Heading on holiday soon? You’re probably looking forward to a break, a change of scenery, or some sunshine! It's often said that going on holiday is just parenting in a new location. While traveling is fun, keeping your little one on their sleep schedule can be tough. As a Child Sleep Consultant and Mum of 3, I'm here to share some practical tips to help your little one sleep better while on holidays.
1. Travel During Naptime
Try to align your travel times with your child’s nap schedule. Whether you’re driving or flying, this can mean they get some sleep on the way and arrive rested and fresher.
2. Keep Day time Naps Consistent
Remember, a well-rested baby or toddler during the day tends to sleep better at night. Try to ensure your child gets their usual naps during the day, even if it means planning activities around nap schedules.
3. Stick to Your Routine
Kids find comfort in regular routines, so try to keep their bedtime and nap schedules as normal as possible when you’re away from home. Ideally, let one nap happen in a cot. If that's not possible, find a quiet spot free from distractions instead. My CulaBaby Sleep Shade is perfect for this, as it provides a dark, calming area for your baby to nap in prams or strollers making it easier to keep up with nap routines on the go.
If the excitement of travel or new places delays bedtime, continue with your usual bedtime rituals like reading a story, singing a song, or having a bath. These familiar activities help your child feel at home, even when they're not.
4. Bring Familiar Comforts
Pack items your child associates with sleep, like their favourite blanket, book or a white noise machine. This helps recreate the home environment and settles them down.
5. Darken the Environment:
A dark room works wonders. If your accommodation lacks blackout blinds, bring portable ones. For naps on the move, my CulaBaby Sleep Shade can block out the distraction
6. Be Flexible
While maintaining a routine is helpful, being flexible is also important. Remember, you're on holiday to enjoy yourself! Not every nap will be in the ideal setting—sometimes a stroller or a different room will have to do. Even bedtime might shift later if there are evening activities for kids. Don't worry about these changes. A bit of flexibility can help keep your holiday fun and relaxing for everyone.
7. Expect Some Disruption
It’s normal for sleep patterns to be off while away. Don’t sweat it too much; things will return to normal once you’re back home.
8. Try to Stay Calm and Enjoy Your Holiday
Finally, remember that holidays are a special time for families and a little disruption is expected. Enjoy the break, and trust that you can return to normality when you’re back home.
If your holiday is still a few weeks away and you'd like your baby or toddler to have a predictable sleep routine to ensure you all enjoy the trip, let's connect. Ideally, we should start working together at least two weeks before you leave. This gives us time to establish a good sleep routine for your child making them more rested for the holiday. This preparation also means they're less likely to be disrupted by the travel, and more likely to readjust smoothly when you return home.
Don’t wait—book a session or schedule your free 15-minute discovery call today. Let’s ensure you and your child are well-rested and ready to fully enjoy your holiday!
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Moving to a “big kid's bed” is a significant milestone for your child, symbolising growth and a bit more independence. As a Child Sleep Consultant, I understand that timing and preparation are key to ensuring this transition is smooth and positive for everyone involved
Why Wait Until After 3 Years Old?
It’s tempting to move your child to a bed at the first signs of them outgrowing their cot , but experts recommend waiting until after they’re 3 years old, unless they're climbing out and risking injury, or if there’s another pressing reason for the change. The reason? It’s about making sure they’re developmentally ready. A child who understands what’s expected when moving to a bed is less likely to face sleep disruptions that can arise from transitioning too soon.
Setting the Stage: Clear ‘Sleep Rules’
To navigate this change successfully, it’s vital to introduce clear “Sleep Rules.” Here’s how to lay the groundwork for a seamless transition:
Begin with a family meeting. Let your child know that moving to a big bed is exciting, but it also means new rules and responsibilities. Discuss what bedtime and nap time will look like, setting clear expectations.
