January 31, 2025
Over the past week, during my Free Sleep Assessment Calls, so many parents have told me their little one is experiencing night terrors. And I completely understand—they are terrifying to watch! Before I became a Child Sleep Consultant, all three of my kids went through them at some stage, and at the time, I had no idea what was causing them.
💡 Here’s what I wish I had known sooner: Overtiredness is one of the biggest triggers! If your child suddenly screams, thrashes, or looks terrified in their sleep but isn’t fully awake, you’re likely dealing with a night terror. Unlike nightmares, night terrors happen during deep sleep (non-REM), and the next morning, your child won’t remember a thing.
So, what exactly are night terrors, and more importantly, how can you prevent them? Let’s break it down. ⬇️
Night terrors are sudden, partial awakenings from deep sleep (non-REM sleep). Unlike nightmares, your child isn’t fully awake, won’t recognize you, and won’t remember it the next day. They usually happen in the first half of the night and can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.
Signs of a Night Terror:
✔ Sudden screaming or crying
✔ Thrashing, kicking, or sitting up in bed
✔ Rapid breathing & sweating
✔ Eyes open but unresponsive
✔ No memory of the event the next day
Night terrors are often triggered by overtiredness or sleep disruptions. Other common causes include:
🛏 Not getting enough sleep (late bedtime, skipped naps)
🔄 Big changes in routine (travel, new school, illness)
😟 Stress or anxiety
🤒 Fever or illness
🧬 Genetics (family history of night terrors or sleepwalking)
If your child is overtired, their brain has a harder time transitioning between sleep cycles, making night terrors more likely.
🛑 1. Prioritize Sleep & Avoid Overtiredness
Move bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes if night terrors are happening often.
Stick to a consistent nap schedule (younger children still need daytime sleep).
Avoid long wake windows—overtiredness is the biggest trigger!
💤 2. Keep a Calming Bedtime Routine
Dim the lights, reduce stimulation, and avoid screens 1–2 hours before bed. Screens can hinder the production of melatonin our sleepy hormone preventing deep sleep.
Follow the same bedtime routine every night to signal that sleep is coming.
🚫 3. Never Wake a Child During a Night Terror
They are not actually awake and will not respond rationally.
Trying to wake them can make the episode worse—instead, stay calm, ensure they are safe, and wait for it to pass.
🌡️ 4. Check for Other Disruptions
Keep the room cool, quiet, and dark.
Reduce noise and any disruptions that could trigger partial awakenings.
If your child is sick, in pain, or going through stress, address the root cause.
Night terrors look scary but are completely normal.
Most kids outgrow night terrors by age 6 or 7, but in most of the families I work with, they disappear completely once the child is getting enough sleep. A solid sleep schedule is key! 💛
In rare cases, an underlying medical issue could be contributing, so if you're concerned, always check with your GP.
If your child is struggling with frequent night terrors, I can help adjust their sleep schedule to make things easier! Book a free Sleep Assessment call now and let’s get them (and you!) sleeping better. 💛
January 22, 2025
Early mornings can be a challenge for many families, but not all early wake-ups are the same. As an Infant and Child Sleep Consultant and in my experience working with families, I’ve found it helpful to distinguish between early risers and early birds.
I’m an early bird myself, and two out of my three kids are the same—no matter what time they go to bed, they’re awake between 6:00–6:30 AM like clockwork. That’s just their natural rhythm.
But early rising is a different story. This is when your little one wakes up between 5:00–6:00 AM (or even earlier!) and struggles to sleep longer. Often, this is caused by overtiredness or how early wake-ups are managed.
If this sounds like your situation, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are solutions. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help your child sleep past 6:00 AM (because yes, anything after 6:00 AM is officially “morning” 🙃).
Your child’s sleep environment plays a huge role in their ability to sleep longer. Keep the room dark using blackout curtains and minimize outside noises with white noise machines. This helps signal to their body that it’s still time to rest.
It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes an earlier bedtime can reduce overtiredness and help your child sleep longer in the morning. Overtired children often have more fragmented sleep and wake earlier than expected.
