Why You Shouldn't Let Crying Hold You Back from Sleep Training

Why You Shouldn't Let Crying Hold You Back from Sleep Training

As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, one of the most common questions I receive from parents is, "how much will my baby cry during sleep training?" I wish that I had a crystal ball that would allow me to answer this question as it would make it a lot easier for parents to decide if they would be able to commit to a sleep program. Unfortunately, the amount of crying is hard to predict. It depends on many factors, including: the baby's temperament, level of sleep deprivation, and if sleep training has been attempted in the past.

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5 Common Sleep Myths Debunked

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5 Common Sleep Myths Debunked

If you google "Baby Sleep Advice," approximately 210,000,000 articles appear (yikes!).  That certainly explains why so many mothers I talk to feel extremely confused on how to solve their children's sleep issues.  I remember feeling the exact same way when my own son wasn't sleeping well, and I was looking for a solution. The advice I found while searching the internet was often just anecdotal and conflicting. My searches resulted in greater confusion and increased frustration.


Since you are reading this article, it would be safe to say that you can relate.   To help ease your mind, I am going to put my training and experience to good use to squash some of the most popular sleep myths.


Crush Your Goals in 2019 by Making Sleep a Priority

Crush Your Goals in 2019 by Making Sleep a Priority

Happy New Year!  I love turning the page on a new calendar year.  It is a great time to reflect on what went well (and not so well) last year and set a list of new goals and intentions for the year ahead.  If you are anything like me you have A LOT in store for this coming year, which can feel equal parts exhilarating and overwhelming.

The good news is that many of your goals can be accomplished by focusing on one thing.  And, that one thing is - sleep!

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How to Pack for Sweet Dreams When Traveling with Children

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How to Pack for Sweet Dreams When Traveling with Children

“Pack” has always been a four-letter word in my book.

I am forever struggling with the former girl scout in me who likes to “always be prepared” and my desire to pack light in order to avoid the dreaded baggage claim.  

Now that I have children the struggle is even more real.  Especially when it comes to packing “all the things” needed to replicate their home sleep environment while we are away to help them catch their zzzs.

Because if they aren’t sleeping well, I am not sleeping well and that’s not fun for anyone.

To help ensure that “no lovey is left behind”, I have created a packing list that covers the essentials needed to create a comfy and cozy sleep environment for your children.  It also includes some of my favorite travel-friendly sleep related products too!

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Is My Toddler Ready for a Big Kid Bed?

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Is My Toddler Ready for a Big Kid Bed?

Moving your toddler from a crib to a bed can be a very exciting time. Who doesn’t love picking out new bedroom furniture and bedding? I know I sure do!  As exciting as this time may be, it is important that the transition is handled with care so that your toddler’s (and your) sleep isn’t negatively impacted. As as a sleep consultant, I talk to parents weekly who unknowingly rushed into the move and then find themselves dealing with bedtime battles and/or night wakings

Don’t worry! This milestone can be and will be a positive experience for your family if timed correctly.  And, I want nothing more than for this to be a joyous occasion for your family. Today, I am going to share my “Big Kid Bed Readiness Checklist” so that you can make sure your kiddo is equipped to handle this big change.

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Top 4 Back to School Sleep Tips

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Top 4 Back to School Sleep Tips

You know just how important it is for your children to get enough sleep during the school year, both for your sanity and their ability to learn. Healthy sleep habits for school aged children have many benefits including:

  • Increased ability to cope with stress

  • Reduced irritability

  • Improved memory and concentration

  • Lessened risk of anxiety and depression

  • Improved motivation and problem solving abilities

  • Better relationships with others with peers, teachers and at home

If you’re worried about how you can get you children back on a healthy sleep schedule so they can shine like their brilliant selves when they get to class, I have a few tips for you!


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Surviving the Infamous 4 Month Sleep Regression

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Surviving the Infamous 4 Month Sleep Regression

As a new parent, chances are that you have heard about the dreaded 4 Month Sleep Regression from a friend or family member or maybe you are currently going through it (I’m sorry!) with your babe.  The war stories usually sound like this….

“Up until around 16 weeks my baby would fall asleep peacefully in my arms while feeding and would wake up just a couple times to feed overnight and then would fall back to sleep quickly like a little angel baby.  Once my baby hit the 4 month mark, sleep became his enemy. Now he is up every hour wanting to party and it takes FOREVER for him to fall back to sleep.”


Sound familiar?  If you ever wondered why so many families share the same story, you are in luck.  I am going to shed some light on this phenomenon as well as share some surefire ways to get through it without losing too much sleep.

