If you've ever asked a simple baby sleep question online and immediately regretted it… you're not alone.

Maybe you just wanted to know how long your baby should be awake between naps, or how to reduce night wakings — and suddenly you're caught in a heated debate about cry-it-out vs. co-sleeping, sleep training vs. “just go with the flow.”

It's overwhelming. It’s loud. And it can leave you feeling more confused than when you started.

Let’s change that.

Why baby sleep advice feels so overwhelming

The truth is, there’s no shortage of strong opinions when it comes to baby sleep. Everyone seems to have a different approach — and many believe their way is the only way.

It’s not always easy to separate fact from fear-based advice.

As a certified sleep consultant (and a mom who’s been through it myself), I know how tempting it is to dive into every blog, podcast, or Facebook thread. But the reality? That often leads to information overload, not clarity.

The resource I wish more parents knew about

That’s why I want to share a recent find — one I think more parents should know about.

This resource is a detailed, research-based overview of baby sleep, written by a third party who has no "skin in the game."
✅ It’s not from a sleep consultant.
✅ It’s not from someone who’s “anti” sleep training.
✅ It’s simply… research.

Here’s what it covers:

• What research studies are actually out there about sleep training

• Which studies are often used incorrectly to draw conclusions (even though they have nothing to do with sleep training)

• How the divide between pro- and anti-sleep training views stacks up against the actual body of available research

📌 You can read it here → Is sleep training harmful?

Let’s bring the calm back to sleep conversations

My goal has always been to help tired moms cut through the noise, find what works for their baby, and feel good about it — whether that’s sleep training, tweaking routines, or simply understanding what’s normal.

You don’t have to do this alone.
You don’t have to pick a “side.”
And you definitely don’t have to keep doom-scrolling through mom group debates.

✨ Instead? Start here — with clarity and confidence: Is sleep training harmful?

You deserve sleep advice that helps you feel informed, not overwhelmed.

Want more personalized support?

If you’ve read the research and feel ready to make changes, I’d love to support you with a step-by-step plan tailored to your baby and your values.

🩷 You can explore my 1:1 support or affordable DIY sleep shop.

If you’ve spent any time researching baby sleep, you’ve probably come across some opinions about sleep training. And let’s be honest—some of them can sound pretty extreme.

❌ “Sleep training is just ignoring your baby.”
❌ “It’s a traumatic experience.”
❌ “It’s only a thing because of modern society and the patriarchy.”

But here’s the truth: You’ve been lied to.

Let’s break down five of the biggest myths about sleep training and what you actually need to know.

 

Lie #1: What’s best for the baby is all that matters

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the only thing that matters is what’s “best” for the baby. But here’s the reality: What’s best for baby isn’t actually best for baby if mom is suffering.

Your physical and mental health matters too. When you’re exhausted, burned out, and struggling, that impacts your baby just as much as their sleep does. Prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

 

Lie #2: Sleep training is just ignoring your baby’s cries

One of the biggest misconceptions is that sleep training means walking away and never looking back. But if that were true, it wouldn’t be called a sleep training method.

Sleep training is about teaching your baby independent sleep skills while still responding to them. Do the responses look different from how you’ve been handling sleep? Of course. But sleep training doesn’t mean neglect—it means helping your baby (and yourself) get the rest you need.

 

Lie #3: Sleep training is too stressful for babies

Let’s be real: Life is stressful. And while we don’t want to stress our babies unnecessarily, we also can’t protect them from every little challenge.

Learning to sleep independently might be frustrating for your child at first, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmful. Think about all the things we expect our kids to learn—using a car seat, brushing their teeth, eating solid foods. Some of these come with discomfort and pushback, but they’re still necessary skills.

 

Lie #4: Falling asleep alone is a traumatic experience

I have to tell you, as a foster parent, this lie absolutely infuriates me. Trauma is a real thing that unfortunately, many children do go through as they grow up. But I struggle not to roll my eyes when sleep training is referred to as causing trauma. 

