The Happy Baby Expert

02/10/2025

Whilst I’m working to get my original Happy Baby account back on Instagram (there’s a chance I won’t get it back 😢), please follow along 💕

24/09/2025

✨ Sleep Success Story ✨

On Thursday night, little E was co-sleeping and waking frequently through the night.

Everyone was beginning to feel completely exhausted, including baby E!

We started gentle sleep training on Friday night, and by night 2 she was already sleeping through the night 🌙💤

Here’s what made the difference:

💫 An age-appropriate schedule – At 6 months, babies typically need 2 naps a day. Keeping nap timings consistent is so important. Without consistency, it’s a bit like waking up in a new time zone every day – and it definitely impacts night sleep!

💫 Encouraging independent settling – We allowed E the space to practise self-soothing, but always with support when needed. No harsh methods, no “cry it out”. Instead, with gentle reassurance, she’s gained confidence in settling herself.

And the result? Mum told me she had her first full night’s sleep in months, and little E now happily uses her thumb and a soft bunny for comfort. 🐰💗

If your nights currently look more like Thursday than Saturday, I can help you get to where little E and her family are now. Send me a message to find out more 💌

www.thehappybabyexpert.com

17/09/2025

If your child has ever suffered a bout of constipation during toilet training, you’ll know first hand how challenging it can be to get back on track. In this blog, I share my top tips for managing a smooth transition back from constipation to successful toilet training:

Gentle, pressure-free tips for toddler toilet training after constipation. Help your child feel safe, confident, and comfortable during potty time

15/09/2025

New parents often reach out to me thinking about one thing: sleep.

And yes, in those early weeks, having someone guide you through night feeds so you can rest is a dream come true.

But here’s the truth—newborn support is about so much more than sleep.

A huge part of what I do focuses on feeding support, especially helping breastfeeding get off to a strong start.

Why? Because feeding well lays the foundation for better sleep, your recovery, and confidence as a parent.

Common challenges I see:

• Painful ni**le trauma
• Concerns about milk supply
• Endless cluster feeds
• Stress around co-sleeping

Without guidance, these challenges can lead to early weaning off the breast and disrupted sleep.

But with the right support, they don’t have to derail your journey.

💡 The missing link: Expert guidance.

Gone are the days when new mums had grandmothers, sisters, and neighbours to lean on.

Today, parents are often left to navigate conflicting advice alone.

That’s where professional newborn support makes all the difference—resolving latch, positioning, and feeding challenges quickly, while giving you the confidence to continue successfully.

Newborn sleep isn’t magic—but it is simple:

👉 A well-fed, well-winded, and tired baby will sleep in their own bed. Not 12 hours straight—but even 3–5 hour stretches in the first 6 weeks can transform how you feel.

✨ Investing in newborn support isn’t just about sleep.

It’s about feeling confident, reassured, and supported every step of the way. Nothing—no gadget or “smart” crib—can replace tailored, compassionate guidance for you and your baby.

💛 Curious about how newborn support could help your family?

Send me a message—I’d love to chat!

www.thehappybabyexpert.com

12/09/2025

🚨 Stop! Don’t buy another bottle. 🚨

If your breastfed baby refuses a bottle, buying a different one probably won’t fix it. The bottle itself is rarely the main reason.

Babies refuse for a variety of reasons, including:

Loss of the natural suck reflex – sometimes babies forget or never fully develop the coordination for bottle feeding.

Positioning and support – without full-body stability or proper alignment, even a “perfect” bottle can feel impossible.

Timing and hunger cues – a baby who isn’t ready or hungry will push the bottle away.

Environment and distraction – too noisy, bright, or overstimulating can make feeding stressful.

💡 The good news? All babies can learn to take a bottle with small adjustments, proper positioning, and timing—not endless bottle shopping. Think about it for a second—when your baby was born, did they try out different sizes and shapes of breasts until they found the “right” one? Of course not. The idea doesn’t even make sense. So why would we suggest the same thing with bottles?

