Ah, the holidays — a season of family gatherings, festive traditions, and so much joy. It truly is my favorite time of year! But let’s be honest: for many parents, it can also be a lot. Balancing late-night festivities, travel plans, and houseguests while running on fumes? That’s enough to make anyone feel like they need a permanent nap.
If you're a parent, you've likely encountered what I call a "false start." This isn’t industry jargon; it's a term that describes a common sleep issue many families face. Picture this: you’ve lovingly settled your little one down for the night. They drift off, only to wake up again 20-30 minutes later. Frustrating, right? Let’s dive more into what false starts are and how to address them effectively.
The baby industry is loaded with sleep aids, from the latest swaddles and pacifiers to high-tech bassinets. In the world of sleep consulting, we often refer to these items as "sleep props," but you might also hear them called "crutches" or "sleep associations." But do these props actually contribute to better sleep, or could they be hindering it?
Motherhood is full of joy, excitement, and love. While these feelings are undeniably present, the journey is also marked by periods of exhaustion, loneliness, and overwhelming challenges—emotions that can be startlingly unexpected. The anxiety that accompanies sleepless nights, the frustration of an inconsolable baby, and the guilt that follows these intense feelings are seldom discussed openly.
“I’ve tried everything to get my baby to sleep and nothing has worked.” This is a sentence I hear in nearly every call I have with tired moms. These moms are desperate for answers, reading books, scrolling the internet and social media, asking friends for their secrets and even buying “one size fits all” sleep training programs. It can be extremely overwhelming to have contradictory information coming from all sides. How do you know who to trust?
Welcoming a newborn into your family is an exhilarating experience, filled with moments of joy and wonder. However, it's no secret that those early days and nights can also be quite challenging, especially when it comes to establishing a consistent bedtime routine. A calming bedtime routine is not only beneficial for your newborn's well-being but can also contribute to a more restful night for the entire family. I have some easy-to-follow suggestions for establishing a calming bedtime routine for your little one.
Ah, toddlers—the pint-sized bundles of energy and curiosity that keep us on our toes at all hours. While their antics can be charming and amusing during the day, the lack of quality sleep can turn them into tiny tyrants full of meltdowns and mischief. So, what's the deal with toddlers and sleep, and how does it impact their behavior? Let's discuss.
We all just survived the time change of Daylight Saving and now it’s spring break. It’s time for a fun family trip and often that means different time zones, messing with naps, or staying up late. Nothing lights up my soul more than travel, so I do everything I can to make sure sleep stays intact during our family trip.