Regular wake-up times are essential for regulating your child’s internal clock. While it takes time to adjust, keeping wake-ups consistent every day—even on weekends—can make mornings more predictable.
Daytime sleep affects nighttime rest. If your child’s naps are too long or too short, it can disrupt their overnight sleep and lead to early wake-ups. Finding the right balance and timing for naps is key.
When your child wakes up early, resist the urge to immediately check on them. Sometimes, they may self-soothe and fall back asleep if given the chance. A short pause can work wonders for helping them settle themselves.
If they do wake early, avoid starting the day right away. Keep the room dark, and avoid stimulating activities until it’s time to wake up. This reinforces the idea that it’s still time to rest.
The most important thing to remember is that consistency is everything. Early rising habits don’t change overnight, but with patience and persistence, you’ll see improvements. A predictable routine can help your child—and you—enjoy smoother mornings and more restful nights.
You’ve got this! 💪
If early rising is something your family is struggling with and you’re unsure where to start, I’d love to help. Book a no-cost 15-minute sleep assessment call where we can discuss your situation and create a plan tailored to your little one’s needs. Book Below
Read more about my services here or reach out anytime—I’m here for you! 💛
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2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallDecember 19, 2024
The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy and excitement, but it can also bring unique challenges when it comes to your little one’s sleep routine. Believe me as a mum of 3 and an Infant and Child Sleep Consultant I have been through it all. Traveling, disrupted schedules, and the festive buzz can make keeping to a routine feel impossible.
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! With a few simple strategies, you can help your child sleep well while still enjoying the magic of Christmas
Start each day at your child’s usual wake-up time. This consistency helps maintain their nap schedule and ensures they’re ready for both daytime rest and bedtime.
Traveling or spending time in new environments? Here’s how to handle naps on the go:
If bedtime is delayed or you’re in a new setting, don’t stress—it’s okay! Babies and toddlers adapt well with a little extra support.
It’s the season of indulgence, and sugary treats are everywhere! While occasional treats are perfectly fine, it’s important to be mindful of how and when they’re consumed:
The holiday season often leaves children overstimulated, making it harder to wind down at bedtime. A simple breathwork for kids exercise can help calm their nervous system and create a sense of relaxation.
✨ Try “Snowflake Breathing”:
If things don’t go perfectly, that’s completely okay! A day or two of disrupted sleep won’t derail your child’s routine. Well-rested children bounce back quickly. Focus on enjoying the magic of the holidays, knowing that you can easily reset their routine afterward.
If you’re looking for more guidance on your child’s sleep, I’m here to help.Why not book in for a free 15 Minute Sleep Assessment Call. During the call you can explain the sleep challenges you are having with your little one and i can share how i can help.
👉 Book a Free 15 Minute Sleep Assessment call now
Choose the perfect package to help your child sleep better with our child sleep consultancy packages
2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallDecember 16, 2024
As a mum of three and a child sleep consultant in Ireland, I understand firsthand how challenging toddler sleep can be. One of the most essential tools for smoother nights is a well-thought-out bedtime routine. Many families I work with tend to rush through bedtime, starting in stimulating spaces like the kitchen or living room and then quickly transitioning to the bedroom, expecting their little one to fall asleep instantly. But without easing into the process and creating a sleep-friendly environment, bedtime can become a struggle.
In this blog, I’ll dive into why bedtime routines are so important and share practical tips for creating an effective, calming routine that sets your toddler up for restful sleep.
Why Bedtime Routines Matter
Between the ages of 18 months and two years, toddlers begin asserting their independence. This often leads to bedtime resistance, stalling, and delay tactics. Consistency in their bedtime routine can provide much-needed stability, helping them develop healthy sleep habits and fostering their overall well-being.
Creating the perfect bedtime routine requires balancing predictability with flexibility. Every family is different, but here are key rituals and steps to consider:
Have a Family Meeting
Before you begin working on improving your toddler’s sleep, take the time to sit down and have a conversation with them. Explain in a calm and positive way that you’ll be helping them learn to sleep on their own. Help them understand that getting more sleep will give them lots of energy for play and will give you more energy to join in the fun.