There’s a big difference between learning something new and experiencing trauma. Falling asleep independently may be different from what your baby is used to, and they might not love the change right away. But calling it trauma? That’s a big stretch.

A well-rested baby in a loving home, learning a new skill with supportive parents? That’s not trauma—that’s growth. 

 

Lie #5: Sleep training is a product of Western ideals & the patriarchy

One argument against sleep training is that it only exists because of Western work schedules and societal pressures. And while those factors might play a role in why some parents decide to sleep train, they aren’t the only reasons.

At the end of the day, your job isn’t to fix society. Your job is to do what’s best for your family. If that means sleep training so you can function as a better parent, then that’s what you should do—regardless of what the anti-sleep training crowd says.

 

So where does that leave us?

Next time you come across anti-sleep training rhetoric on your feed, remember this:

✔️ Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your baby.
✔️ Sleep training doesn’t mean ignoring your child.
✔️ All stress is not created equal- there is such a thing as positive stress.
✔️ Learning to sleep independently isn’t traumatic.
✔️ You don’t need to carry the weight of society’s flaws on your shoulders.

So if sleep training is the right choice for your family, go for it—guilt-free. 💛

 

 

Want to work more on your relationship with tears?

Check out my 3 Day Free Crying Challenge here and be sure to check out my other blog post (and YouTube video) about crying here. If you are ready to work with a professional to help you make sustainable sleep changes for your little one... Here is a link to my free scheduler so we can talk through your situation and see if we'd make a good fit to work together!

 

Sleep training expectations... ah, the blissful world of dreams and perfect sleep schedules! I *know* it is so tempting to live in a bubble of wishful thinking when it comes to baby and toddler sleep, but the reality can be quite different. If you’ve been thinking about sleep training soon, you might be accidentally setting your sights on lofty expectations.

I'm going to set the record straight for you (sorry, not sorry)! But you’ll appreciate this tough love later, I promise. While dreaming of a perfect sleeper can be comforting, these high expectations can lead to disappointment during the sleep training process and prevent you from recognizing the progress your little one is actually making.

Let’s break down some common expectations versus the realities of baby and toddler sleep training, along with my advice to help you navigate this journey.

 

Sleep training expectation 1: It should only take about 3 nights of sleep training for all my baby’s sleep issues to be fixed.

Reality: Three nights is often not enough to resolve all sleep problems for most families.

My Advice: Approach sleep training with a two week timeframe in mind. This duration allows you to establish a new rhythm and gives your baby the time they need to adjust to changes. Remember, consistency is key, and it might take a little longer to see significant results.

 

Sleep training expectation 2: Soon my baby will be sleeping 12 hour nights every single night!

Reality: Not all babies are capable of sleeping 12 hours straight, and that’s completely normal.

My Advice: Set a more reasonable goal of around 10 to 12 hours of sleep, depending on your baby’s age and needs. Understand that every child is different, and their sleep patterns can vary. Focus on creating a positive sleep environment, and let’s see what unfolds!

 

Sleep training expectation 3: Once I sleep train, my child will follow an exact schedule every single day.

Reality: While sleep training can help create more predictable sleep patterns, don’t expect your child to adhere to a rigid schedule.

My Advice: Keep in mind that we are raising little humans, not robots! Flexibility is essential, and small variations in sleep times are entirely normal. Embrace the ebb and flow of your child’s natural rhythm.

 

Sleep training expectation 4: If I use a really gradual sleep training method, then I won’t have to hear any crying!

Reality: Even the most gradual “no cry” methods may involve some tears.

My Advice: Don’t fear crying. It’s a natural emotional response from your child as they adapt to sleep changes. Understand that your child is expressing their feelings, and that’s okay! Being there to support them through these emotions is crucial, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

 

 

Ready to tackle sleep training?

