The Camping Out Technique

'Camping Out'

Camping Out: What is it? Who does it benefit?

Many children find it difficult to fall asleep independently. As a gentle sleep consultant, I never recommend leaving your child to cry if they are struggling. Instead, there are a number of other strategies parents can employ to support their child.

'Camping Out' is usually one of the first methods I suggest. It involves the parent or care giver literally camping out in their child’s bedroom. This is a particularly effective technique for older babies and children making the transition away from co-sleeping. It can also be used when teaching a child to fall asleep more independently, without feeding, rocking, etc. Older children can benefit too, especially those who are scared of the bedroom environment, or if they suffer with anxiety.

As they become used to their new environment, or better at falling asleep without help, you can then gradually reduce the support.

Working with a sleep professional, such as myself, can increase the effectiveness of the 'Camping Out' technique, as well as many other strategies. Parents are able to be more consistent and are more likely to see the process through to a successful conclusion.

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Preparing for a Camping Out Strategy

• Firstly, set up the room. Initially, you should plan to spend up to the whole night in with your baby or child. Therefore, I suggest making sure you are really comfortable. Place a chair or mattress* next to your child’s bed or cot and ensure you have everything you need around you.

*I found this useful little mattress from IKEA

• Following your child’s bedtime routine, settle your child into their bed or cot.

*(ask me why I highly recommend ALWAYS having a

bedtime routine in place) *

• Next, sit or lay down next to your child. You can choose at this point how much support you give them. This might be holding or patting their hand, stroking their arm or quietly shushing as they gradually nod off to sleep. Try to avoid anything that will be hard to maintain, or is not transferable to the bed or cot, such as rocking.

• When your child is asleep, you can either choose to leave the room, or you can stay for the whole night. This is very much an individual decision and whatever you choose should reflect how your child usually copes overnight. If you are camping out to support a transition away from co-sleeping, I recommend  making a point of staying in the room all night until your child is used to the new environment. If the support is usually only needed to help your child fall asleep, it may be appropriate to leave the room.

• Repeat the process for three more nights, gradually reducing the hands on support offered as your child falls asleep.

• Once your child is falling asleep independently, with no hands on support, move the chair or mattress a short distance away from the bed or cot.

• Over the next 1 - 3 weeks, gradually move the chair or mattress towards the door until eventually you are out of the room completely. Move at a pace your child is comfortable with and, remember, you can always go back a step for a day or two if they need more support.

• If your baby or child wakes in the night and you have chosen not to stay in the room, simply return to the chair and offer the same level of support, at the step you are on, until they fall back to sleep.

More Tips

If your baby or child needs more reassurance, talk gently to them. Explain it is sleep time but that you are right there.

Do not allow your child to play or get out of bed.

If your baby stands up in their cot, lay down next to them and model sleeping, with eyes closed. They will typically lay back down to get closer to you.

Keep the bedroom, calm, quiet and dark. A night light is fine for those children who struggle with the dark. Some children benefit from white or pink noise, which should be played all night.

For older children, model deep breathing techniques and encourage them to join in. My book, 'Little Crab Self Soothes', is suitable for 3 - 7 year olds and teaches relaxation exercises to help children stay calm in the night.

Little Crab Self Soothes

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What if your Child Cries?

If your baby or child cries, continue to reassure them at a level which suits them. If they are still in a cot and you are struggling to get them to self settle, you can start by holding them until they are asleep. If your child is in a bed, you can lay down next to them and offer cuddles as they fall asleep. Again, this technique will involve gradually reducing the hands on support, at a pace to suit your child.

Always remain highly responsive to your child’s needs. It is important to understand that gentle techniques take time, usually several weeks. I ask my clients to see it as a journey, rather than a race. The most important things to remember throughout the process, is to remain consistent and not to give up. The end result will be worth it!

Will Camping Out Work for You?

Camping out is a technique that works for a lot of children and it is one of my most recommended strategies. However, every situation is unique and it doesn’t suit everyone. Some babies find it harder to settle and need a different approach, or for some clients, the camping out technique simply isn’t practical.

I always work with clients to devise the most appropriate sleep strategy for them, their baby and their family circumstances.

Do You Need More Support?

If you need help with your child sleep, why not book a FREE Discovery Call with me today.

I provide bespoke sleep programs with customised support for however long you need. My gentle, holistic approach is loved by my clients and, as a mum of five, I offer non-judgemental, empathetic support. I adore empowering my clients by equipping them with the tools they need to respond to their child’s sleep needs as they change and evolve.

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