Keep the tone upbeat and encouraging so they feel supported and excited about this change. Outline what will happen after the bedtime routine so they know exactly what to expect—what is expected of them and how you will respond if they call out for you or get out of bed.
Consistency is key: Whatever approach you decide on, it’s important to follow through. This will help your toddler build trust in you and the process, making the transition to better sleep smoother for everyone.
Changing sleep habits takes time, especially if your toddler has developed a reliance on your presence to fall asleep. Stay consistent, and they’ll learn to trust the process and feel secure.
If bedtime battles are overwhelming you, let’s work together to create a plan that works for your family.
Book a Free 15-Minute Sleep Assessment Call
During the call, we’ll discuss your toddler’s sleep challenges, and I’ll share how I can support you in achieving better rest for your family.
Download My Free Toddler Sleep Guide
For more detailed tips and strategies, download my guide. Inside, you’ll find:
Click here to download your guide now!
Let’s create restful nights and brighter days for your family! 🌙
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2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallNovember 28, 2024
When Connie’s parents contacted me as a Child Sleep Consultant in Ireland , they were at their wit's end. Their little girl had been a great sleeper for the first 20 months of her life, but things had recently taken a challenging turn. Adding to their stress, they were expecting their second child, making the sleepless nights even harder to handle. They were exhausted and looking for support to get their family back on track.
Key Sleep Issues Identified:
Short Naps
While Connie was down to one nap a day, her naps were shorter than ideal, often leaving her overtired by bedtime. At her age, we wanted her naps to be closer to two hours to ensure she was getting enough daytime rest.
Late and Lengthy Bedtime
Connie's bedtime was slightly too late, especially considering she was waking from her nap before 2 PM. For a 2-year-old, most toddlers can only manage about 4-5 hours of awake time before becoming overtired.
Sleep Associations
Connie depended on her parents' presence to fall asleep at night. As a result, when she woke during the night, she couldn’t settle herself back to sleep without their help.
The Plan to Improve Connie’s Sleep:
Connie’s parents enrolled in my 2-Week Sleep Support Package, where we focused on sleep training strategies tailored to a 2-year-old’s needs. The goal was to create a healthy and consistent sleep routine to improve both her naps and nighttime sleep.
The Outcome:
Within two weeks of implementing these sleep strategies and consistent sleep training, Connie was settling down easily at night, soothing herself back to sleep during the night, and consistently sleeping 11-12 hours overnight. While her naps at home were improving—especially on weekends—she started resisting naps at crèche, which can be a common challenge for toddlers adjusting to new environments. I advised her parents to continue offering naps daily and, once she settled back into her routine, gradually shift her nap to 1 PM, aiming for 2-hour naps. Maintaining this routine will support her sleep needs until she’s around 3.5 to 4 years old.
This family chose my 2-Week Sleep Support Package after our initial call because it was the best fit for their needs.
If you’re struggling with your toddler’s sleep and can relate to Connie’s story, I’d love to help. Book a free 15-minute sleep assessment call with me, and we’ll discuss how I can support you and your little one in achieving better sleep.
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2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallNovember 19, 2024
Welcoming a new baby into the world is a beautiful, life-changing experience, but it also comes with sleepless nights and the exhaustion that many parents face. If you're looking for thoughtful newborn gift ideas that truly make a difference for new parents, consider a gift that supports both baby and mum in finding better rest. The Newborn Sleep Gift Bundle by CulaBaby is designed precisely for this purpose—offering practical, luxurious, and supportive solutions that ensure a smoother transition into parenthood.
1. Strong Start – Newborn Sleep Shaping Consultation Perfect for babies aged 0-3 months and expectant parents, this one-hour video consultation lays the foundation for healthy sleep habits. While newborns under four months haven't yet developed their full biological sleep rhythms, this consultation helps guide parents on ensuring their baby remains well-rested during these early weeks.
