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Dads Can Do It Too — Let Them!

Father’s Day is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves: Dads can do it too!

Getting dad involved in your baby's sleep since day one.
Getting dad involved in your baby's sleep since day one.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes if things aren’t done the exact way I do them—the way that works for me—I get super anxious and my inner control freak starts to show.

But here’s the thing: just because we’ve done something a million times doesn’t mean we’re the only ones who can. If you're the parent who spends more time with the kids during the week, chances are you simply have a bit more practice. That’s it.


And when it comes to sleep—bedtime routines, putting the baby down, or handling middle-of-the-night wakeups—dads can step in too. Here’s how:


1. Talk to Dad About Expectations

If you want your partner to be more involved with bedtime or middle-of-the-night wakeups, talk about it. Be clear about what you need. In our home, we divide and conquer—some nights he handles our daughter’s bedtime while I’m with the toddler, and then we switch the next night. And during nighttime wakeups? It’s whoever wakes up first (which usually means me... but hey, we’re working on it 😉).


2. Let Go of the "Perfect Way"

Even if you give a detailed step-by-step of your bedtime routine, chances are your partner is going to do things his way. And that’s okay. As long as the result is the same—kids are safe, loved, and asleep—try to let go. Let your child and their dad have their own rhythm and routine. That’s how they build their own bond, and honestly? That connection matters more than a perfectly executed routine.


3. Practice Makes Progress

Let them practice. If every time things go sideways you step in and take over, neither of them gets the chance to improve. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply not be there. I’ve worked with moms who literally leave the house around bedtime so dad can take full charge—and it works! (Also, there are so many places you can sneak off to between 7 and 8 pm—coffee shop, bookstore, solo Target run? Yes, please. 😅)


“But What If My Toddler Only Wants Me?”

Okay, I hear you. What about when your toddler cries “No! I want Mommy!” right before bedtime? Full-on meltdown mode? Yep, I’ve been there. Here's what you can try:


➡️ Start bedtime earlier—give everyone a little more space and calm before the meltdown window. Tell your little one how excited dad is to read a story, play a short game, or do something special with them. Then give your child a big kiss and leave the room with confidence.


➡️ Too abrupt? Start gradually.Have dad present during the bedtime routine—even just being in the room helps. Begin delegating small tasks: maybe dad does bathtime and you put on pajamas, or he does the bottle and you do the rocking. As he does his part, step out for short periods. If your little one cries, it’s okay—it’s only for a few seconds or a minute, and you’ll be right back.


➡️ Build it up. Slowly increase dad’s role until he’s doing the whole routine and you’re just watching or nearby. This “warm-up” can make a huge difference in your child’s comfort and confidence.


➡️ For babies used to nursing to sleep:Let dad handle the full bedtime routine and only come in to nurse. When nursing is done, hand baby back to dad so he is the one holding or rocking baby to sleep. This gentle transition helps baby adjust to dad being part of that final soothing moment.


This Father’s Day, take a moment to acknowledge all the ways your partner can be part of your child’s sleep journey. Support them, guide them if needed, but then—step back. Because dads can do it too.


And the more we let go of the pressure to do everything ourselves, the more rested we all become.


Need help building a sleep routine both parents can feel confident with? Let’s chat!


I offer personalized support for families looking to share the load and make bedtime smoother—for everyone. Book your discovery call here


Happy early Father’s Day 💙

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