FAQ
Sleep training refers to a set of strategies and techniques used to help infants and young children develop healthy sleep habits.
It involves intentionally teaching your baby or toddler to fall asleep independently and sleep through the night. This means they can settle down for sleep without the need to be held, rocked, or fed to sleep, and they can sleep for 10-12 hours without your intervention (though some babies may require a night feeding until around 9 months).
This can also help establish a more predictable and restful sleep routine for the entire family.
No, sleep training is not synonymous with "Cry It Out." We offer a variety of sleep training methods, which include gentle, gradual approaches that respect your child's needs, while helping them learn healthy sleep habits.
Unfortunately, sleep training has acquired a negative reputation due to its association with the 'cry it out' approach. The cry-it-out method involves placing the baby in their crib, closing the door, and not returning until the next day. This extreme approach represents an outdated mindset that does not align with most parents today.
The term "sleep training" serves as an overarching concept encompassing various methods aimed at helping babies learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently, all the while ensuring that parents remain engaged and responsive throughout the process.
Common sleep training methods include:
Graduated Extinction (like the Ferber Method): Developed by Dr. Richard Ferber, this method involves checking on the child at gradually increasing intervals to provide comfort and reassurance. It aims to teach self-soothing.
Chair Method: In this approach, a parent sits near the child's crib or bed and gradually moves farther away over time until the child learns to sleep independently.
Pick Up/Put Down: This method involves picking up the child when they cry and putting them back down when they are calm but not yet asleep, gradually reducing the amount of time spent comforting the child.
The sleep training methods we use vary depending on the child's age, temperament, and the parenting philosophy of the family. All the methods above can be altered or combined to fit your child's needs, or what you as the parent feel comfortable with.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of sleep training is not solely about the method but also the holistic approach, considering factors like daytime sleep, feeding, emotional attachment, mental stimulation, physical activity, and more.
My sleep support provides a comprehensive, research-supported plan that is age appropriate. I aim to help you create a personalized sleep plan that aligns with your parenting style and your child's individuality.
We work with children from newborns up to age 4.
It's essential to understand that newborns cannot and should not undergo sleep training. However, we emphasize the importance of establishing healthy sleep foundations during this early stage. By doing so, it may mitigate the need for formal sleep training as they grow older.
Proper sleep training is typically recommended to begin at 5 months of age and beyond. This is when most babies have developed the capacity for certain self-soothing behaviors and a more predictable sleep pattern, making it an ideal time to consider formal sleep training if needed.
To get started, you can schedule a free call to determine if our services align with your needs and goals.
After deciding to proceed, you'll complete a comprehensive questionnaire, providing essential details about your child's sleep habits and any specific concerns.
Based on the information you provide, we create a personalized sleep plan tailored to your child's unique sleep challenges and your family's preferences.
We schedule a training call where we thoroughly discuss the sleep plan and the strategies involved. This is an opportunity to address any questions and ensure that you're comfortable with the plan.
We're with you every step of the way. Throughout the sleep training process, we provide continuous support to help you implement the plan effectively, make necessary adjustments, and address any concerns that may arise.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to achieve improved sleep for your child, while offering guidance and assistance at every stage of the journey.
Sleep training may not be recommended or appropriate in certain situations, including:
Medical Concerns: If your child has underlying medical issues or is currently unwell, it's essential to prioritize their health and consult with a healthcare provider before considering sleep training.
Family Readiness: If parents or caregivers are not emotionally or physically prepared for sleep training, it's advisable to wait until everyone is ready to commit to the process.
Parenting Style: Some families may have philosophies that do not align with formal sleep training methods. In such cases, alternative sleep solutions may be more suitable.
Child's Age: While gentle sleep habits can be established from an early age, more structured sleep training methods are typically initiated between 4-6 months. Before this age, infants may have more unpredictable sleep patterns and may require different approaches.
It's essential to consult with a pediatrician or a pediatric sleep consultant to determine the most appropriate approach for your child, taking into account their unique circumstances and your family's specific needs and values.
Our sleep training packages typically span two to three weeks, but you can often observe positive changes within just a few days. The timeframe for noticeable improvements can vary based on your child's age, and individual adaptability. It's important to recognize that each child is unique, and some may adapt more quickly than others. Achieving healthy and independent sleep skills is a gradual process, and occasional adjustments may be required for sustained success. Additionally, it's essential to remember that the extent of success in sleep training also depends on how effectively parents follow the plan and maintain consistency in implementing it. Before we begin, we always discuss your goals and set realistic expectations tailored to your child's specific needs.
Yes, you can absolutely continue breastfeeding while sleep training. It's essential to tailor the sleep plan to accommodate your feeding preferences. We can work with you to create a plan that ensures your child receives the comfort and nourishment they need while also helping them develop healthy sleep habits. Our goal is to support your specific goals and parenting choices throughout the sleep training process.
Yes, you can continue room sharing while sleep training if it aligns with your parenting preferences. We understand that room sharing is a common choice for many families, especially during the early stages of a child's life.
It's important to clarify that this involves room sharing but not bed sharing. Room sharing allows you to be close to your child for added comfort and convenience while promoting safe sleep practices. It's worth noting that when room sharing, it may take a little longer to see results, but it is indeed possible.
Yes, we offer ongoing support to help you implement and adjust the sleep plan as needed. Follow-up consultations can be scheduled to address any additional concerns or challenges.
While I cannot provide an absolute guarantee, it's essential to understand that the effectiveness of the process significantly relies on your commitment and follow-through as parents.
While I will invest my best efforts and expertise to help you reach your sleep goals, the ultimate success depends on your commitment to the plan, and your sincere desire for better sleep for your child. We will work closely to make progress toward the goals we set during our initial meeting.
Yes! I offer in person as well as full virtual consultations.
Sleep training, when done thoughtfully and with respect for your child's needs, cannot harm your attachment with your child. In fact, it can often lead to a more secure attachment by promoting healthier sleep patterns for both you and your child. Our approach focuses on providing comfort, reassurance, and support during the process, ensuring a strong and secure parent-child attachment is maintained throughout the journey to better sleep.
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