The heart of smooth transitions lies in establishing firm bedtime rules:
Moving to a big kid’s bed is not just about leaving the cot ; it’s about embracing growth. You can make this transition comforting and exciting by involving your child in the process—let them pick out their new bed or bedding, for instance. This involvement helps them feel more connected to the change and more likely to embrace it positively.
Transitioning from a cot to a bed is a big deal for your child. As a Child Sleep Consultant, I know that with the right timing, clear communication, and a dash of excitement, you can help make this milestone a joyous and smooth experience. Remember, every child is unique, so tailor the process to meet their individual needs and readiness. Here’s to a successful transition to big kid beds and many nights of peaceful sleep!
If you’re struggling with your child's sleep, remember, you’re not alone. Feel free to reach out for personalized advice and support. Together, we can work towards ensuring peaceful nights for your entire family.
Book a Free 15 Minute Discovery Call Now
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As a Child Sleep Consultant, I know how daunting it can feel for sleep-deprived parents to put their baby in the cot and step out of the room. Until now, your baby has learned to cry for attention, and their cries have been met with feeding or help to fall asleep. They haven't learned yet that they can soothe themselves to sleep. This self-soothing is a crucial skill we need to teach them, similar to other developmental milestones. With patience and consistent practice, your baby will learn to settle themselves.
Here are some steps to help your baby learn to self-soothe
A consistent sleep routine is key to helping your baby understand when it’s time to sleep.
The right sleep environment can make a big difference in how easily your baby can fall asleep and stay asleep.
One of the most important steps in teaching self-soothing is to put your baby down when they are drowsy but still awake.
You need to decide on what approach to take to help your baby self soothe. I work with families on lots of different gentle ways to get their babies to self-soothe, one of the most popular ones is the Gradual Extinction Method .The gradual extinction method helps your baby learn to self-soothe by gradually increasing the intervals between checks.
An early bedtime can help prevent your baby from becoming overtired, which can make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Consistency is crucial when teaching your baby to self-soothe.
Allowing your baby some time to fuss .Remember up until now your baby only knows to cry for attention. When they cry you feed them or help them sleep. They don't know that they can soothe themselves. They don’t actually know yet that they don’t need you. It's ok to to let your baby fuss a bit. This teaches them that they can handle being alone and can self-soothe.
Conclusion
As a Child Sleep Consultant, I guide parents through teaching their baby to self-soothe by establishing a consistent sleep routine, creating a conducive sleep environment, and employing methods like gradual extinction. The goal is to equip your baby with the ability to fall asleep independently, fostering healthy sleep habits for both your child and your family. With patience and consistent practice, your baby will learn this valuable skill, leading to more restful nights for everyone.
Remember, teaching your baby to self-soothe is just as important as other developmental milestones. It’s okay to provide them with space and opportunity to master this skill under your thoughtful guidance. With consistency, your baby will learn to sleep independently, enhancing overall family rest.
If you need support on this journey, book a free 15-minute sleep consulting discovery call with me. Together, we can ensure that your baby—and your entire family—gets the restful sleep you all deserve
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As a Child Sleep Consultant and a parent myself, I've navigated the complex waters of baby sleep and witnessed the transformative effects of proper sleep practices firsthand. Today, I'm excited to share some vital tips to help enhance your baby's sleep, so both you and your little one can enjoy more restful nights. Let's dive into these strategies that I've found indispensable in my own journey and through my professional experience.
Understanding when your baby is tired is crucial to preventing overtiredness, which can disrupt sleep. Look for signs such as rubbing eyes, yawning, or a general decrease in activity. Babies have inherent sleep rhythms, and timing their sleep according to these natural cues can significantly enhance the quality of their rest.
Melatonin, the body's sleep hormone, is naturally produced in the dark. Creating a dark, quiet environment for sleep can dramatically improve sleep quality. Consider using blackout curtains and a white noise machine to mimic the womb's environment, which is comforting and familiar to babies.