During the consultation, parents receive personalised advice tailored to their baby’s needs, covering key topics such as:
This early guidance empowers parents with the tools needed to promote healthy sleep habits as their child grows.
2. CulaBaby Sleep Shade For parents on the go, the CulaBaby Sleep Shade is an invaluable tool. Designed for use with prams, car seats, and pushchairs, this shade creates a calm, dark, and safe sleeping environment for newborns, blocking out distractions, light, and even germs. It helps babies nap more peacefully while traveling or running errands—perfect for busy parents who need their little one to sleep soundly outside the home.
3. Silk Scrunchies for New Mums Postpartum hair changes can be a challenge, but CulaBaby’s luxurious silk scrunchies are here to help. These scrunchies glide effortlessly through hair, minimising friction and preventing breakage and frizz. Silk’s natural properties help retain moisture, keeping hair hydrated and healthy—a wonderful, practical gift for new mums during those delicate postpartum months.
The Newborn Sleep Gift Bundle is an ideal gift for new or expectant parents, combining expert guidance, practical tools, and touches of luxury to support both baby and mum. With this bundle, parents can feel more confident, rested, and prepared as they navigate the first few months of their baby’s life.
Key Benefits for Parents:
For parents seeking ongoing help with sleep challenges, CulaBaby also offers a 2-Week Full Sleep Support Package that provides continuous support tailored to your baby's sleep needs.
If you're searching for a newborn gift that truly stands out and supports the well-being of both baby and parents, the CulaBaby Newborn Sleep Gift Bundle is a perfect choice. It’s more than just a gift—it’s the start of better, more restful nights for the whole family.
Choose the perfect package to help your child sleep better with our child sleep consultancy packages
2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallNovember 19, 2024
When George’s parents came to me as an Infant and Child Sleep Consultant in Ireland, 10-month-old George was going through a challenging sleep regression that impacted the whole family.
The Situation:
After reviewing the intake form and conducting a consultation call, I discovered that George struggled with short naps, needed parental presence to fall asleep, and woke multiple times at night. The entire household was feeling sleep-deprived, affecting their overall well-being.
Key Sleep Issues Identified:
The Plan to Improve George’s Sleep:
They enrolled in a 2-week support package, where we focused on implementing effective sleep training strategies to establish a healthy sleep routine for 10-month-old George and improve his nighttime sleep.
The Outcome:
Within two weeks of implementing these sleep strategies and consistent sleep training, George’s sleep transformed. He now settles easily at bedtime and sleeps 11-12 hours through the night. His naps have also improved, giving him the quality rest he needs during the day. The family has found a new sense of balance, no longer feeling sleep-deprived and enjoying peaceful nights with their 10-month-old who sleeps soundly.
After our initial call, this family chose my 2-week support package, as we felt it best suited their needs.
If you can relate to their story and are facing challenges with your little one’s sleep, consider booking a free 15-minute sleep assessment call to see how I can support you.
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2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallOctober 19, 2024
When Ailbhe’s parents reached out to me as a Child Sleep Consultant in Ireland, they described experiencing what they believed to be a four-month sleep regression.
Their little girl was taking multiple contact naps throughout the day, but there was no consistent schedule, and these naps tended to be quite short. Ailbhe was going to bed very late at night, often falling asleep in her dad's arms before being transferred to her cot. She was also waking up multiple times during the night and ending up in their bed. As first-time parents, they were feeling utterly exhausted and overwhelmed. Their goal was to gently teach Ailbhe to self-soothe and implement sleep training to help her wake less frequently during the night.
The Situation:
After reviewing the intake form and conducting a consultation call, I identified several challenges Ailbhe’s family was facing. Ailbhe didn’t have a consistent nap schedule, which is extremely common at this age. While they referred to it as the four-month sleep regression, it’s important to note that sleep disruptions are typical during this developmental stage.Up until now, a baby’s circadian rhythm hasn’t fully developed, making it difficult for them to establish a schedule. Sleep cycle structures begin to form after four months, allowing for the creation of a more consistent routine.Ailbhe was falling asleep on her mum or dad for every nap and was often rocked to sleep at bedtime, ultimately ending up in their bed. Additionally, she relied heavily on her soother, which contributed to her sleep challenges.
