Tis’ the season of family gatherings, parties, fun traditions, and more. It really is my favorite time of year. For some parents, it’s an extremely stressful time especially if you’re balancing all of the holiday fun while running on empty. Let’s talk about the holidays and your child’s sleep. If your kiddo is not a great sleeper, I can help. If you’ve got the sleep thing down, I’ll share tips on keeping it intact while during this season of joy.
I love all that summertime brings—longer days, vacations, perfect weather, and the relaxed pace of life. As a kid, I cherished running around the neighborhood, playing outside until the sun dipped below the horizon. Now, as a mom, I look forward to this time of year even more, as it offers the opportunity for extended evenings and slower mornings.
Becoming a new mom can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re bombarded with conflicting advice. Everywhere you turn, there are old wives' tales, heavy suggestions, and unsolicited advice laden with judgment. You've probably heard things like, "Try rice cereal in the bottle, it will make your baby sleep longer," or "Waking up five times a night is normal, and not sleeping for two years is just part of being a mom." These myths couldn’t be further from the truth—and the latter, frankly, makes me a bit riled up!
As a sleep consultant, I know firsthand how room sharing with your baby can feel like both a blessing and a challenge. While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing for at least the first six months (ideally up to one year) to reduce the risk of SIDS, it’s crucial to create an environment that promotes restful sleep for both you and your baby. If you're struggling with constant night wakings or an unsustainable sleep setup, you're not alone! Here are the essential do’s and don’ts of room sharing so your whole family can get the rest they need.
A swaddle can be a powerful tool to help a newborn sleep well. But knowing when and how to transition out of a swaddle is not only important for safety but also helps prevent your baby from becoming dependent on it for sleep. Teaching your baby how to fall asleep without relying on something external benefits the entire family and fosters healthy sleep habits.
If you’re navigating baby sleep training, you may have heard concerns about cortisol, often called the "stress hormone." Some parents worry that sleep training could cause a harmful rise in cortisol levels, leading to long-term stress or emotional challenges. But what does science really say? Let’s break it down.
When bed sharing, babies often depend on feeding and close contact with a parent to fall asleep. This dependence usually extends to night wakings, where they need the same conditions to fall back asleep. Asking your baby to self-soothe and sleep independently while the things they rely on, such as nursing or physical contact, are right there but unavailable can be very confusing and counterproductive.