Naps are not just downtime; they are crucial for babies' development and overall sleep cycle. Regular naps help prevent the buildup of sleep debt, keeping your baby happier and healthier. It's essential to watch for those sleepy times of day when your baby is naturally more inclined to sleep and ensure they get the rest they need without becoming overtired.
Routine is a comfort to babies and helps signal that it's time to wind down. A consistent bedtime routine—like a warm bath followed by a story or soft lullabies—helps establish a clear transition from day to night. Such routines not only aid in settling your baby to sleep but also help inculcate long-term healthy sleeping habits.
Parental exhaustion is real and can severely impact your health and ability to function. Taking care of yourself is not an act of selfishness but a necessity. Try to go to bed early, share nighttime responsibilities with your partner, or find a family member who can assist during the night. Remember, a well-rested parent is a more effective parent.
Navigating the challenges of infant sleep isn’t just about following a set of rules—it's about adapting to the rhythms and needs of your child while also taking care of your well-being. If you’re struggling with your child's sleep, remember, you’re not alone. Feel free to reach out for personalized advice and support by booking in a free 15 minute sleep consulting discovery call . Together, we can work towards ensuring peaceful nights for your entire family.
Stay tuned for more insights and tips by following my blog and social media page, where I continue to share effective strategies and supportive guidance for parents navigating the challenging but rewarding journey of raising children.
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I’m Liadhán, a Child Sleep Consultant and a mum who has been through the sleep struggle myself. Today, I want to delve into a topic that often comes up in conversations with parents: dream feeds. The idea of giving your baby a feed while they’re still asleep before you head to bed sounds promising. It's thought to extend their sleep and potentially give you a longer stretch of rest. But let’s examine what the evidence and my own professional experience reveal about this practice.
Firstly, it’s important to note that there is no solid research supporting the effectiveness of dream feeds in helping babies sleep through the night. While the concept sounds appealing, the actual benefits are not backed by scientific studies.
Introducing dream feeds can inadvertently teach your baby to associate feeding with sleeping. This might set up a pattern where they start to rely on eating to fall back to sleep, potentially leading to more frequent nighttime awakenings as they grow.
In my work with numerous families, I've observed the effects of dream feeds firsthand. Many parents were initially using dream feeds before midnight in hopes of better sleep continuity. However, when we tweaked our approach—eliminating these feeds and focusing on other soothing techniques—many discovered that their babies didn’t actually need to feed throughout the night at all.
Every baby is unique, and their needs can vary greatly. It’s crucial to observe whether your baby genuinely needs these nighttime feeds or if they have become a habitual sleep crutch.
Develop a repertoire of comforting strategies that don’t involve feeding. This can include gentle rocking, Shushing or a soother. These methods can help soothe your baby back to sleep without reinforcing a dependency on food.
If you’re currently using dream feeds and considering whether they’re necessary, try gradually reducing them. This will help you determine if they are essential for your baby’s sleep or if it’s possible to phase them out without disrupting their rest.
The goal is to foster healthy sleep habits that support both your child’s development and your family’s well-being without relying heavily on feeding as a crutch. If you’re finding yourself tangled in sleep challenges and unsure about the role of dream feeds, I’m here to help.
We can work together to evaluate your current routines, adapt strategies, and find what genuinely works best for your baby and your family. If you’re looking for guidance or just starting to question your sleep routines, feel free to connect. Let’s pave the way toward peaceful nights and energised mornings.
For more insights and tips, or to start your journey to better sleep, visit my blog at CulaBaby or connect directly by booking in a Free 15 minute sleep consulting discovery call for a personalised consultation. Your family deserves restful nights, and together, we can achieve just that!
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I'm Liadhán, a Child Sleep Consultant and a mum who has journeyed through the turbulent seas of toddler sleeplessness. Like many of you, my parenting voyage was marked by nights pacing the floor, cradling my children who, adorable as they are, were once little experts at avoiding sleep. This personal struggle not only tested my resilience but also sparked a profound realisation about the crucial role of sleep in a child's—and a family’s—life.