The Plan:
They signed up for a 2 week support package and over the course of the two weeks, we focused on implementing effective sleep training strategies to help Ailbhe establish a healthy 4 month old sleep routine suitable for her age. Our goals included setting a proper 4 month old sleep schedule, creating an early bedtime and soothing routine, phasing out her soother or dummy usage, teaching her to self-soothe, and establishing healthy sleep habits.
Establish an Age-Appropriate Schedule for a 4-Month-Old
We set a consistent morning wake-up time to regulate Ailbhe’s body clock and support a suitable 4 month old nap schedule. This consistency would prevent overtiredness and improve her nighttime sleep.
Set a Proper Nap Schedule
We created a nap schedule aligned with Ailbhe's natural sleep rhythms, ensuring she took 3 naps a day totalling around 3-4 hours of daytime sleep. This approach would help enhance her nighttime sleep quality and duration.
Example Nap Schedule for a 4-Month-Old: (Always watching out for sleep cues)
Early Bedtime and Routine
We established a bedtime of no later than 6:30/7:00 PM, paired with a consistent bedtime routine. An earlier bedtime would allow Ailbhe to start her night with deep, restorative sleep, helping to reduce night wakings.
Encourage Self-Soothing
The approach was tailored to ensure both parents felt comfortable with the sleep training method while being suitable for Ailbhe’s needs.
The Outcome:
Ailbhe is now on an age appropriate schedule, taking solid lengthy naps in her own cot, settling herself to sleep at bedtime and getting a good 11-12 hours sleep overnight.
"Before we reached out to Liadhàn we were living an exhausting life. We were having 30 minute contact naps 5-6 times a day and our little girl was constantly exhausted. She would only fall asleep for bedtime in our arms and would wake up multiple times during the night and eventually end up in our bed.
I was convinced sleep training would never work for us but Liadhán assured us it would. It only took 2 days to get onto an appropriate sleep schedule with Ailbhe taking long day time naps in her cot. At night she was able to settle herself to sleep at an earlier bedtime and sleep through the night.
It has completely changed our lives and Ailbhe is a much happier well rested baby"
This case study highlights the importance of an age-appropriate baby sleep schedule and the power of consistent bedtime routines in helping babies develop healthy sleep habits. It also emphasizes the benefits of teaching self-soothing techniques, which are crucial for infant and baby sleep
By implementing these strategies, parents can better support their child's sleep needs and enhance overall family well-being
If you can relate to this story and are struggling with your little one’s sleep, why not book a free 15-minute sleep assessment call with me to see how I can help?
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2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallOctober 04, 2024
Worried about the clocks going back? Are kids waking up an hour earlier? Don't stress!
Daylight Saving Time is back! On Sunday, October 27th, 2024, the clocks will go back by one hour in Ireland. For most kids, if they’re well-rested and adaptable, they won’t be stuck with an early wake-up time forever. Just like when you travel and adjust to a new time zone, they’ll adapt to this shift too! After a couple of days, their bodies will catch up.
However, for more sensitive children, this time change can be trickier. It often leads to earlier wake-ups, contributing to overtiredness and frustration for parents.
Gradual Adjustment:
In the week leading up to the clock change, gradually shift everything. Give yourself about four days to adjust. Start on Wednesday by pushing everything back by 15 minutes, including mealtimes. For example, if bedtime is usually at 6:30 PM, aim for 6:45 PM on Wednesday, then 7:00 PM on Thursday, and continue until you reach 7:30 PM by the time the clocks change. This gentle shift helps their body clock adjust smoothly.
Consistent Routine:
Manage Light Levels:
As evenings get darker, everyone will rely more on artificial light. Be mindful of how bright your home is. Keep lighting lower in the evenings to avoid overstimulation. For younger babies who can’t stay awake, using brighter light during the day can help them stay alert, but aim for a calm atmosphere in the evening.
