Tips to Get Your Little One Used to Their New SlumberPod

So you received your SlumberPod order or you are the recipient of a SlumberPod as a gift.

Lucky you! 

Here are some tips for success from our beta testers, happy customers and the two moms who invented this awesome travel gear for families with little ones.

1. Do a little happy dance because YOU, my friend, are going to sleep better on trips

Better than your next door neighbor with small children who doesn’t have a SlumberPod. Better than you as your pre-SlumberPod self. No more stress about if your baby will see you across the room in the hotel room, and no more needing to fashion homemade sleep nook situations that are unsafe, cumbersome or ineffective! Your pod will come in handy in bright beach houses or at your in-laws’ home — whether you’re room sharing or not.  

If you gifted a SlumberPod to someone in your network, please share this content with them, then pat yourself on the back because you are awesome.  
 

2. Make sure your baby is comfortable using the pod in advance of your trip

We rounded up some feedback from customers on how to best prepare your baby for sleeping in his or her new sleep accessory:

• Set up the pod at home before your trip so you know how it works before your baby is overtired and on the brink of a meltdown after a long day of travel! The printed instructions are sewn into the draw-string carrying bag or can be downloaded here. Check the video above for a visual overview!

• IMPORTANT: Make sure poles are fully assembled (fitted together to make one long straight pole ensuring joints are joined securely) before putting the ends in the pole pockets located at each of the four corners of SlumberPod next to the floor. Help lift up the apex (where the two poles cross) with your hand while securing each pole end in the pole pockets. And don't bend the poles with force as the poles are sturdy but not indestructible. Need help with how the SlumberPod Fan is positioned for increased airflow? Watch our short video. 

• Put the SlumberPod in the living room for your kid(s) to explore.

• Offer your children the chance to role play with SlumberPod by getting a doll or stuffed animal ready for bed, and then tucking it in for a great night in SlumberPod.

• Allow your child to help set-up to disassemble SlumberPod so that they feel ownership over the sleep space. "Jobs" for older toddlers could include holding one pole while you insert the other, straightening out the fabric, or zipping up the window once you've got it set up!

• If possible, have your child sleep in their playard and SlumberPod at home before traveling. We suggest trying at bedtime first as your little one is more tired at this time. Sleep consultants recommend having the room dark when putting your little one in SlumberPod the first few times to mimic their routine sleep cues. 

• If your baby or toddler is nervous about zipping the main zipper closed, try letting them sleep the first time or two with the zipper open or partially open — then they may be more comfortable zipping it later. 

• You can also let your baby fall asleep with the zipper open or partially open, then zip it up after he/she falls asleep. SlumberPod works well to block light even with the zipper open so long as that side is positioned away from the light source. 

• Note: To regulate airflow and temperature, open some or all of the ventilation panels and use with your SlumberPod fan if applicable. Recommended use is with the vents open, especially over night sleep.

• Use a pillow to focus your camera monitor before your baby is sleeping! Before nap or bedtime, place a small pillow inside the playard or mini-crib in the approximate spot that your little one sleeps. Focus the camera within the monitor pouch using the pillow as the focal point. Once it is focused, remove the pillow and rest assured that you're good to go when it's sleep time! 

• For older toddlers who may not transition to SlumberPod as well, consider allowing them to have a timer flashlight or night light so they can relax inside with a dim light. The Twinkling Twilight Turtle or another sleep soother may be a fun dim light to consider as it creates stars on the ceiling of SlumberPod. Some families choose to use a nightlight in either the monitor pouch or the fan pocket!

It's important to remember that while change is “no problem” for some babies, other little ones may need a transition plan that includes some of these steps above. The key is to make sure you are positive and happy when trying SlumberPod with your baby — they may take cues from you on how to react!