My journey into sleep consulting began in the midst of my own sleep deprivation. Each sleepless night with my toddlers widened my eyes to the ripple effects of poor sleep: the cranky mornings, the challenging days, and the strain on family well-being. Witnessing these struggles not just in my home but also in the lives of many other families, I was driven to seek expertise and training. This was not just for my family but to support others facing similar battles.
Armed with a certification from the Family Sleep Institute, my own personal experiences aswell as working with families of toddlers, I have put together heartfelt tips to help your little one—and consequently, everyone!—sleep better.
A comforting and predictable bedtime routine is essential. This might look like a warm bath followed by cuddles, a favourite bedtime story, or some soothing songs. These activities aren't just routines; they’re rituals that signal to your toddler that it's time to calm down and prepare for sleep.
Your toddler’s room should be a sleep sanctuary. Make sure it’s cool, dark, and quiet. Blackout curtains and a consistent, soothing white noise can work wonders in blocking out stimulating noise and light. Create a space that feels safe and cozy, a perfect setting for restful sleep.
Keep an eye out for those little signs of sleepiness—whether it’s a yawn, eye rubs, or a decrease in energy. Recognising these cues and acting on them promptly can help prevent your toddler from becoming overtired and struggling to fall asleep.
Having regular sleep and wake times helps regulate your toddler's internal clock, which can make bedtime and morning wake-ups smoother. Consistency is comforting to children, so try to stick to these times as closely as possible, even on weekends.
Naps are crucial for toddlers and skipping them can lead to overtiredness by day's end. Establish a nap schedule that suits your child’s developmental stage and stick to it as best you can to support nighttime sleep.
Minimise screen time before bed to protect your child’s natural sleep rhythm. The blue light from screens can suppress melatonin production, making it harder for your toddler to fall asleep.
Encourage your toddler to fall asleep independently by putting them to bed when they’re drowsy but awake. This skill is crucial for helping them return to sleep on their own during the night.
Each child is wonderfully unique, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep. Be open to trying different strategies and be patient as you find what works best for your child.
If your family is navigating the challenging waves of toddler sleep, let's connect. Book a Free 15 minute sleep consulting discovery call Together, we'll tailor a sleep strategy that respects your parenting style and meets your child's individual needs. Through patience, persistence, and personalised support, we can establish healthy sleep habits that ensure restful nights and joyful mornings for your whole family.
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Getting a good night's sleep is essential for your child's health and your well-being. I've been there—dealing with my own sleep deprivation and managing an unhappy baby and toddler due to lack of sleep. I've also helped many families improve their children's sleep habits and achieve restful nights. The result? A happier household without sleep-deprived parents.
Yes, parenting often includes sleepless nights, but it doesn't have to be a constant struggle. As a Child Sleep Consultant here are my top tips for helping your baby or toddler sleep through the night, based on both scientific research and real-life experiences from families I've worked with.
A predictable routine is key. This might include a bath, getting into pajamas and a sleep sack, reading a book, singing a soft song, or gentle rocking. These calming activities signal that it’s time to settle down for the night.
Optimise your baby's sleep setting to be dark, quiet, and comfortable. Using white noise can help mask distracting sounds from inside or outside your home.
Learn to recognise and respond to signs of sleepiness such as yawning, eye rubbing, or disinterest in play. Putting your baby down to sleep as soon as these signs appear helps prevent overtiredness.
Keeping a regular schedule sets your child’s internal clock, making it easier for them to fall asleep and wake up naturally, enhancing overall sleep quality.
Like nighttime routines, a consistent approach to naps—incorporating quiet activities and soothing interactions—helps signal it's time to rest.
Improving sleep habits is a process that requires patience and persistence. Setbacks can occur, especially with milestones or illnesses, but with consistent effort, sleep will gradually improve.
Every child is different, and strategies that work for one might not suit another. Customise these methods to fit your child's and family's unique needs.