Limit Screen Time:
Reduce screen exposure before bedtime, as blue light can interfere with melatonin production and make it harder for children to settle down.
Monitor Sleep Cues:
Pay attention to your child's sleep cues and put them to bed when they show signs of tiredness, rather than sticking rigidly to the clock.
If your child typically goes to bed at 7 PM but insists on an earlier bedtime, gradually push it back to match the new time by adjusting slowly over four days.
Remember, the time change itself isn't the issue; it’s how you manage those early wake-ups. If your child is still waking early after four weeks, review their bedtime routine to ensure it’s age-appropriate.
As challenging as it can be when the clocks go back, remember that this is an opportunity for an extra hour of sleep! With a little preparation and consistency, you can help your little ones adjust smoothly. 🌟
If you have been struggling with your little one’s sleep for a while now, why not book a free 15-minute sleep assessment call with me, a child sleep consultant, to see how I can help? As a paediatric sleep consultant and baby sleep consultant, I’m here to support you in navigating these changes for your family.
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2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallOctober 01, 2024
When Conn’s parents contacted me as a Child Sleep Consultant in Ireland, they were struggling with their baby's sleep. The only way Conn would fall asleep was by being fed at nap time, bedtime, and overnight. He was waking up multiple times during the night and relied on his parents' presence to settle down, making it difficult for him to develop independent sleep skills. Being their third child, life was understandably busy, and they were exhausted.Together, we worked on effective strategies to help Conn transition away from feeding to sleep and establish healthy sleep habits.
The Situation: After reviewing the intake form and conducting a consultation call, I discovered that Conn was facing multiple sleep-related issues beyond the feeding-to-sleep habit. His naps were shorter than ideal, often due to over-tiredness and inconsistent wake-ups. Bedtime was too late, and his dependence on being fed to sleep made it difficult for him to self-soothe, resulting in frequent night wakings and being fed. Additionally, Conn had become accustomed to needing parental presence to fall asleep, hindering his ability to develop independent sleep skills.
The Plan: As a result, we focused on implementing effective sleep training strategies to help Conn establish a healthy baby sleep schedule, fostering better sleep habits and improving his overall well-being
The Outcome: Through these adjustments, Conn is now on an age-appropriate sleep schedule, and his parents are more in tune with his sleep cues. He takes longer naps, typically two or three each day, and settles down more easily at nap times. Conn has begun to soothe himself back to sleep when he wakes, successfully breaking the cycle of needing to be fed to sleep. He has gone from feeding multiple times overnight to just one feed with the goal of eliminating this feed when mum is ready to do this.
This case study highlights the importance of an age-appropriate sleep schedule and the power of consistent bedtime routines in helping babies develop healthy sleep habits. It also emphasizes the benefits of teaching self-soothing techniques, which are crucial for infants and toddlers. Additionally, it addresses the significance of differentiating between real hunger and comfort feeds, while utilizing effective soothing methods to promote independent sleep skills. By implementing these strategies, parents can better support their child's sleep needs and enhance overall family well-being
If you’re struggling with your little one’s sleep, why not book a free 15-minute sleep discovery call with me to see how I can help?
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2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallSeptember 16, 2024
As a child sleep consultant in Ireland and mother of three, I understand how challenging it can be when your little one is taking short naps at creche or daycare. Believe me I have been there both personally and professionally. I was inspired to write this guide as some of the families I'm working with at the moment are facing this issue, and it’s often coupled with nighttime wakings. Before starting at creche or daycare , their babies were napping for over an hour, so these shorter naps can be quite disheartening.
Since you might not have direct control over naps time at creche or daycare , here are some tips to help your baby sleep and take longer naps:
Advise on Your Baby’s Natural Sleepy Times: Babies have natural sleepy times that align with their body clock and circadian rhythms. Sharing these natural sleep patterns with your baby’s caregiver can help them recognise the right moments for naps, which can lead to better, more restorative sleep.
