Why Consistency is Key When Sleep Training

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Why Consistency is Key When Sleep Training

If you’re thinking about sleep training, or you’ve already started the process, you’ve probably heard the word consistency over and over again. And it’s true: consistency is one of the biggest predictors of success when you’re helping your baby build healthy sleep habits.

But why does consistency matter so much? And what does it actually look like in a real home with real, tired parents?

As someone who supports families all across Metro Detroit with infant and toddler sleep, routines, and postpartum care, I see this pattern every day: children thrive when they know what to expect. And when YOU feel confident and supported, everything gets easier.

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The SNOO: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

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The SNOO: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

As new parents, sleep can often feel like an elusive dream. Between feedings, diaper changes, and the never-ending cycle of soothing your baby, rest can seem out of reach. That’s where many parents find The SNOO smart bassinet to be a lifesaver. This smart bassinet makes promises to help your baby sleep better by automatically responding to their cries with soothing motion and sound. While it may sound like the perfect solution for exhausted parents, the truth is more nuanced. Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to using the SNOO, and why it's important not to rely on it as your only solution for sleep.

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When to Transition Your Baby Out of the Bassinet

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When to Transition Your Baby Out of the Bassinet

As your baby grows, their sleep needs and abilities change. One of the first major milestones in your baby’s sleep journey is when it’s time to transition them out of the bassinet and into a crib. While this is an exciting step, it can also be a tricky one. It’s essential to know when your baby is ready for this change and how to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are some key signs that it’s time to transition your baby out of the bassinet, along with expert tips to help guide you through this important step in your baby’s sleep journey.

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3 Tried-and-True Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep in Later

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3 Tried-and-True Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep in Later

My baby woke up at dawn three mornings in a row last week. Literally, at dawn. And as a sleep coach (and tired mama!), it had me questioning the what and why behind it. After reviewing her schedule for a few days I was able to pinpoint some things that were contributing to her early wakeups, made some tweaks and we’re thankfully back to her regular 7am wake time.

As parents, one of the ultimate goals for your child is to ensure a good night's rest—for both your kiddo and yourselves. Those early morning wake-up calls can do a number on you, your child, and your whole household. Since you’re also likely a tired mama or dad and are possibly longing for just a little more shut-eye in the mornings, I’m here to share three practical tips that worked for my baby and could help your baby sleep in later.

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Your baby doesn't "hate" sleep

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Your baby doesn't "hate" sleep

Be honest, are guilty of saying “my baby hates sleep”? As I sleep coach, I hear this WEEKLY!! I read regularly in Mom FB groups and get inquiries all the time with some form of this phrase. So many parents are convinced that their baby/toddler/child hates sleep or doesn’t NEED much sleep.

I hate to be the bearer of bad (or good?!) news, but children of all ages NEED sleep and WANT to sleep… often times they just don’t know HOW to sleep well on their own.

Helping an infant or toddler learn HOW to sleep is what we do and it looks differently for each child and family we work with. This can be accomplished in a variety of different ways and in my experience there is no “one size fits all” solution, but I’m here to share some great tips with you to get you started.

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Navigating Sleep Regressions with Positivity and Practicality

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If you’ve been a parent for any amount of time you’ve heard about the joys of sleep regressions. 4 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months… It’s fun, right?! But before you reach for that second cup of coffee, let's reframe the narrative. Sleep regressions, though challenging, are a sign of your little one's incredible developmental leaps. We’re here to share some positive and practical tips to navigating and surviving these sleep disturbances.

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3 Common Baby Sleep Myths

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I don’t mess around when it comes to sleep and so when I hear these sleep myths being shared on Facebook Mom Groups or from well-meaning grandparents, I feel compelled to step in and set the record straight!

Sleeping too much during the day will negatively affect night sleep

No way, no how. NO. NO. NO. This myth is one that I hear SO frequently and it is the one that just makes me so upset.

Yes, newborns don’t have a developed circadian rhythm and can sleep more soundly during the day then at night. But once the circadian rhythm is established, consistent, well-timed naps will actually make night sleep better! If you’re keeping your baby up in the hopes that they’ll sleep better at night, all you’re doing is stressing your baby out and making them over tired, almost guaranteeing that they’ll sleep worse at night.

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6 Ways to Support Restful Sleep for Your Family

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6 Ways to Support Restful Sleep for Your Family

When I tell people I’m a Pediatric Sleep Coach, I often get the response “Can you teach ME how to sleep better?”

My answer: “Yes, but you might not like what I tell you to do!”

That always gets a few laughs, mostly because it’s true and adults cognitively recognize that they don’t prioritize sleep as much as they probably should. But, I give the advice just the same because you never know what’s going to resonate with someone. It’s always possible that a simple tip surrounding sleep hygiene or nighttime routines will click and improve someone’s quality of sleep.

For clients, I tailor my guidance for each family’s own needs, routine, and lifestyle, but in general, here are the 6 most significant ways you can support restful sleep for the whole family!

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Our 3 Favorite Bedtime Books

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Our 3 Favorite Bedtime Books

One of my biggest pieces of advice as a sleep coach is to establish a bedtime routine early in your child’s life (or even in utero!) and to stick with it throughout their childhood. Creating a bedtime routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple with a bath, maybe a little infant massage, and include 5-10 minutes of stories or sleepy songs depending on the age of your child. Picking 1-2 books for a bedtime routine with your infant is a good start.

Here are a few of our favorite bedtime stories that can enhance your family’s bedtime routine and help your little one drift off to a peaceful sleep.

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