As a certified Child Sleep Consultant, I am dedicated to helping families overcome sleep challenges with practical, empathetic support. If you’re struggling with sleepless nights and tired days, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work to establish healthy sleep routines that make everyone in your household happier.
Visit CulaBaby to learn more about how I can guide you through setting up effective sleep practices or book a Free 15 minute sleep consulting discovery call to start your journey towards restful nights.
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2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance CallAs your baby reaches the 6 to 8-month mark, you'll notice a significant uptick in their activity levels and developmental milestones. These changes are exciting but can also bring new challenges, especially when it comes to sleep. Understanding these developments can help you adapt your sleep training strategies to better support your baby's needs. As a Child Sleep Consultant, I'm here to help you navigate these changes and ensure your baby continues to get the restful sleep they need.
Increased Mobility
Babies begin to roll over, sit up, and crawl. This burst of physical activity can often translate into sleep disruptions as they practice these new skills, even during the night.
Teething
This period often marks the arrival of the first teeth, which can be painful and disturb your baby's sleep.
Separation Anxiety
As they develop object permanence, babies start realizing that people and objects continue to exist even when out of sight. This can lead to anxiety when you leave their room, affecting how easily they settle down.
Cognitive and Social Developments
Increased awareness and curiosity about their surroundings can make settling down more challenging for your baby.
Growth Spurts
Typically occurring around 6 months and again at about eight and a half months, growth spurts can disrupt sleep routines. You might notice an increased appetite and more frequent night wakings for feedings, along with a greater need for sleep.
Adapt Bedtime Routines
Make bedtime routines even more soothing to help manage separation anxiety and unwind from an active day. Activities like reading softly or playing gentle lullabies can be particularly effective.
Manage Teething Pain
Consult with your GP for safe ways to relieve teething discomfort,
Adjust the Sleep Environment
Ensure the room is conducive to good sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool. Using white noise can help drown out household or external noises.
Offer Reassurance
Dealing with separation anxiety means providing plenty of reassurance. When your baby gets distressed, respond with brief yet soothing interactions.
Stay Consistent
Maintain consistency with your chosen sleep training methods, especially during night wakings. Whether it's controlled comforting or another technique, consistency is key.
Review and Adjust Schedules
Be flexible with sleep schedules. Babies' needs can change daily, so be prepared to adjust nap times or bedtime to align better with their natural sleep cues and signs of tiredness.
By staying adaptive and responsive to these developmental changes, you can help your baby maintain good sleep habits during this dynamic phase of growth. Remember, each baby is unique, and finding what works best for your family might require some trial and adjustment.
LIADHÁN COLLINS IS A CERTIFIED CHILD SLEEP CONSULTANT PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE THE CHALLENGES OF PARENTING WITH PRACTICAL, EMPATHETIC SOLUTIONS FOR BETTER SLEEP. IF YOUR LITTLE ONE'S SLEEP ISSUES ARE MAKING YOU FEEL STRESSED OR OVERWHELMED, WHY NOT BOOK A FREE 15-MINUTE CHAT WITH HER? BOOK
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As a Child Sleep Consultant and mum of three, I know figuring out your child's sleep schedule can be challenging! Spotting the difference between when they're just drowsy versus overtired can significantly impact the quality of their sleep. Understanding these cues is essential to ensuring your little ones enjoy restful, uninterrupted sleep
The Transition from Drowsy to Overtired
Children, especially young babies, can swiftly move from feeling drowsy to becoming overtired. It can happen in minutes and is really easy to miss.
The key to preventing this is observing your child's sleep waves and sleep cues. These cues are your child’s way of telling you they’re ready for sleep. Miss these signals, and you risk entering the battle that comes with overtiredness. Trust me, we've all been there, and it's a battle you want to avoid if at all possible.
Recognising the Signs:
Drowsy Signs:
These signs mean your child is ready to sleep, and their body is all set for a good, restorative nap or bedtime.
