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.
The start of the new school year is around the corner and the number one thing kids need is a good night’s sleep. Here are 5 tips for parents to make sure kids are getting adequate and healthy sleep before all the learning begins. School may not be how we all imagined it would this year, but our kids still need great sleep.
When you're ready to start sleep training, your partner can be your secret weapon. Seriously.
When we’re teaching a baby or toddler to fall asleep independently, one of the biggest challenges is breaking the association between sleep and nursing (or rocking, bouncing, etc.).
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.
