ALL THINGS NEWBORN, BABY, & TODDLER SLEEP
The Blog
Traveling across time zones? Tips for baby and toddler sleep success
Traveling with babies and toddlers is an adventure—but when you add time zone changes into the mix, it can get even more crazy. Adjusting your little one’s sleep schedule while keeping everyone happy (and rested) is no small task, but with a bit of planning and patience, it’s entirely possible to make the transition smoother.
Whether you’re heading west from New York to California or east from California to New York, this blog will help you manage sleep disruptions and set your family up for a restful trip. We’ll talk through why and how the time zone changes affect your child, how to prepare for your upcoming trip, managing sleep while you are heading to your destination, adjusting to the new time zone and then adjusting back to normal when you return home. Let’s go!
Parental preference at bedtime: What it is, why it happens, and how to fix it
Do you notice that your child will only let one parent get them ready for bed and put them down? If so, you’re not alone! Whether you are the preferred parent who always has to be “on” at bedtime and never gets a break OR you are the non-preferred parent who wants to help but can’t, I know it can feel incredibly frustrating. Parental preference can be a stressful time for the whole family because one parent (typically mom- but not always) feels tapped out and trapped while dad feels helpless and a little hurt that he’s not wanted at bedtime. Day in and day out, this pattern can grow really tiring and is often the spark of disagreements between partners.
4 common mistakes parents make with baby sleep—and how to avoid them
Let’s face it—sleep is one of the most challenging parts of parenting, and when things don’t go smoothly, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong. But here’s the truth: struggling with your child’s sleep is incredibly common, and you’re not alone.
Every baby is unique, and even the best-intentioned parents can run into roadblocks when trying to improve their little one’s sleep. If you’ve found yourself googling “how to get my baby to sleep” at 2 a.m. or feeling like nothing you try works, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing.
In my work with countless families, I’ve noticed some recurring themes when it comes to the mistakes parents often make while trying to improve their baby’s sleep. The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what’s holding you back.
In this blog, I’ll explore four common baby sleep mistakes and offer simple, practical solutions to help you and your baby get the rest you deserve.
When sleep training isn’t working: Signs it might be time to try a new approach
You’ve committed to sleep training and followed the plan to the letter, but instead of peaceful nights, you’re still dealing with frequent wake-ups, bedtime battles, or seemingly endless frustration. It can feel defeating, especially when you’re running on little sleep yourself.
First, let me reassure you: if sleep training isn’t working, it’s not because you’ve failed as a parent or because your child is beyond help. Every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Sleep training isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and sometimes, the key to success is recognizing when it’s time to reassess and try a new approach.
In this blog, we’ll explore the signs that your current method might not be working, common reasons for setbacks, and how to pivot to a plan that better suits your child’s unique needs.
Getting your baby back to sleep: Handling post-illness sleep regressions
If your baby has recently been sick, you might find yourself dealing with more than just their recovery—you’re also facing disrupted sleep patterns that feel like a full-blown regression. It’s common for babies and toddlers to struggle with sleep after illness, as their routines and comfort levels have been temporarily upended. Whether it’s waking more often at night, refusing naps, or needing extra comfort to settle, these regressions can leave parents feeling frustrated and exhausted.
The good news is that you don’t have to stay stuck here forever. You can help your baby return to healthy sleep habits- you just need to know how! In this guide, we’ll discuss why sleep regressions happen after illness and share practical tips to help your little one get back on track.
Supporting your baby’s sleep during major life changes: Moving, divorce, or new sibling
Major life changes, such as moving, divorce, or the arrival of a new sibling, can bring about significant shifts in a baby’s daily routine—and often, their sleep. Babies thrive on consistency and predictability, so when big changes happen, it’s natural for their sleep to be temporarily disrupted. While these transitions can be challenging, there are strategies to help your baby adapt and maintain healthy sleep habits during and after these times.