With the right approach, sleep training can transform not just your baby’s sleep, but your entire family’s quality of life. If you’re ready to start on this journey and help your baby sleep soundly, check out my Sleep Coaching Crash Course For Babies! This step by step guide will equip you with the tools and confidence you need to navigate sleep training successfully. Let's teach your little one how to love sleep!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of sleep training your little one, you’re not alone! Many parents share the same worries and uncertainties, but I'm here to help you navigate this journey with confidence. Sleep training is a valuable tool that can lead to better sleep for both your baby and yourself. Not only do I have some quick answers to your most asked questions about sleep training, but I also have linked a lot of good, free resources to dive even deeper into these answers. Let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions to hopefully make the process less intimidating before you get started. 

 

Will sleep training hurt my bond with my baby?

One of the most common concerns parents have is whether sleep training will negatively impact their relationship with their baby. The answer is a resounding no! In fact, sleep training can strengthen your bond as both you and your baby get the rest you need. A well-rested parent is more emotionally available, attentive, loving, and attuned, which can enhance the connection you have with your little one. So, rest assured, prioritizing sleep is a way to nurture your relationship. To see the research that backs up this answer, head to this blog.

 

How do I know if we are ready for sleep training?

If sleep feels like a struggle and your current habits seem unsustainable, you are likely ready to consider sleep training. Signs that it's time include frequent night wakings, difficulty falling asleep, or an increasingly cranky baby due to lack of rest. Remember, sleep is crucial for your baby's development, so if it’s becoming a challenge, it’s time to explore your options. I talk more in depth about 4 reasons you might be ready to sleep train here.

 

How long will sleep training take?

The duration of sleep training can vary depending on your family’s situation and the approach you choose. However, many families report small improvements within just a few days and by 2 weeks of consistency, many families feel they are settling into new habits and already enjoying the benefits of sleep coaching. The key is commitment and consistency. It may seem daunting initially, but with dedication, you’ll be on your way to better sleep before you know it!

 

Is it okay if my baby cries during sleep training?

It is absolutely normal for crying to occur as your baby learns a new way routine and a new way to fall asleep. Think of it as part of the learning process. You’ll be right there providing comfort and support as they navigate this new skill. Remember, you’re not abandoning your child; you’re teaching them a valuable tool for sleep. I know that crying can be a big hang-up for parents when thinking about sleep training so I have put together this great resource for you all about how to re-frame your thoughts on crying here and here.

 

What if my baby wakes up hungry in the night?

Nighttime feeds are completely normal for babies, especially in the early months. Sleep training focuses on reducing unnecessary wakings while still allowing for those essential feeds. If your baby is genuinely hungry, it’s important to meet that need. The goal is to create a balance that supports both their nutritional needs and their ability to sleep well. Not sure if your baby is actually hungry overnight or just eating out of habit or comfort? See this blog to find out!

 

What if my baby is teething or going through a regression? Should I wait to sleep train?

You can absolutely still pursue sleep training during teething or developmental regressions! There’s rarely a “perfect time” for sleep training, as there will always be bumps along the road. Instead of waiting for ideal conditions, consider using gentle sleep training methods that can accommodate your baby’s changing needs. Flexibility is key but don't wait for the "perfect time" to get started or you might find you still haven't made the time until your baby is a preschooler (or older)! Also, I've created this free handy sleep regression flowchart that I think every parent should have! Check it out here.

 

Ready to tackle sleep training?

With the right approach, sleep training can transform not just your baby’s sleep, but your entire family’s quality of life. If you’re ready to start on this journey and help your baby sleep soundly, check out my Sleep Coaching Crash Course For Babies! This step-by-step guide will equip you with the tools and confidence you need to navigate sleep training successfully. Let's teach your little one how to love sleep!