Overtired Signs:
When kids get too tired, they actually become super alert and find it hard to calm down and sleep. Sometimes, parents might think their child is just full of energy, but they're actually overtired. I've been there with my first kid. This mix-up can lead to struggles at bedtime, kids waking up a lot at night, and them getting up way too early in the morning.
Tips for Parents
What happens when you miss the optimal time for sleep?
Missing the optimal "sleep wave" leads to a missed opportunity for the best quality sleep. This restorative sleep is crucial for your child’s physical and mental development. The overtired zone comes with challenges - from bedtime resistance to disruptive sleep patterns that can affect the whole family’s well-being.
Final words
Mastering the signs of drowsiness versus overtiredness can significantly enhance your child's sleep quality and, by extension, their overall health and happiness. Remember, every child is unique, and finding the right balance may require some observation and adjustment, but the benefits of healthy sleep habits last a lifetime
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As a professional child sleep consultant drawing inspiration from the esteemed Dr. Marc Weissbluth's insights, I want to share the critical importance of timing when it comes to your baby's and toddlers naps. Many families seek my help, desperate due to their child's disrupted sleep patterns, often awake for long stretches at night. The root cause? An irregular nap routine.
Understanding the importance of nap timing and aligning with your baby's natural sleep cycles and wake windows can be a game-changer for their overall sleep quality, leading to an uninterrupted night's sleep and overall a happier child.
The Science of Sleepy Times
Babies, much like adults, have natural circadian rhythms, but their sleep cycles are shorter and more sensitive. During the day, there are specific times when their bodies are primed for sleep, known as "sleepy times." These periods are golden opportunities for naps, as falling asleep can be almost effortless if timed right. However, missing these windows can lead to an overtired baby, and paradoxically, an overtired baby will find it harder to fall asleep.
Wake Windows: The Interval That Matters
Wake windows are the periods your baby is awake between naps, and they're just as important as the naps themselves. Keeping wake windows appropriate for your baby’s age ensures they’re getting enough stimulation and activity without becoming overtired. Ignoring these can disrupt their natural sleep rhythm, leading to the dreaded cycle of short, unsatisfying naps and challenging bedtimes.
The Impact of Off-Schedule Sleep
When a baby sleeps outside their natural sleepy times or skips naps altogether, it doesn't just affect the missed sleep period; it can throw off their entire sleep cycle. This disruption can lead to a number of challenges, including difficulty settling down for subsequent naps or nighttime sleep, shorter overall sleep durations, and reduced quality of sleep. Over time, this can impact not only their mood and alertness but also crucial developmental processes that occur during sleep.
Aligning With Nature for Better Rest
The goal is to align your baby’s nap schedule with their natural sleep cycles as closely as possible. By observing and adapting to your baby's signals of sleepiness, you can find the optimal times for restful, restorative naps. This alignment supports their biological needs, promoting a healthier sleep pattern that benefits both baby and parent.
Practical Tips for Timing Naps
Remember, every baby is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep. By becoming attuned to your baby's natural rhythms and needs, you can create a nap schedule that supports healthy sleep habits, laying the foundation for a happier, well-rested baby and family.
I am a certified Child Sleep Consultant passionate about helping families navigate the challenges of parenting with practical, empathetic solutions for better sleep. If your little one's sleep issues are making you feel stressed or overwhelmed, why not book a free 15-minute chat with me? In this call, you'll talk about what's been tough about sleep for you and your child, and learn how I can help fix these sleep problems so everyone in your family can enjoy peaceful nights again.
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Daylight Saving Time (DST) is upon us again! This Sunday, March 31st at 1am , marks the time we "spring forward" by one hour. While the thought of adjusting our clocks might bring a mix of anticipation and dread, I’m here to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your family, especially for the little ones.
The Transition: Smooth Sailing or a Bit Bumpy?