For lots and lots of tips and information, check out my blog on my website.

https://thehappybabyexpert.co.uk/why-babies-refuse-bottles-spoiler-its-not-what-you-think/

I also offer a Bottle Refusal Service for babies under 7 months, with a 100% success rate, so feeding can become calm, stress-free, and successful—for both you and your baby. Drop me a message for more info or to arrange a free 10 min call to discuss your unique challenges.

11/09/2025

Say a prayer for me, friends 🙏 🤲

Years and years of work growing my Instagram account for someone to report it as “violating community standards” 😢

Hoping that I can get it back in due course. Will keep you updated.

In the meantime, please do keep letting all your friends and fellow sleep deprived parents know where to find sleep support they can trust 💕😘

www.thehappybabyexpert.com is the best way to share my details or contact me on 07919511934 🫶

16/08/2025

✨ The Invisible String ✨

I’m lending this beautiful book to a friend for her son who’s in P4. Even though he’s not brand new to school, he’s really finding the transition back into routine tricky.

It’s such an important reminder — whether your child is starting P1 or further on in school, transitions can still feel hard. 💛

That’s why I love The Invisible String so much. It gently reassures children that no matter where they are, we’re always connected — even when we’re apart.

💡 A little tip I often share: give your child a “touch object” to keep in their bag — like a keyring with your photo, or a heart pebble. It’s a tangible reminder that although you’re out of sight, you’re never far away.

How is your little one coping with the back-to-school transition? P1 or beyond, I’d love to hear below 👇

14/08/2025

☀️ Keeping Your Baby Comfortable in Hot Weather

When the temperature rises, it can feel tricky to keep your little one cool and settled. Here are some gentle, practical tips to help:

1. Create your own cooling breeze.

Freeze a bottle of water and pop it in front of a fan for a light, refreshing airflow.

2. Pre-cool the cot

Place a wrapped frozen hot water bottle in the crib for about 30 minutes before bedtime—remove it just before you lay your baby down.

3. Give a soothing tepid bath

A lukewarm (not cold) bath helps bring their body temperature down gradually, making them more comfortable for sleep.

4. Keep the heat out during the day

Close windows, blinds, and curtains to block out the sun. Once your baby is asleep, you can crack open a window and door to let in cooler evening air.

5. Watch the nighttime temperatures

Pop a reminder on your phone to close the window around 2–3 AM, when the outdoor temperature begins to rise again.

6. Top up hydration

If your baby is weaning, offer water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, or yoghurt. If they’re breastfed, offer extra feeds for comfort and hydration.

7. Be kind to yourself

Hot weather can throw off routines—and that’s okay. This is just a short season, and your baby’s comfort and connection with you matter most right now.

💛 Pro tip: Heat-induced fussiness is temporary. You’re doing so much more than you realise—and you’re doing it wonderfully.

18/07/2025

☀️ Too hot to sleep?

If your baby’s room feels like a sauna right now, you’re not alone.

Babies sleep best between 16–20°C, but summer heat makes that tricky.

Here are some clever, parent-tested ways to help your little one sleep more comfortably on hot nights:

🧊 DIY air con — Freeze a bottle of water and place it in front of a fan for an instant cool breeze.

🛏️ Pre-cool the cot — Pop a frozen hot water bottle (wrapped in a muslin) into the cot 30 mins before bedtime, then remove before laying baby down.

🛁 Tepid bath before bed — Not too cold, not too warm — just enough to gently lower their core temperature.

🌬️ Window hack — Unless you have a strong through breeze, keep windows, blinds and curtains closed during the day to block out heat.

Once baby is asleep, sneak in and open the window and door to allow airflow overnight.

⏰ Set a reminder to close the window around 2–3am, when outside temps drop — so baby doesn’t get chilly before morning.

🍉 Offer hydrating foods — Think watermelon, cucumber, yoghurt, or smoothies (if age-appropriate).

🤱 Extra breastfeeds — Offer more feeds if your baby is breastfed — it helps with both hydration and comfort.

