Tiny Sleepers Big Dreamers

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Canada
Durham, ON
Tiny Sleepers Big Dreamers

Certified infant and toddler sleep consultant as well as a behaviour therapist. Helping families become well rested globally.

I provide families with a customized very detailed sleep plan to help their infants and toddlers become independent and amazing little sleepers. I help parents feel confident in the plan. I support my families through email & phone. I provide virtual and in-home support. If your child is a non-sleeper, short napper, early waker, has multiple wakings, twins or any other sleep issue, I CAN HELP. All this can be obtained without using the Cry It Out method.

04/20/2025

Don’t forget there’s parent tax on those chocolates and treats!

04/15/2025

Ever wonder why your baby won’t fall asleep without rocking, feeding, or holding your hand? That’s a sleep association (aka a sleep crutch)—a habit or routine your little one relies on to drift off. While some are helpful, others can leave you exhausted, stuck in a never-ending cycle of wake-ups.

The good news? Sleep associations can be changed! 🙌

Identify the habit – Does your baby need a bottle, pacifier, or to be rocked to sleep?
 Introduce a new routine – Set your boundaries on what you’re willing and wanting to continue with.
 Stay consistent – Small changes, repeated nightly, help your baby adjust.

Sleep should work for your family, not against it. If a habit isn’t serving you, it’s okay to shift gears! With patience and consistency, better rest is possible.

03/24/2025

One of the biggest questions twin parents face: should your babies room share or sleep separately? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some pros and cons to consider!

Room Sharing (Same Room, Separate Cribs)
 ✅ Pros:
* Twins may find comfort in being near each other, leading to better sleep.
* Easier for parents to monitor both babies during the night.
* Keeps sleep routines and environments consistent.
* More space-efficient—no need for an extra nursery! 
❌ Cons:
* If one baby wakes up, they may wake the other.
* ‘Sleep training’ can be trickier if their sleep patterns differ.
* Limited space may make it harder to create an ideal sleep environment. 
Separate Rooms (Each Twin Has Their Own Space)  ✅ Pros:
* Fewer sleep disturbances if one baby is a lighter sleeper.
* Allows for individualized sleep training and schedules.
* * * Gives each baby their own personalized sleep environment. 
❌ Cons:
* More effort for parents to go between rooms at night.
* Can be difficult if one twin relies on the other for comfort.
* * * Requires extra space in your home. 
💡 What works best? It depends on your twins’ sleep habits, home setup, and what feels right for your family.

03/21/2025

When it comes to newborn sleep, complete darkness is actually better! Infants aren’t afraid of the dark—they’re used to it from the womb. A dark room helps regulate melatonin (the sleep hormone) and promotes deeper, more restful sleep. Plus, eliminating light reduces unnecessary stimulation that could disrupt their sleep cycles.

But around ages 3-4, your little one may start asking for a night light. Why? This is when imagination kicks into high gear—shadows on the wall can turn into “monsters,” and bedtime fears may develop. Exposure to something on TV shows can also contribute to this (Halloween time can be difficult). A dim, warm-toned night light can provide comfort without disrupting sleep.

✨ Pro tip: If using a night light, opt for a soft red or amber glow rather than blue or white light, which can interfere with melatonin production.

03/17/2025

Ever heard the advice, “Just vacuum while they sleep so they get used to noise!” or “Do the dishes and talk loudly—they need to learn to sleep through it!”?

Let’s be real—expecting a baby to sleep soundly through everyday household chaos is totally unrealistic. Just like us, babies are human. If someone was vacuuming beside you while you were trying to nap, you’d probably struggle too!

While white noise can be soothing, loud and unpredictable sounds can startle and wake them up—and that’s completely normal. You may find you can do louder things at night when they are in deeper sleep.

Instead of stressing about making them “adapt” to noise, create a calm and predictable sleep space for them:
 ✅ Dark room   ✅ White noise (constant, not abrupt or loud)   ✅ Minimized sudden loud sounds  
Respecting their sleep needs now helps them (and you!) get better rest in the long run. Sleep is a biological function, not a skill to be taught—so let’s stop expecting our little ones to snooze through a rock concert!
  

03/12/2025

There’s a common myth that ‘sleep training’ means cutting out ALL night feeds—but that’s simply not true! Many babies, especially younger ones, still need night feeds, and that’s okay!

The key is balance—feeding when needed while also encouraging healthy sleep habits.

✅ Yes, you can ‘sleep train’ AND keep night feeds!  ✅ Yes, some babies still need those feeds!  ✅ No, it doesn’t have to be an all-night-all-you-can-eat buffet!

If your little one truly needs nourishment overnight, we honour that! But we can also gently guide them toward fewer, more efficient feeds, reducing unnecessary wake-ups.

The goal? Restful nights for everyone—including YOU!

03/04/2025

Daylight Savings Time is here, and guess what? This is the good time change! ☀️

Longer days, more sunshine, and a chance to soak up that extra daylight! But what about your little one’s sleep? No stress—we’ve got you covered!

Here’s how to help them adjust:
 ✔ Shift bedtime earlier by 10-15 minutes in the days leading up to the change.
 ✔ Let the sunlight work its magic—get outside in the morning to help reset their internal clock.
 ✔ Stick to a calming bedtime routine to signal that sleep is coming.