Do you and baby need a sleep change? As a parent, it's not uncommon to hit a rough patch when it comes to sleep. If you’re noticing some unusual behaviors in your baby or feeling more exhausted than usual, it might be time for a change. Here are four signs that you and your little one need to reassess your sleep strategies:

 

Sign #1: Fighting falling asleep

Does your baby seem to resist sleep more than ever? If they’re fighting the act of falling asleep, it’s a sign that their current sleep habits may no longer be working. Babies who lack independent sleep skills often feel like they need your help to fall asleep. This reliance can lead to frustration, both for you and them, especially as they grow older. Your attempts to help them might have actually become too stimulating, making it even harder for them to settle down. If your child is resisting against you, this is a big sign that they are showing you they need more independence- not more help.

Little ones who are taught to fall asleep on their own in their cribs no longer feel the need to fight falling asleep or get overstimulated by your assistance. They learn to become comfortable in their boring, sleep environment and regulate their own sleep needs.

 

Sign #2: Frequent night wakings

Night wakings are a normal part of sleep for all humans, but if your baby wakes frequently during the night, it’s crucial to assess why. Without the tools to resettle back to sleep on their own, your baby may end up fully waking, crying out for you, and needing help to get back to sleep. Imagine how frustrating that is for them! This cycle can leave both of you feeling worn out.

Sometimes babies may wake frequently but easily fall back asleep once you tend to them. These wakings, while not necessarily taxing on your little can add up for them throughout the night, depriving them of precious sleep. These wakings are obviously a lot harder on you because you may not be able to fall right back to sleep as soon as your baby does. Others may wake and then have  a really hard time going back down- even with help from you. This could look like not being able to be transferred back to their crib without popping awake again or just treating night wakings like playtime and being ready to party!

Children who have independent sleep skills are able to fall asleep on their own, will still have night wakings- they may still need a night feed! But you will know that their wakings are for an actual need (feeding, sickness, etc.) and not just because they are awake and don't know how to fall back asleep.

 

Sign #3: Short naps

Are you finding that your baby’s naps are disappointingly short? If you feel like you spend an obscene amount of time trying to get them down for a nap, only to have them wake shortly after, it’s a sign that something needs to change. Some parents find themselves resorting to contact napping just to get any sleep at all, which can be exhausting and leave you feeling trapped every single day. Or maybe your little one will take a nice long nap but it requires a ton of work up front to actually get them asleep and successfully transfer them. If you've got another little one at home, this can feel even more overwhelming as you're trying to navigate caring for multiple children.

Children who are independent sleepers have the tools in their toolbox to lengthen their naps. When they get through one sleep cycle (roughly 30-45 minutes) they are able to resettle and continue into the next sleep cycle on their own, leading to 1-2 hour naps throughout the day!

 

Sign #4: Generally tired and crabby during the day

If both you and your baby are feeling tired and cranky during the day, it’s time to acknowledge that your current sleep situation isn’t working. It’s important to remember that this isn’t a reflection of your abilities as a parent or a sign that you’re doing anything wrong. It simply means that the habits you’ve built around sleep are no longer serving you.

When you pass the baton to your little one and teach them how to regulate their own sleep instead of being 100% reliant on you, they will learn to get the sleep they need (and that means you get the sleep you need as well)!

 

Ready for a change?

If you’re nodding your head in agreement and thinking, “Yes, that’s me!”—it might be time to reach out for support. Having a clear plan can make all the difference, and working with a sleep coach can help you feel more confident and calm throughout the process.

With the Classic Consultation you can get accessible sleep help to confidently sleep train without all the second guessing! Imagine doing your bedtime routine, kissing your baby goodnight, walking out of the room + knowing that your baby will sleep long stretches at night and both of you will wake up feeling refreshed!

 

So if you're ready to stop feeling stuck, it's time to own your hard, commit to change & better sleep, and head over to check out the Classic Consultation today: https://allthesleeps.com/sleep-plan

Let’s play a little game: 1 Truth and 1 Lie!