💤 Lower your expectations — Sleep may be more unsettled during hot spells, and that’s okay. Babies feel the heat just like we do. Offer comfort, keep routines flexible, and know it’s temporary.

You’re doing an amazing job — and I’m always here to support you through the tough nights 🌙

08/07/2025

Escaped to Southold for a few days with my oldest and dearest friend—and wow, did my nervous system need it 💛

My boys are 8 and 9 now, and although the baby phase is well behind us, the pace of life still feels relentless some days. School runs, snacks, sport, sibling squabbles… it adds up.

This little break reminded me just how important it is to step out of the chaos every now and then.

To laugh until you cry. To finish a conversation without being interrupted. To remember the version of you that existed before the to-do lists and packed lunches.

If you’re feeling frayed at the edges—whether you’ve got a baby on your hip or big kids testing your patience—I see you. You’re doing an amazing job.

But you don’t have to do it all alone.

💬 I support families from the newborn days through to toddler tantrums and tricky transitions.

If you’re ready for a bit more ease in your home, I’d love to help.

06/06/2025

✨ The Fussy Eating Plan ✨

Feeling stuck in a loop of snacks, treats and barely touched meals?

If your little one is grazing all day and refusing proper food at mealtimes, you’re not alone—and there is a way forward.

Here’s a simple plan I use with families to take the pressure off and get mealtimes back on track:

👨‍👩‍👦 Eat together as often as you can

🥄 Always serve 1 safe food they like and you know they will eat.

⏳ Stick to 2.5–3 hour gaps between food (water only in between)

🙅‍♀️ Stop offering alternatives—if it’s refused, move on

👏 Praise effort (even a lick counts!)

🍽 Offer toddler-sized portions—1/4 of your meal is enough

📦 Ditch the pressure—no begging, bribing or bargaining

🌿 Keep offering new foods—exposure takes time!

Small changes. Big impact.

Let’s bring calm back to your kitchen 💫

What challenges are you having around food? Let me know 👇

03/06/2025

Thinking about switching to a floor bed?

Here’s what you should know:

Floor beds are everywhere right now — cozy, minimalist, and all about giving toddlers independence. And that’s wonderful! But if bedtime feels stressful or your little one’s sleep is all over the place, it might not be the magic fix you’re hoping for… at least not yet.

Here’s why I gently caution families before making the switch:

✨ Toddlers are still learning how to manage big feelings and self-control. Without boundaries, the freedom to roam can feel overwhelming for them — and exhausting for you.

🛌 Many parents find themselves lying down beside their toddler until they fall asleep. If you want independent sleep, that can be tough. And sneaking away too soon can lead to worried wake-ups overnight.

⚠️ No rails means the whole room has to be super safe — no cords, no climbable furniture, nothing that could cause a risk. It’s a lot to manage.

⏰ A cot says “sleep time,” but a floor bed sometimes feels like playtime too. That can make bedtime more of a struggle.

😴 When they can get up so easily, toddlers might refuse naps more often — leaving everyone more tired.

🌿 Sleeping near the floor isn’t great for little ones with sensitive skin or allergies.

🛏️ It’s normal for toddlers to roll off, but sleeping on the floor isn’t always comfy or safe.

🧍‍♀️ Those firm toddler mattresses aren’t made for grown-ups to lie on night after night.

❄️ Cold floors can make it harder for toddlers to settle deeply into sleep.

✈️ If you’re used to a floor bed, hotel rooms or visits to family can disrupt your routine.

✨ Floor beds can absolutely work beautifully for some toddlers — especially when they’re older and have clear sleep boundaries. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed or your toddler’s sleep is tricky, a cot or toddler bed with rails often offers the calm and consistency everyone needs.

If you’re struggling with bedtime battles or early wakes, I’m here to help you find a sleep solution that fits your family’s needs — with kindness and understanding 💬

📩 DM me anytime or visit my link in bio to work together.

Follow for gentle, realistic sleep support 💕