✔ Wake them up Sunday morning at the ‘new’ time change to keep them on track - this is especially helpful for kids who have to be up for daycare/school or don’t handle schedules shifts easily.

Or... do absolutely nothing! Yep, you read that right. Most kids adjust naturally within a week, and soon enough, they’ll be right back on track or you stick to what we call the summer schedule. Summer schedule means a generally ‘later’ schedule.

So enjoy those brighter evenings, embrace the extra daylight!

03/03/2025

If your baby refuses to sleep in their crib, you’re not alone! Many parents struggle with this transition, but with patience and consistency, your little one can learn to sleep safely and soundly in their own space.

Health Canada recommends that babies sleep on their backs in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed toys. This safe sleep environment reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promotes healthy sleep habits.

Tips to Make the Transition Easier:

Start with Daytime Naps – Encourage your baby to nap in the crib during the day to help them get used to it. 
Make It Familiar – One thing parents find helpful is placing a fitted sheet that smells like you (wear it inside your shirt for a few hours!) to provide comfort.

Keep a Consistent Routine – A calming bedtime routine, like a warm bath, feeding, and a lullaby/book, signals that it’s time for sleep.

Use a Swaddle or Sleep Sack – Swaddling isn’t safe once babies start rolling, but a sleep sack can keep them cozy while maintaining a safe sleep environment.

Offer Gentle Comfort – If your baby cries, try patting their back or shushing softly without picking them up right away. If that isn’t helping, you can always pick them up.

Be Patient & Stay Consistent – Change can be tough, but with time and consistency, your baby will adjust to their crib.

02/25/2025

White Noise: Helpful or Harmful? Let’s talk about how sound machines can be a game changer for our little ones.

Many parents swear by white noise to soothe babies, creating a calming, womb-like atmosphere that promotes deeper sleep and reduces startling noises. But is it all sunshine and rainbows?

When used properly, white noise can help:  • Mask disruptive background sounds  • Create a consistent sleep environment  • Help establish a soothing bedtime routine

However, moderation is key. Keep the volume low and place the machine at a safe distance.

When used correctly, white noise can be a game-changer for baby sleep!

02/12/2025

Valentine’s Day hits differently when you’ve got a little one in the mix! But that doesn’t mean romance has to go out the window—just that bedtime routines and sweet moments need to work together.

Here’s how to make it special without sacrificing your baby’s sleep (because a well-rested baby = a happier night for you!):

Stick to Their Sleep Schedule – Keeping your baby’s usual bedtime means a smoother night for everyone. Plus, once they’re asleep, the night is yours!

Date Night at Home Ideas: Fancy Dinner for Two – Cook a special meal, order in or hire a chef to come to your home and set up a candlelit dinner after bedtime. Bonus points for dressing up!
 Movie Night – Pick a rom-com or your favourite throwback film, grab some cozy blankets, and enjoy a popcorn-filled night in.
 Wine / Rum & Dessert Tasting – Pour a couple of glasses, set up a little dessert board, and savour the quiet time together.
 Game Night – Whether it’s a board game, a fun couples quiz, or a video game battle, make it playful!

Pro Tip: If your baby is unpredictable with sleep, plan a relaxed celebration over breakfast or a cozy brunch at home instead! Its doesn’t have to be a night time thing only.

Love doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. A little creativity (and a solid bedtime routine!) goes a long way.

02/10/2025

Ever wonder why your baby seems determined to stay awake, even when they’re clearly tired? You’re not alone! Here are some common reasons and how you can help:

Overtiredness: When babies miss their sleep window, their bodies produce cortisol, making it harder to settle. Solution: stick to age appropriate wake windows and create a calming bedtime routine.

Overstimulation: Too much excitement can make it tough for little ones to wind down. Solution: Dim the lights, reduce noise, and create a peaceful environment. Consider going into a calm environment 5-10 mins before sleep begins.

Sleep Progression: Around certain ages (4, 8, 12, 18 months), sleep patterns change as your baby grows. Solution: Stick to a consistent sleep routine and be patient—it will pass!

Separation Anxiety: As they grow, babies may want more comfort and closeness. Solution: Offer extra cuddles and reassure them during bedtime.

Remember, every baby is different. What works for one may not work for another, and that’s okay! 💖 Be gentle with yourself—you’re doing amazing!

02/07/2025

Newborns often mix up their days and nights, making sleep unpredictable, (this isn’t something we generally have to worry about after this stage). Their tiny bodies don’t yet understand that nighttime is for rest. Here’s how you can help them adjust!

Bright Days – Keep your home well-lit and expose your baby to natural daylight. Engage in playtime and normal daytime noise to reinforce wakefulness.

Dark Nights – Dim the lights in the evening and keep interactions calm and quiet. Use a soft voice, avoid eye contact, and limit stimulation during night feeds. Remember, it doesn’t take much to stimulate a baby. 
Consistent Routine – A simple bedtime routine, like a warm bath, soft lullabies, and a cozy swaddle, signals that sleep time is near.

Wake for Feeds, but Keep It Low-Key – If baby wakes at night, change, feed and soothe them in the dark without unnecessary talking or playing.

With time and patience, your little one will start to recognize the difference between day and night!  

Address

Durham, ON
L1B1M7

Website

http://www.tinysleepersbigdreamers.ca/

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