1. When you sleep train, your baby just learns to shut down. ❌
2. Shutdown syndrome is not real. ✅

If you’ve heard the term “shutdown syndrome,” you’re not alone. Many parents fear that sleep training will lead to their babies emotionally “shutting down.” That they'll only stop crying in their crib because they think no one is ever coming. However, I’m here to tell you that this misconception couldn’t be further from the truth!

 

Understanding sleep training

The reality is that when you sleep train, your baby isn’t “shutting down” at all. Instead, they are learning a crucial skill—how to self-settle and fall asleep independently. This process can involve tears as your baby learns this new skill, but crying is a natural part of mastering something unfamiliar. Of course they are going to have some feelings about you making sleep changes and crying is simply their way of expressing themselves. With the right approach to sleep training, you're not causing emotional harm; rather, you’re helping your baby learn how to soothe themselves in a healthy and supportive way.

 

Why shutdown syndrome is a myth

Let’s break down the idea of “shutdown syndrome” further. If this phenomenon were real, we wouldn’t observe sleep-trained babies engaging in typical behaviors like:

• Calling for their parents during the daytime: Sleep-trained babies still seek their parents when they need comfort, attention, or simply a playmate. If they were truly “shut down,” they wouldn’t signal for their parents at all.
• Waking and signaling for necessary night feeds: Many sleep-trained infants still wake during the night for feeds when needed. If they had given up hope that their cries would elicit a response, they would likely stop communicating their needs altogether.
• Experiencing sleep regressions: Sleep regressions are a common part of a baby’s development. They may struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep during growth spurts or developmental milestones, but this behavior shows that they are still very much engaged with their surroundings and learning.

In fact, any mom of a sleep-trained child will attest that the scenarios mentioned above continue to occur even after successful sleep training! This demonstrates that the emotional connection between parent and child remains intact and that the baby is not shutting down but rather developing autonomy. For more nerdy science and research about sleep training, check out this blog where I cite several sources.

 

The benefits of sleep training

Instead of worrying about “shutdown syndrome,” focus on the incredible gift you’re giving your baby: the ability to regulate their own sleep! This skill will not only help them sleep better but also contribute to their overall emotional well-being as they grow.

Sleep training can feel daunting at first, but with the right tools and mindset, it becomes a positive experience for both you and your baby. They will learn that it's okay to express their feelings while also mastering the skills needed to fall asleep independently.

 

Ready to get started?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of sleep training, fear not! My Sleep Coaching Crash Course For Babies is designed to provide you with straightforward, effective strategies to help you navigate this process confidently. Together, we’ll make sleep training a positive experience for both you and your little one, setting the foundation for healthier sleep habits that last a lifetime. 

Remember, your baby’s sleep journey is a learning experience for both of you, and with the right support, you can help them thrive!

 

Want to work more on your relationship with tears?

Check out my 3 Day Free Crying Challenge here and be sure to check out my other blog post (and YouTube video) about crying here. If you are ready to work with a professional to help you make sustainable sleep changes for your little one... Here is a link to my scheduler so we can talk through your situation and see if we'd make a good fit to work together!

 

As parents, we often feel an instinctive need to intervene when we hear our child cry. It’s almost like a reflex—our hearts race, and we leap into action, ready to put out what we perceive as a fire. But what if I told you that crying isn’t a fire that needs to be extinguished immediately? Instead, what if crying is simply a form of communication from our little ones, expressing needs and emotions that require our support rather than a quick fix?

 

The nature of crying

Crying is a natural and important part of childhood. It serves as one of the primary ways our babies and toddlers communicate their feelings, needs, and discomforts. When we treat crying like a crisis, we risk missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with our children and understand their emotional landscape.

It’s understandable why crying can be so unsettling. As parents, we instinctively want to protect our children from discomfort, which can lead to the knee-jerk reaction to immediately intervene. However, this response can unintentionally convey to our children that their feelings are not valid or that they need to be "fixed." Done repeatedly over the years it can also keep our children from having to feel and work through discomfort in life and lose valuable practice at coping with uncomfortable situations and feelings.

