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.
Toddler bedtime made easy: Crafting a routine that works
Bedtime with a toddler can sometimes feel like an Olympic event. From stalling tactics to bursts of energy at the exact wrong moment, getting your little one to bed can be a test of patience. But while the process might seem overwhelming, a consistent bedtime routine can make all the difference.
Toddlers thrive on predictability, and bedtime is no exception. A well-crafted routine not only helps your child transition to sleep more easily but also fosters emotional security and precious moments of connection. In this blog, I’ll break down how to create the perfect bedtime routine for your toddler—one that works for them and you.
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!
7 tips to encourage quiet time for rest when naps end
Dropping naps can feel like a major milestone—and, for many parents, a double-edged sword. On one hand, you might miss the much-needed break in the middle of the day, but on the other, it can open up opportunities for new routines and less restriction during the day. Enter quiet time—a dedicated window for children to rest, recharge, and find calm in their day, even when sleep isn’t on the menu. A daily quiet time supports their emotional well-being, promotes independent play, and provides parents with a bit of respite too. Here are seven practical tips to help you make quiet time a cherished part of your routine after naps are dropped.
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.
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.
Tired of the bedtime battle? 8 tips to help your toddler stay in bed
Is bedtime in your house starting to feel more like a battlefield than a peaceful end to the day? You’re not alone! Many parents struggle with toddlers who resist staying in bed, constantly calling out for “just one more” story, hug, or drink of water. It can be exhausting and frustrating, especially when you know they need the rest (and so do you!).
But don’t worry, you don’t have to keep fighting the same bedtime battles night after night. With the right strategies, you can help your toddler stay in bed and make bedtime a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone.
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!
How to handle your toddler being afraid of the dark
Toddler sleep can be so tricky! Not only do you have the crib to bed transition, dropping naps, and potential new siblings, but you also have night time fears popping up as well. As a parent, it can feel so disheartening when your child suddenly develops fears at nighttime. You know how much they still need sleep and it can be frustrating to see fears come out of nowhere.
As I’ve worked with families through these nighttime fears, I find most parents just feel so caught off guard by nighttime fears. They tend to throw all their skills and sleep expectations out the window when a blip like this pops up. I decided to put together my tips for helping your child navigate their nighttime fears so you don’t feel like lost if you ever go through this phase.
How to use an okay to wake clock
If you have a toddler and you’re struggling with early wakings, you’ve probably had someone suggest that you get an okay to wake clock! I find that people fall into 1 of 2 camps when they talk about these tools. They either swear by them and think they are the greatest invention OR they dislike them because the okay to wake clock “didn’t work.” But can I tell you a secret? Those in the second camp often feel like the clocks don’t work because they aren’t using them correctly.
As someone in camp 1 who is obsessed with my okay to wake clock, I put together step by step instructions for exactly how to use an okay to wake clock so that it works for you as any sleep tool should. Keep reading to learn how to teach your toddler to stay in their room until their clock light turns on and it’s actually wake up time.
Your roadmap to the 2 to 1 nap transition
Nap transitions can be really confusing. You may be unsure if it’s time to drop from 2 to 1 nap. You may be wondering if there is a right or wrong time to do it? Some days your toddler may be taking 2 naps just fine while other days seem to be a trainwreck. But the thought of removing the morning nap can feel impossible.
Transitioning from two naps to one is the biggest nap transition you will go through. It can be a challenging transition for your toddler so knowing the best way to approach this transition as well as being patient during the process is key. In this blog, I'll walk you through the signs indicating it's time to make the switch, strategies for a smooth transition, and practical tips to ease the adjustment.
Transitioning from nap to quiet time
Is your toddler starting to fight nap time? If they are, it’s possible you are freaking out right now. Naptime is sacred time for moms and the thought of losing that daily time can feel kind of depressing. I get it. As a mom of 3, 3 and under, I want to hold onto naptime as long as I possibly can. Not only is it for my sanity, but it also helps hold off the meltdowns with my toddler too!
So, before you go cry into your pillow, let me walk you through everything you need to know for this transition away from napping. We’ll get into what age you can expect this, when your toddler is actually tricking you about being done with naptime, the real signs to look out for, and how you can drop the nap but still keep a daily rest time (also known as quiet time) for you and your toddler.
Ready for a toddler bed? 4 things you need to know before transitioning from crib to bed
When your child is ready to be done with the crib, it can be such an exciting time! It can also feel a little scary because you have no idea how your child will respond to this big change. As a mom I’ve been through this transition before. I’ve also had the privilege to help other families as they move their toddler from crib to bed. From this experience, I’d say there are 4 big things you need to know before you even begin transitioning. I don’t want you to rush into things feeling unprepared so I’ve put together this blog post to help guide you!
Early Bedtime VS Extra Nap
Your little ones nap’s have been off for the day. Maybe one nap was a lot shorter than normal and now the whole day has been thrown off. Here’s how to decide whether you should add an extra nap or just do an earlier bedtime.