1. When can I start sleep training my baby?

Great question! It’s never too early to start thinking about sleep and instilling some healthy sleep habits, but typically, I recommend implementing sleep strategies once your baby is around 6 months old. By this age, your little one’s sleep patterns are more established, and they’re ready to start learning healthy sleep habits. Every baby is different, though, so if you’re not sure, I’m here to help you figure it out!

2. Does sleep coaching mean letting my baby ‘cry it out’?

No, it doesn’t. “Cry it out” usually means putting your baby down awake and leaving them to fall asleep on their own without any support or comfort. That’s not what I do. My approach focuses on helping your baby learn to sleep well with support and reassurance along the way. Every child is different, and for some, having a parent in the room can actually be overstimulating, so depending on your baby and your comfort level there may be times when you step out briefly. Some tears can be normal as babies adjust to new ways of settling, but your baby will never be left to feel abandoned. I’ll guide you through each step and make sure we move at a pace that feels right for you both.

3. How long will it take to see results?

Every baby is different, and the time it takes to see progress can vary depending on the approach we use. Some strategies bring faster results, while others take a little longer, especially if you prefer a more gradual method. In most cases, you’ll start to notice improvements within a few days to a week. Some babies adjust quickly, while others need a bit more time, and that’s perfectly normal. We’ll go at a pace that feels right for your family, and I’ll support you every step of the way.

4. Can I still breastfeed or bottle-feed my baby during sleep training?

Absolutely! Feeding is an important part of bonding and your baby’s nutrition, and I support whatever feeding routine works best for your family. Sleep training isn’t about cutting out feeds, it’s about creating a sleep plan that works around your baby’s natural needs and your preferences.

5. What if my baby wakes up in the middle of the night?

Waking up during the night is totally normal, especially in the early months. But, if your baby is waking up multiple times and needing a lot of help to fall back asleep, it may be a sign that they need some help establishing better sleep habits. I’ll help you set a plan to gently teach your baby to self settle and sleep more soundly. That way, you both get to enjoy more zzz’s.

6. Do I need to follow a strict routine?

I get it, life happens! While routines can be helpful in encouraging better sleep, I’m not going to tell you that you need to be a robot with a clock. We’ll work together to create a routine that fits your family’s lifestyle and is flexible enough for those occasional off days (like when you’re running errands or just need a break!).

7. Will my baby’s sleep habits change as they grow?

Yes, sleep patterns do change as your baby grows. As they hit different milestones, we might need to tweak their sleep routine. Don’t worry, I will ensure you leave me well prepared to navigate those changes once your sleep coaching comes to an end.

8. I’m worried my baby will get too dependent on sleep training. Is that a thing?

Not at all. The goal of sleep training is to empower both you and your baby to feel confident in your sleep habits. Over time, your baby will learn to sleep independently, and you’ll feel more at ease knowing they have the skills to fall asleep on their own.

9. What happens if things don’t improve right away?

It’s totally okay! Sometimes babies need a little extra time to adjust to new routines. If things aren’t improving as quickly as you’d like, I’ll be there to assess what’s working and tweak the plan if needed. We’ll work together to find the best solution for your baby, and if something isn’t clicking, I’m happy to make adjustments.

10. Can sleep training help with naps too?

Yes, definitely! Naps are an important part of your baby’s sleep routine, and we’ll cover that too. I’ll help you create a nap schedule that complements their nighttime sleep, ensuring that your baby is well-rested during the day (and, fingers crossed, you get some downtime too!).

Can we sleep train if our baby still shares a room with us?

Yes, it’s possible to work on sleep while room sharing. Many families choose to keep their baby in their room, and with the right approach, good progress can still be made. Your baby should have their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or bedside crib, rather than bedsharing as this helps them learn to settle independently and keeps things safe. Using white noise, creating a bit of visual separation (like a curtain or divider), and keeping your responses calm and consistent all help.