 

Reframing our perspective

One of the most significant hurdles parents face when working to improve their child’s sleep is the fear of crying. Many parents hesitate to pursue sleep training or changes in bedtime routines because they dread the tears that may accompany those changes. But here's the truth: crying does not always signify a problem that needs to be solved.

In fact, learning to embrace crying as a natural part of development can help us approach parenting—and sleep challenges—with a fresh perspective. Just because I'm a sleep consultant does not mean I enjoy making children cry! My goal is to help parents navigate these emotional moments with understanding and compassion.

By reframing our view of crying, we can start to see it as a normal emotional expression rather than a disaster. Instead of feeling the pressure to “fix” the situation right away, we can approach our children with empathy, recognizing that sometimes they just need our support as they navigate their emotions.

 

Support through the tears

When a child cries, it can be a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself what your child might be trying to communicate. Are they tired? Overstimulated? Seeking comfort? Are they simply upset because they are struggling with this new and hard thing? By tuning in to what they might be saying, we can better support them in the moment.

Instead of rushing to soothe the tears away, consider offering comfort without trying to eliminate the crying (or the problem). You might sit with them, provide gentle reassurance, or simply hold their hand. This approach not only helps validate their feelings but also teaches them that it’s okay to experience and express emotions, even when they’re difficult.

 

Embracing the journey

As parents, we have the incredible opportunity to guide our children through their emotional experiences. Embracing crying as a natural part of life—rather than a fire that needs to be put out—can lead to healthier emotional development for our little ones.

This shift in mindset can be especially beneficial during sleep challenges. Instead of viewing crying as a signal of failure, we can see it as part of the learning process. When we allow our children to express themselves, we foster resilience and emotional intelligence that will serve them well throughout their lives.

 

Finding balance in parenting

Reflecting on my parenting journey, I wish I had known these tools earlier. Embracing the reality that crying is not a fire to be extinguished, but a natural part of emotional development, has profoundly changed how I approach parenting and sleep.

So, the next time you hear your child cry, take a moment to breathe. Instead of rushing to stop the tears, consider how you can support them through this emotional moment. It might not always be easy, but together, we can learn to navigate the complexities of parenting and embrace the beauty of our children’s emotional experiences.

 

Want to work more on your relationship with tears?

Check out my 3 Day Free Crying Challenge here and be sure to check out my other blog post (and YouTube video) about crying here. If you are ready to work with a professional to help you make sustainable sleep changes for your little one... Here is a link to my scheduler so we can talk through your situation and see if we'd make a good fit to work together!

 

"Won't sleep training hurt my attachment?" This is a very common misconception about sleep training so I'm happy to clear it up and provide specific research.

 

First things first, from the research we have on sleep training, there have been NO negative effects on attachment found. Could we do with more research? Always!

Now, let’s dig into the research that we do have:

 

Attachment & sleep training research article #1

In 2016, Gradisar used a randomized controlled trial to study the effects of sleep training. Researchers followed up with families 1 year after sleep training to gather data. No significant differences were found in attachment between the children who were sleep trained and the children who weren’t sleep trained.

 

Attachment & sleep training research article #2

In 2012, Price used a randomized controlled trial as well. Follow up was conducted with families 5 years after sleep training. Again, no significant differences were found in parent-child relationships between the children who were sleep trained and the children who weren’t sleep trained.

 

Attachment & sleep training research article #3

Another randomized controlled trial conducted in 2004 by Eckerberg found that before sleep training, the sleep-disturbed children were rated as *more* insecure than a matched comparison group with unknown sleep behavior. This difference was eliminated after the sleep training interventions. Therefore, infant attachment and security seemed to *increase* after sleep training.

