Episode 32: Pediatric Sleep Consultant Panel Q&A
In today’s episode I spoke with three Pediatric Sleep Consultants about baby sleep. I have compiled a list of common baby sleep questions that new parents have and our experts have answered those questions today!
Our Sleep Consultants!
Amanda Israel: Lullaby Magic Sleep Consulting
IG: @LullabyMagicSleepConsulting
Website: www.lullabymagic.com
Steffi Edwin: Jolie Sleep Consulting
IG: @JolieSleep
Website: www.joliesleep.com
Shannon Buhera: Nights and Naps
IG: @Nights_andnaps
Website: www.nightsandnaps.com
Interview Questions:
1. How do you get a baby to sleep in their own crib instead of in their parents bed?
Parents must be ready for this transition first and foremost!
Choose the right sleep training method: for instance the Chair Method/Sleep Lady Shuffle
Make a plan and be consistent!
Establish solid bedtime routine
Create a comfortable and safe sleep environment
2. What do you do when your baby has their days and nights mixed up?
This is normal for newborns!
Be patient
Spend time outdoors or open your blinds during the day to help your baby identify awake-time
Create a consistent bedtime routine
Wake up your baby from a nap after 2 hours!
3. How do you get a baby to stop waking up multiple times at night?
Everyone wakes up in the middle of the night, the real goal is for your baby to fall back asleep on their own
Look at the full picture: how much is your baby eating during the day, how much are they sleeping during the day? Is the room environment set up optimally (dark shades, between 68-72 degree fahrenheit, etc.)
When your baby wakes up in the middle of the night, give them a chance to fall back asleep on their own for a minute. Try not to run over to your baby the moment that you hear them stirring or whining
Break a negative sleep association (don’t nurse or rock them to sleep)
Start this at bedtime, rather than in the middle of the night
Get a video baby monitor! This will reassure you that your baby is ok and safe when they stir or whine in the middle of the night
4. When do you stop swaddling an infant and how do you help them fall asleep and stay asleep without the swaddle?
Ways to transition them:
Swaddle with their arms up with elbows tucked in
Swaddle with one arm out
Cold turkey
When to transition them:
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to stop swaddling at 8 weeks of age
The overall consensus among this group is to stop swaddling when your baby rolls over for the first time (this usually happens between 8-13 weeks)
Swaddle transition products that the group recommends:
Don’t give up on the swaddle!
If your baby fusses or cries when you are swaddling them or for a minute after try rocking them, on their side and saying shhhh close to their ear. They will likely calm down quickly.
Try to the SwaddleMe swaddle blanket to more easily swaddle your baby
If you are looking for a challenge…but also a great swaddle product, use the Miracle Blanket!
5. How do you get your toddler to stay in their bed?
The silent return!
When your toddler comes out of their room, you silently walk them back to their room and put them back in bed
Do this as many times as it takes, be consistent!
Be boring and do not let them come into your bed
Pick only one phrase to say to them and say nothing else: I love you, it is time to sleep
Use a bedtime pass for an older child who needs to use the potty or put a portable potty in their room if it is the early days of potty training
Let them know what you expect of them, especially if your child is older
Get an ok-to-wake clock, like the Hatch
Reach out to Amanda, Steffi or Shannon to hire them as a Sleep Consultant if you would like one on one help!
Also, all of the consultants that you heard today trained with Jayne Havens, founder of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Management and who was on Episode 23 of the podcast a couple months ago.
If you are super fascinated by the topics discussed today and are interested in becoming a Sleep Consultant yourself Jayne has offered all FYV listeners a $150 discount off her certification course. Just use the code: FYV150 at checkout when you register for the course at thecpsm.com.
Thank you so much for listening!