle down and stay asleep. They might have fewer distractions, meaning grandparents can give undivided attention to your baby. This one-on-one time can be incredibly soothing and reassuring for a little one. Feeling that focused attention can help your baby relax and feel safe, leading to better sleep.
Familiar Comforts
It could be that you’ve packed along your wee one’s familiar sleep items, like your baby’s favourite blanket or stuffed animal. They might even have a bed with the same sheets from home, providing a sense of familiarity that helps your baby feel secure and relaxed.
Less Rule Following
It could be that grandparents throw your sleep manual you sent with your wee one out the window. By that, I mean they aren’t practicing self-settling so stay with your wee one until they fall asleep rubbing their back or they give into the demands and read five stories over the one book rule you enforce at home.
A Break for Parents
Finally, there’s the psychological aspect. Knowing their parents are taking a break can sometimes make babies feel less pressure and pick up on the relaxed vibes of the grandparents. Babies are incredibly perceptive and can sense when their caregivers are stressed or overwhelmed, which can affect their own stress levels and sleep quality.
In the end, while it might feel a bit frustrating to see your baby sleep so soundly at the grandparents' house while you struggle at home, it’s a reminder that a calmer, more focused environment works wonders. By borrowing a few strategies from the grandparents' playbook, we might just find a way to bring some of that peaceful slumber back home!
If you want some help with more peaceful bedtimes, let’s chat!
The Wee Sleep Coach is a baby and infant sleep consultant basedin the UK. If you are having issues with your wee one’s sleep, have a look at my sleep plans which range from plan only to one-to-one coaching. If it feels like you’ve tried everything, then come and try the one thing you haven’t which I know works – the Wee Sleep Coach’s Approach.