This blog will walk you through practical ways to support your baby’s sleep despite some of life’s most significant changes. Whether you’re packing up boxes, navigating a new family dynamic, or preparing for your baby to become a big sibling, these tips will help keep sleep disruptions to a minimum and help you keep your sanity!
When is my baby ready to sleep through the night and sleep train? FAQs answered
As a parent, you’ve probably heard the advice, “Sleep when the baby sleeps,” but when your baby wakes up frequently during the night, those words can feel like wishful thinking. Many parents wonder when they’ll start to see longer stretches of sleep or even a full night’s rest, and they often ask, “How will I know when my baby is ready to sleep through the night?” and “When can I sleep train?”
The answer isn’t always straightforward, as each baby is unique and will reach this milestone in their own time. However, there are developmental cues that can indicate when your little one is ready to start sleeping longer at night, and knowing these can help ease the journey toward better sleep. In this FAQ guide, I’ll walk you through common questions about when babies can start sleeping through the night, signs that they’re ready, and gentle approaches to beginning sleep training when the time is right.
Why is my baby suddenly crying at sleep times?
As a pediatric sleep consultant, one question I frequently hear from parents is “Why is my baby suddenly crying at sleep times?!” It can be so confusing (and exhausting and frustrating) when your little one, who may have been settling well, suddenly starts protesting at naps and bedtime. Oftentimes it will feel like it comes out of nowhere and you’re left grasping at straws to try to figure out what happened.
First off, I want to make sure you know that it’s not a reflection on you. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that you’ve ruined your good sleeper. Please don’t take this sudden increase in crying and protest personally. It is not your fault. Babies go through all kinds of changes and developments and it’s completely normal to have ups and downs. Let’s talk through some common reasons this might be happening and how you can help your baby through it.
Daylight saving time (fall edition): Keep your baby’s sleep on track
As parents, we all know how precious sleep is—both for our babies and for ourselves! But just when you feel like you’ve finally nailed your baby’s sleep schedule, daylight saving time swoops in and threatens to throw everything off. Gaining an extra hour of sleep might sound like a dream come true, but for babies, it can be the start of earlier wake-ups and disrupted routines.
Don’t panic! With a little preparation and a few simple strategies, you can help your baby adjust smoothly to the shift in time. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about navigating the fall time change, whether you decide to take a gradual, hands-on approach or a more laid back, go-with-the-flow approach. Plus, we’ll cover why handling mornings carefully is key to keeping your baby on track. With patience and consistency, you’ll be back to peaceful nights (and mornings!) in no time.
Signs you are nailing your baby’s wake windows
As a parent, figuring out your baby’s wake windows can feel like cracking a secret code. When should they nap? Are they awake too long? Not long enough? It’s easy to get caught up in the guessing game. But here’s the good news: when you’re nailing your baby’s wake windows, it shows—and your baby’s sleep will thank you for it!
Sound machines: Should you use white noise to support your child’s sleep?
As a parent, you've likely tried everything to help your little one sleep better—rocking, shushing, swaddling, even driving around the block late at night. But if you haven’t tried using white noise, you may be missing out on a simple, yet effective solution to support your child’s sleep. White noise machines have become a go-to tool for many sleep-deprived parents, but is it really the secret to peaceful nights and longer naps?
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what white noise is, why it can help your child fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, and how it compares to other sounds like brown and pink noise. We’ll also cover practical tips for safely using white noise to ensure your child’s sleep environment is as restful as possible. Finally, we’ll answer the big question: when—and if—you should stop using white noise? If you’re curious about whether a sound machine could be the key to better sleep, keep reading to learn more!
Coping with sleep deprivation as a mom: 8 tips for self-care and recovery
Sleep deprivation is one of the toughest challenges moms face- as a mom of 4 kids under 4, I get it! But it doesn’t have to overwhelm you and there are absolutely things you can do to help ease some of the sleep deprivation. By incorporating my 8 go-to tips for sleep deprived moms, you can recover from sleepless nights, stay strong for your baby, and still feel like an actual human being. Keep reading for practical tips to help you cope with sleep deprivation while prioritizing your own well-being.
