Sleepy Times
a sleep blog
Children’s imaginations can run wild — and for good reason! They’re starting to develop abstract thought. But when fantastical thoughts start to affect bedtime, you need a plan for how to help your child through it. Read this guest blog by Sleep Squad member Marian van Noppen for her tips on how to befriend the bedtime scaries.
This holiday season, don’t let these three items hold you back from keeping your child’s sleep in tact. This is your plan to go in prepared for whatever challenges you face this holiday season regarding travel, family, and room sharing, so you can ensure your child gets the sleep they need. Take a look inside!
Don’t you feel like one of the hardest things to do as a parent is to watch your child feel discomfort when they’re sick? It can be especially challenging, I know, when you’re in the midst of sleep training.
It’s a mixed bag of emotions — you want (and should) comfort your kiddo and help them heal, and at the same time, you also want them to maintain the independent sleep skills they have worked so hard to achieve.
Fortunately with a little guidance, you can treat your child while maintaining their healthy sleep habits — or at very least, set them up for success to continue those habits once the sickness has passed. Check out this blogpost for what I advise my clients to do when their child is under the weather.
Handling bedtime for multiples can be daunting. But handling bedtime for multiples when you’re flying solo for the weekend can be even more stressful. With her husband having to travel for work, Master Sleep Consultant Jade LiManni has learned how to navigate this process like a pro. She shares her tips and tricks in this blog post so you can, too!
Naps can be challenging all on their own, but throw sleep training into the mix, and they can become a completely different beast. Allow me to explain the science behind what’s going on behind phenomenon, and explain some helpful tips to help turn your little one from a nap protestor to a nap enthusiast! (Or at least a nap taker!)
You know your baby is too tired when they can't sleep. Unlike adults, babies sleep worse when they have been kept awake too long. This is because of an overproduction of cortisol in their system. Allow me to explain what's going on behind this phenomenon in this blog post and what you can do to get your child back to sleep.
Let’s face it: daycare naps just aren’t as good as at-home naps. Or at least, that’s what the masses will tell you. But I’m on a mission to turn this around! That’s why I’m sharing my top six tips for how to keep the sleep while you transition your kiddo back to daycare. Let’s make daycare naps the new black.
New Year’s Resolution: To Give My Child Better Sleep. Sound like you? With most of us still in isolation and with the cold temperatures keeping us cooped up, there’s no better time to hunker down and sleep train your child for the New Year. In this blog post, I give you my Top 3 Tips for Improving Your Child’s Sleep to get your child’s sleep in tip-top shape for 2021.
“My toddler was the BEST sleeper — what happened!?” Each week, I hear from families whose toddlers have taken a turn for the worse with their sleep. Although each family’s circumstances may be a little different, the root cause of the sleep issues is usually one of two simple reasons. In this post, I tell you what those are and exactly what to do to nip them in the bud.
With the holidays upon us, I have received a ton of questions from clients this week about how they should handle those situations where they have no choice but to keep their kiddo up past their bedtime. We’ve all been there -- you want to participate in the fun but you’re not sure how to minimize the consequences. Today, I'm not only going to share my tips for surviving the night but also how to get your child back on track the next day.
One of the most common questions I get from new parents is -- will a pacifier improve my baby's sleep? I know that I asked myself this same question when I was a new mom and to my dismay, neither one of my babies would take a pacifier no matter how hard I tried… And let me tell you, I tried.
I tried every brand, every shape, every type, every color and honestly, if someone had told me if I stood on my head and gave my baby a pacifier that they would be more likely to take it, I would've tried that too. But no such luck -- it just didn’t work for me.
Little did I know, the pacifier likely wasn't the answer to our sleep prayers, and actually it would have likely caused even more difficulties overnight.
“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!
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.
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).
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…..
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!
Browse the latest articles on sleep tips for babies, toddlers and big kids. Here are some of our latest posts…
Worried about the end of Daylight Savings Time throwing off your child's sleep schedule? You're not alone! As the clocks "fall back," many parents dread the earlier wake-ups and overtired kids that follow. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through practical strategies to smoothly transition your baby or toddler's sleep schedule with minimal disruptions. Whether you have a newborn on wake windows or a toddler with a set routine, these tips will help you adjust their schedule and avoid those dreaded 5 AM wake-ups. Read on to help your little one sleep soundly through the time change!
Sleep training can stir up a lot of mom guilt, but it doesn’t have to. In this blog, Senior Sleep Consultant Natalie Myre Hart explains how shifting your mindset can help you see sleep training as a gift to your baby — empowering them with lifelong independent sleep skills. Discover expert advice and supportive tips to make the journey easier for both you and your child.
As a working parent, balancing your child's sleep with a busy schedule can be challenging, especially with daycare in the mix. In this post, Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant Jade LiManni offers expert tips on managing your child's sleep, establishing a consistent bedtime routine, and optimizing overnight sleep. Learn how to work with caregivers and create a sleep-friendly environment that supports your child's healthy development, even when daytime routines are out of your control.