Early Riser? Take Advantage of the Spring Time Change to Help Your Child Sleep Later

Early Riser? Take Advantage of the Spring Time Change to Help Your Child Sleep Later

If you are the not-so-lucky parent of an early riser don’t fret, help is on the way!   You, my friend, are going to take FULL advantage of the upcoming change to Daylight Savings Time (DST) and nip those early wakings in the bud, once and for all.  Hooray! When the clock springs ahead, that means your child will naturally wake up an hour later. Well, at least according to the clock. Just think: 6 a.m. instead of 5!  Isn’t it crazy to think of 6 a.m. as an “acceptable” wake time?

Get Your Kid's Sleep Back on Track - Post-Holiday Recovery Plan

Get Your Kid's Sleep Back on Track - Post-Holiday Recovery Plan

Happy New Year! As much as I love the holidays, I have to admit that I am a bit relieved that they are behind us. Too much sugar and not enough sleep has made my kiddos a handful!

So tonight, I am going to start my plan to get them back on track with their healthy sleep habits. That way, they can go back to being the darling little angels I know and love (insert hint of sarcasm).

Enjoy the Holidays and Keep Your Child’s Sleep Schedule Intact!

Enjoy the Holidays and Keep Your Child’s Sleep Schedule Intact!

Yes, you heard me right, you can have have it all - Happy Holidays and a happy well rested child!  With a little planning and whole lot of gumption, you can maintain your child’s sleep schedule amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.  

There are three main reasons that a baby or toddler’s healthy sleep habits go out the window during the holidays: (1) Travel, (2) Well-Meaning Friends and Family and (3) Room Sharing.  In this article, I am going to give you tips on how to navigate each without undoing all the hard work you put forth in helping your child shape healthy sleep habits.

Navigating Your Child's Sleep Schedule at the End of Daylight Savings Time

Navigating Your Child's Sleep Schedule at the End of Daylight Savings Time

Remember the good old days before you had kids when you looked forward to the clocks “falling back”? 

Before you became a parent, the time change meant that you could sleep an extra hour before work on Monday. No need to hit the snooze button. Leisurely watching the morning news in bed. An extra cup of coffee. 

Let’s take a moment to savor those memories before we process what the end of daylight savings time means for your child’s sleep schedule.

Amazon Prime Day Sleep Picks!

Amazon Prime Day Sleep Picks!

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE a good deal.  That is why July 11th has quickly become one of my favorite shopping days as it is when Amazon offers amazing deals for its Prime Members.  I have spent a good portion of the day scouring the site for goodies, so I thought that I would share some of my favorite sleep inducing deals with you.  Here you go....

Summertime Sleep Tips - Top 5 Ways to Balance Your Child's Sleep Needs with Fun in the Sun!

Summertime Sleep Tips - Top 5 Ways to Balance Your Child's Sleep Needs with Fun in the Sun!

Summer is a special time for children and parents alike.  It is the season in which the most cherised memories are made.  Summer means swimming pools, sprinklers, bare feet, ice cream and full-on sunshine at 8:00 PM.  It is no wonder why children want to stay up late this time of year and why it is so hard for us as parents to deny them their summer fun.  But remember, although the days are longer, the sleep needs of our children are still the same.  If they aren’t getting the proper amount of rest they will ultimately end up overtired and cranky.  As a result, they (and you) can’t fully enjoy all the simple pleasures of summer.  No es bueno!  

So, how do you ensure your child is getting enough sleep during this exciting time of year?  Here are my Top 5 Summertime Sleep Tips for Babies and Toddlers…..

The Curse of the Early Riser - 3 Tips on How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Later

The Curse of the Early Riser - 3 Tips on How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Later

I have always been an early riser.  Before having kids, I would love to wake-up early on weekends when most of of city is still asleep to go for a bike ride or run.  In those days I would get a lot of gratification out of getting more done by noon than most people get done in an entire day.  Back then, my definition of waking up early on the weekend was 8:00 AM and getting a lot done consisted of a work out, a mani/pedi and maybe a load of laundry.  Well, now that I am a parent, a LOT has changed.  Early morning bike rides have been replaced by early trips to the park, it’s a miracle if I am to squeeze in a shower before noon let alone a mani/pedi (have you seen my feet?) and now I consider 8:00 AM sleeping-in!  

Daylight Savings Time Sleep Tips

It’s that time of year again - time to spring your clocks forward this Sunday.  I know that some of you are panicking about how the time change will affect your child’s sleep schedule.  No need to worry because I have your back!  Here are some simple techniques that will help make your child’s adjustment to the new time as easy as the spring breeze…..

Step 1 - Do nothing.  I recommend not changing your clocks Saturday night.  Instead, wake-up, drink your coffee (if you’re lucky), eat breakfast and then adjust the clocks.  That way your family will gradually adjust to the new time throughout the day as opposed to being smacked in the face by it on Sunday morning.  

Looking for some quick sleep tips for babies and kids?  

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