FAQ

Here are some common questions I get before any sleep consult!

• Should I sleep train my baby?

To sleep train or not to sleep train seems to be the age old question, and the answer all depends on your parenting style. If you’re finding yourself exhausted and at wits end every day it might be a good idea to look into sleep training. While on the other hand if you dont mind being up during the night or early morning then you might not want to sleep train.

• Will there be crying?

While there are many methods of sleep training that are promoted as “no cry” or gentle 9.9/10 times there will be crying. Crying is your babies way of commiunicating to you before they develop language, and they will have strong feelings about you changing their routine on them, which will result in crying. The sleep training method you choose will depend on your expected time frame and how much crying you can handle.

• Does sleep training effect attachment?

Despite what sleep consultants, doulas or other people may tell you there is no strong evidence to suggest sleep training effects your childs attachment style or their attachement to you as a parent. I highly reccomend reading this study on sleep training and its effect on attachment, and the 5 year follow up study from the American Association of Pedatrics.

• What is the best age to sleep train?

Sleep training is not reccomended for children under 4 months old but ive had the best success with children 6-8 months old. Its entirely possible to sleep train at any age, but the older the child is the more likely you are to encounter subsequent issues, protesting and crying.

• What is the hardest age to sleep train?

Each age group comes with its delights and challenges when it comes to sleep training. I personally have found the most difficulty with preschool age children (2.5 years-4 years old) as nightmares and fears are likely to begin appearing at this age. But every child is different, so this wont always be the case!

• Are sleep trained babies happier?

Its impossible to measure happiness in children as even the mose sleep deprived baby will still smile and giggle while playing. Babies who have been sleep trained and learned valueable independent sleep skills are more likely to get a full nights sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and prepared for the day. Babies who have learned independent sleep are more receptive to their environment and prepared to absorb and learn as the day goes on. Tantrums are less likely in toddlers and preschoolers who have got a good night sleep. In short, sleep training will allow your child to learn and grow at their natural pace, without obstruction.

• Will an overtired baby eventually sleep?

Yes… eventually an overtired baby will sleep, but that sleep will be lacking quality and they will wake up more exhausted, stressed and tired than they were before. That sleep may be signifigantly shorter than expected (short naps) or will cause many night wakings, common problems babies and toddlers face. Its better to get your baby on track to healthy sleep, rather than relying on them passing out in your arms for a power nap.

Ready to get on track and back to a good nights sleep? Check out my Sleep Packages or email me for a free 15 minute discovery call