Discuss Wakefulness Periods: While I’m not a fan of rigid wake windows, understanding how long your baby can stay awake before needing a nap is important. If you know your child can only manage about 2 hours between naps, let the caregiver know. This can help prevent overtiredness and support better napping habits.
Encourage Consistent Sleep Schedules" Try to maintain a consistent nap schedule at home and suggest that creche or daycare aligns with these times as much as possible. Consistency helps regulate your baby’s internal clock and makes transitions smoother.
Provide a Familiar Sleep Item: If permitted, send a familiar sleep item, like a lovey or sleep sack, with your baby. This can offer comfort and a sense of familiarity during naptime.
Early Bedtime: An early bedtime can be incredibly effective in managing sleep debt from shorter naps at creche. Deep sleep occurs more readily in the early part of the night, which can help reduce night wakings. If your baby has had short naps, consider an earlier bedtime to help them catch up on rest.
Ensure The Right Amount of Overnight Sleep: Make sure your baby is getting enough sleep overnight. A well-rested child is more likely to have longer, more restorative naps during the day, even in a less controlled environment.
Maintain a Consistent Nap Schedule at Home: Although your baby may not nap as long at creche or daycare , sticking to a consistent nap schedule at home is crucial. Two days of quality naps over the weekend can help your baby recover from any sleep lost during the week.
Optimise the Home Sleep Environment: At home, create a conducive sleep environment—dark, quiet, and comfortable. A consistent sleep environment helps support better sleep, even if creche naps are shorter.
Give Your Baby Time and Space: In many creches or daycare , if a baby wakes up, they might be taken out of the room to avoid disturbing others. If possible, ask the caregiver to give your baby a few extra minutes. Sometimes, with a little time and space, your baby may fall back asleep.
Be Prepared for Some Disruption: Changes can cause temporary disruptions in sleep patterns, but if your baby has been a good sleeper before, this phase should pass relatively quickly.
Naps at creche or daycare can be frustrating, but with these tips you can help your baby make the most of their nap time even when you have less control over their environment.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your baby's sleep challenges or toddler sleep issues, why not book a free 15-minute sleep discovery call? We can discuss your current sleep problems, such as night wakings, refusing naps, or establishing a bedtime routine, and how I can help you find the solutions you need for better sleep in your little one.
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2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallSeptember 06, 2024
When Carters parents reached out to me as a Child Sleep Consultant in Ireland , their little boy had never slept through the night. He was taking short naps, struggling to settle at bedtime, and waking up frequently. Both parents had demanding work schedules—Dad worked nights and Mum had long days—so sleep was crucial for everyone’s well-being and Carter’s growth.
The Situation:After I analyzed the intake form and did our one-hour sleep consultation call, we discovered that Carter’s nap and bedtime routine were causing several issues. His nap schedule didn’t fit his age, causing him to miss those crucial “sleepy windows” that are key for restful sleep. This led to short and inconsistent naps, often taken in different places like the buggy or cot. His bedtime was also quite late, and given his short naps and frequent night wakings, he needed an earlier bedtime to help him catch up on rest. Carter had also become reliant on the bottle, especially in the early morning hours, creating a negative sleep association where feeding was essential for getting back to sleep. Additionally, he depended on rocking, patting, and the soother to fall asleep.
The Plan: To tackle these issues, we made the following changes:
The Outcome: After just two weeks, Carter was able to self-soothe and settle himself to sleep at both naptime and bedtime. He transitioned to long, restful naps and was consistently getting 11-12 hours of sleep each night. This improvement in Carter’s sleep had a remarkable impact on his overall well-being. The consistent sleep schedule and full nights of sleep we established made a significant difference for the entire family. Carter is now happier and more alert during the day, and his parents are finally getting the rest they need to manage their demanding work schedules. With these new healthy sleep habits, Carter is on track for optimal growth and development.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your baby's sleep challenges or toddler sleep issues, why not book a free 15-minute sleep assessment call? We can discuss your current sleep problems, such as night wakings, feeding to sleep, or establishing a bedtime routine, and how I can help you find the solutions you need for better sleep in your little one
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