For many children, jumping ahead one hour doesn’t cause too much fuss. In fact, out of the two clock changes that happen each year, this is the easier one to adjust to. Even better news, if you have an early riser in the house, that 5am typical start will become a 6am start after the clock changes!
However, for those sensitive to changes in sleep or schedules, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are a few strategies you might consider in the week leading up to DST to help your child adjust:
The simplest approach is to do nothing at all and switch to the new time on Sunday. Allow your child to wake up at their usual time, typically between 6 and 7:30 AM. This straightforward method works best for kids who aren't too sensitive to schedule shifts.
For children who are particularly sensitive to sleep disruptions, this approach might not be ideal. Going to bed an hour later than usual can result in an overtired child, potentially leading to bedtime resistance, frequent awakenings at night, and even earlier morning wake-ups.
Ease into the new time by shifting your child’s daily routines (including meals, naps, and bedtime) 15 minutes earlier each day for four days. So if your child goes to bed at 7pm you will adjust this to 6:45 on night one, ( 4 days out from the clock change), 6:30 on night 2, 6:15 on night 3 and 6pm on the night that the clock change is going to take place. You will also need to adjust morning wake ups and naps in the same way. This gradual method can help smoothly transition them to the new schedule without much disruption. By the time the clock changes, you’ll be on the same routine, just at the new time.
If a more moderate adjustment seems like the right fit, try splitting the difference. Adjust your routine (including bedtime, meal times, and naps) by half an hour earlier for both the Sunday and Monday following the time change.
With the evenings growing brighter, it’s essential to create a sleep-friendly environment in your child’s room. Here are a few tips on how to do this:
Above all, maintaining consistency with your routines will help your child adapt more easily to the time change. Stick to the basics, and your family will likely find the “spring forward” a little less daunting.
Daylight Saving Time doesn’t have to spell disaster for your child’s sleep schedule. By planning ahead and choosing a strategy that best suits your child’s needs, you can ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible. Happy Spring Forward, everyone! Let's embrace the longer days with open arms and well-rested eyes.
Liadhán Collins is a Certified Child Sleep Consultant passionate about helping families navigate the challenges of parenting with practical, empathetic solutions for better sleep. If your little one's sleep issues are making you feel stressed or overwhelmed, why not book a free 15-minute chat with me? Book Now
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As a Child Sleep Consultant and mum of 3, I want to highlight that this week is Safer Sleep Week, led by The Lullaby Trust. It's a crucial campaign aimed at everyone caring for young babies. Its goal? To spread the word about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and share straightforward tips that can help prevent it.
Awareness about safe sleeping can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS, saving many lives. Despite this, about 3 babies still die from SIDS every week. By ensuring every parent knows about safe sleeping practices, we could prevent these tragic losses. With around 700,000 babies born each year in the UK, it's vital we keep spreading these life-saving tips to every new family.
Today, I want to share essential insights into safe sleep practices, grounded in the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), to help you create a secure sleeping environment for your little ones.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a term that strikes fear in the heart of every parent. It refers to the unexplained death of a baby, mainly during sleep, and is most prevalent in the first two months of life. On the other hand, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUIDS) is used when an investigation reveals a cause of death.
While SIDS can't be entirely prevented, there are measures we can take to significantly reduce the risk:
Some known factors help in preventing SIDS:
While bed sharing increases the risk of SIDS, room sharing—where the baby sleeps in the same room but on a separate surface—can decrease the risk and make nighttime feedings easier.
Ensuring the safety of our little ones during sleep is a paramount concern for all parents. By adhering to the AAP guidelines and creating a safe sleep environment, we can offer our babies a secure foundation for sleep. If you're struggling with creating a safe sleep setup or need more guidance on navigating your child's sleep challenges, I'm here to help. Visit CulaBaby for more information, resources, and support on your journey toward better sleep for your family.
Liadhán Collins is a certified Child Sleep Consultant passionate about helping families navigate the challenges of parenting with practical, empathetic solutions for better sleep.
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2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance Call
