Bedtime Baby Sleep Solutions

04/08/2022

HOW TO SETTLE A CRYING BABY

Dr. Harvey Karp (paediatrician) developed a technique called the '5 S's' which works wonders when trying to soothe a fussy baby.

He suggests that during the 4th trimester we work hard to mimic the conditions of the womb for our bubs, to more gently transition them to the outside world.

So what are the 5 S's?

1. Swaddle

2. Side/Stomach lie

3. Shush

4. Swing

5. Suck

Have you used the 5 S's before? Tell me in the comments which one is your go to!

02/08/2022

THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL NAP ROUTINE

1. Keep it short and simple
A good nap routine is basically a mini version of the bedtime routine. Pick one or two activities from your bedtime routine (e.g., change nappy, read a story) and use these as your nap routine. It's that simple. A good nap routine lasts 10 - 15 minutes.

2. Start the routine early
Remember that timing your little one's put down is an important part of setting up successful sleep patterns. So, be mindful of starting the routine 10 - 15 minutes before you want to put your little one down.

3. Be consistent
Routines are only successful when we use them consistently. Being consistent with the nap routine allows your little one to better understand the daily routine and what is expected around sleep times. If you don't use the routine consistently, your little one can become confused and frustrated around sleep times.

Do you use a nap routine for your little one? Tell me what it is in the comments. 👇👇👇

31/07/2022

These are the results that you could be getting with your little one!

Want to know how? Send me a message to organise a FREE initial consult.

29/07/2022

We've all been there. 😉

27/07/2022

SAYING GOODBYE TO THE DUMMY

Dummies can serve such a useful purpose for some time, but there's always going to come a time when you want to pull it. So, how do you go about it?

Here are a few thoughts ...

- Cold Turkey
This method is best employed early on, before your little one has built a firm attachment and before they have developed an understanding of object permanence (6 months or younger). You simply put your little one to bed one day without a dummy and you offer comforts in any other way that you can during this time. Within 3 - 5 days your little one has likely forgotten all about the dummy.

- Introduce a Distractor
This method can be used when your little one is a little older, but I still suggest before 12 months. You could introduce something in place of the dummy like a lovie or even the use of a waterbottle. Each time your little one seems to be looking for the dummy you offer the alternative.

- Wait for language
Once your little one has developed some understanding of language you can talk to them about how you're going to say goodbye to the dummy and the transition can be much easier. I still suggest the use of an alternate comfort (lovie, waterbottle) be introduced at the same time in order to make the transition a positive one for your child.

26/07/2022

If you know, you know…

25/07/2022

DAYCARE TRANSITION

We all experience it at some point or another .. it's time to drop your little one off in the hands of another carer. What do you do to support sleep in a foreign environment?

Here are my top tips to prepare for succes:

1. Introduce a 'Lovie' 💕
A lovie is typically a soft toy, but really it can be anything. Just something that your little one loves, likes to keep close by, and can be associated with sleep. If you introduce a lovie before transitioning to daycare then at least you have something familiar that you can send along with your little one.

2. Liaise with Daycare 💬
A little communication goes a long way. Talk to your child's room leader about your little one's wake windows, sleep cues, and typical sleeping patterns. Most daycare staff are happy to do what they can to support any established routines.

3. Plan for an early bedtime 💤
Remember that despite all that you can do to prepare your little one, this is still a period of transition for them and sleep at daycare may be a little rocky for a little while. So, for the first couple of weeks I suggest preparing in advance for an early bedtime after daycare pick up.

23/07/2022

✨WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHITE NOISE ✨

The good: white noise has been shown to support the onset of sleep in babies. so, white noise in your little one's room could act as a positive sleep cue.

The bad: Many white noise machines on the market - when at their maximum volume - exceed the recommended sound levels for babies to be exposed to (50dB).

So can you still use white noise in your little one's room? Of course, but it is recommended to place the white noise machine at least 2 metres from your baby's cot, and not to play it on the loudest setting.

22/07/2022

How much sleep does your little one get in before midnight?

23/05/2022

TODDLER TIRED SIGNS

Toddlers are like a whole other species when it comes to recognising their tired signs. While babies will yawn, zone out, and become grizzly -- toddlers seem to go the opposite way and become more lively than before.

Here are a few key signs to look out for:

1. A busy body/increased movement.
Think of the saying 'bouncing off the walls'. A tired toddler may not look subdued but rather like they've got all the energy in the world, moving left right and centre and climbing/jumping/running around all the furniture you'd rather they didn't.

2. Emotionally sensitive
Think 'you cut my sandwich the wrong way' or 'I wanted my shoes off but by the time they were off I decided I wanted them on' sensitive. A tired toddler will find it incredibly hard to process and control their feelings, so if you're noticing a few more out of this world meltdowns compared to usual it might be time to consider a nap/early bed for your little one.

3. Difficulty getting their attention
No one is more distracted than a tired toddler. If you're noticing your little one seems to be bouncing from activity to activity or keeps looking off to something else while you're mid sentence talking to them, the is a sure fire sign they're in need of some sleep -- or at the very least some quiet time to recharge.

Did any of these ring a bell for you? Did I miss anything? Tell me in the comments how you know your toddler is ready for sleep. 😴

13/03/2022

How is this actually accurate?!! 😂😂

The irony 🤦‍♀️

12/03/2022

SELF CARE AS A PARENT

When your days are filled with endless to do lists, juggling general life admin and tending to little people who need you .. it can be easy to forget to care for yourself amongst it all.

As a parent, it's so important to stop and take a breather every now and then so we don't lose sight of ourselves.

Here are a few things you can implement to open up time for some self care:

- Take 10 in the morning. Instead of jumping at the alarm or groaning and rolling out of bed as a toddler tugs at your arm, switch the alarm off or pull your toddler in for snuggles and just take 10 minutes to do nothing (no phone, either!) before you start your busy day.

- Schedule in 'you' time. Like I said, as a parent it's easy to forget ourselves so sometimes penciling it in can make all the difference. If you're a working parent I suggest you schedule this time in after work before you head home for the day.

- Order in/get a meal delivery box. Organising dinners for the family, while it sounds like such a small task can actually be quite a stress for many. Once a week, order in or purchase a meal delivery so you don't have to think about it. Use the time that's opened up for YOU (not other household chores!).

- Hire a cleaner. This one is my personal favourite. It sounds like such a luxury and often people dismiss the idea at the thought of adding yet another thing to the budget. But just take a second to think -- how much time do you spend cleaning and how frustrating do you find it? Imagine life without cleaning ... is it exciting? Does it make you happy? If so, it is well worth scrimping and saving to work it into the budget. It not only opens up more time for you, but takes away an activity that for many is a dreaded task. Fill that spare time with something makes your soul feel good.
.. What do you do each week to engage in self care?