Surviving sick season: how to support your baby’s sleep
Sick season is never easy—especially when your little one is battling a cold or flu, and you're juggling sleepless nights and endless worry. As a parent, you may find yourself watching over your baby, wondering how to keep their sleep on track while they’re feeling under the weather. The good news? With a few adjustments, you can help your baby get the rest they need to heal, even during those sniffly, restless nights.
Sibling sleep challenges: how to mange shared bedrooms
Sharing a bedroom can be a beautiful bonding experience for siblings, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges—especially when it comes to sleep. If you’ve found yourself tiptoeing around the house, fearing that one child’s stirring will wake the other, you’re not alone! Many parents struggle to find the balance between fostering sibling closeness and ensuring everyone gets the sleep they need. But the good news? With some thoughtful planning and realistic expectations, you can create a sleep environment that works for both of your little ones.
Addressing sleep associations
Is your baby waking up multiple times a night, needing to be rocked, fed, or held back to sleep? You might be dealing with sleep associations, a common challenge that many parents face but don’t always realize. Sleep associations are the habits and cues that your baby relies on to fall asleep—and while some are helpful, others can become obstacles that keep everyone from getting the rest they need.
Sleep myths debunked: Common misconceptions about infant and toddler sleep
When it comes to getting your baby or toddler to sleep well, advice is never in short supply. From well-meaning relatives to online forums, everyone seems to have a “tried and true” tip that promises longer stretches of sleep. But what if some of this advice is actually working against you? Common sleep myths like feeding your baby cereal before bed, keeping them up late so they’ll sleep in, or never waking a sleeping baby have been passed down for generations—but they might be doing more harm than good.
Overcoming your child's separation anxiety at sleep times
Separation anxiety at sleep time can turn bedtime into a struggle, leaving both parents and children feeling overwhelmed. If your once peaceful bedtime routine has become a nightly challenge, you're not alone. Separation anxiety is a common developmental phase, but that doesn't make it any easier to navigate. The good news? With the right strategies, you can help your child overcome their fears and make sleep time a comforting experience once again.
Breaking the pacifier habit: How to help your child sleep without it
Is it time to say goodbye to the pacifier? While pacifiers can be a lifesaver for soothing your baby, there comes a point when it’s best to let them go. The process of weaning off the pacifier can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth transition for both you and your little one. In this blog, we’ll discuss the signs that it’s time to drop the pacifier, share tips for using it less during the newborn phase, outline steps for helping your baby give up the pacifier, and provide strategies for ditching the pacifier with your toddler. Ready to help your child develop healthier sleep habits? Let’s dive in and make this transition as easy and stress-free as possible!
Understanding the 12 month sleep regression
Is your once peaceful sleeper suddenly waking at all hours of the night and refusing their naps? Welcome to the 12-month baby sleep regression, a phase that can leave even the most experienced parents feeling frazzled. You're not alone in this sleep chaos but understanding what’s happening can make all the difference.
In this post, I’ll explore the telltale signs of the 12-month sleep regression, how long you can expect it to last, and the reasons behind this perplexing phase. Plus, I’ll share two quick and effective tips to help you and your little one navigate this challenging time. Keep reading if you’re ready to reclaim your sleep and help your baby through this sleep regression.
Fixing your baby’s split nights
Is your baby waking at night for extended periods of time? Split nights can literally feel like the worst thing when you’re desperate for a full night of sleep. You may even be reading this blog as you sit up overnight waiting for your baby to finally go back to sleep. These marathon waking sessions are often frustrating and confusing. Aren’t babies supposed to sleep at night? Why does my baby think she’s nocturnal? Lucky for you, I’m here to share the 3 main causes of split nights and give you tools to tackle this issue so you can get back to sleeping all night!