 

Attachment & sleep training research article #4

Jodi Mindell, a leader in the field of sleep training and psychology, reviewed 13 different studies on behavioral intervention for issues in 2006. Here is a direct quote from her research:

“Adverse secondary effects as the result of participating in behaviorally based sleep programs were not identified in any of the studies. On the contrary, infants who participated in sleep interventions were found to be more secure, predictable, less irritable, and to cry and fuss less following treatment.”

 

Attachment & sleep training research summary

Main things I want to point out from the research noted above:

 

→Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are the gold standard in research. Gradisar, Price and Eckerberg are all RCTs.

→When comparing those who were sleep trained with those who were not, we find no differences in long term attachment outcomes.

→In fact, a review of several studies actually shows a positive effect on attachment!

 

But what about the cortisol study? I’m so glad you asked! Let’s take a look…

 

Middlemiss attachment & sleep training research

In 2012 Middlemiss conducted a study measuring cortisol during the sleep training process. Cortisol is the stress hormone that our bodies produce. Babies were sleep trained in a hospital setting by nurses. Both mom and baby’s cortisol levels were measured on days 1 and 3. Mom and baby’s cortisol levels were correlated on day 1 but not on day 3. From this, they theorized that mother’s and infant’s cortisol levels were not in sync which could mean a weakening in their attachment…

 

However, there are many issues with this Middlemiss study:

→There was no control group to compare the data to.

→There is a significant lack of data that was collected. Why were cortisol levels only recorded on days 1 and 3? Why not day 5 (as the study was still being conducted at that point)?

→Not only was there a lack of data, we also have to grapple with the fact that these babies were not in their usual, safe environment and they were sleep trained by complete strangers. Comparing this clinical setting to sleep training at home with a trusted caregiver is like comparing apples to oranges.

→Finally, the cortisol results are not indicative of harm. Mother and baby’s cortisol levels being out of sync does not mean that attachment has been harmed. There is zero research to back up this claim.

 

Bottom line is... there is no research that shows sleep training harms attachment. On the contrary, we have some research to show it can improve attachment!

 

As always, sleep training is a very family-dependent decision and no one outside of your immediate family should be pressuring or making that decision for you. If you choose to sleep train, great! If you choose not to sleep train, also great! Neither way is right or wrong. 

 

 

Ready to tackle your current sleep issues? I'm here to offer a solution. 

Look no further than my affordable Classic Consultation:

With the Classic Consultation you can get accessible sleep help to confidently sleep train without all the second guessing! Imagine doing your bedtime routine, kissing your baby goodnight, walking out of the room + knowing that your baby will sleep long stretches at night and both of you will wake up feeling refreshed!

 

So if you're ready to stop feeling stuck, it's time to own your hard, commit to change & better sleep, and head over to check out the Classic Consultation today: https://allthesleeps.com/sleep-plan

Not everyone needs to sleep train. It's not for every family and that's 100% okay! But if you (or someone you know) desperately needs a sleep change but is stalling on sleep training, keep reading. Add some tough love into your world that will help you address your baby's sleep issues without the BS that can cloud our thinking.

 

 

You can sleep train your child AND maintain a secure attachment

I know this myth is prevalent out there but it is simply not backed by the research. In fact, research has shown that sleep training has no effect on attachment (and 1 study even showed a positive effect on attachment)!

 

You can be responsive to your child during the whole sleep training process

No, you don't have to shut the door and stay out until morning. You're still responding to your child, you're just responding differently in order to give them the opportunity to learn a new skill. When I work with families, some even prefer to stay in the room during the whole process and that is okay! It still works as long as we aren't always swooping in and doing the hard work for the child.

 

You'll be surprised how much MORE in tune you'll feel after you've sleep trained

It's true! I hear this from parents all the time. They are better able to distinguish when baby is sick or not feeling their best. Sleep training really helps you tune into what your baby's different cries mean. And in fact, your sleep trained child will still call out for you at night when they need you. It's just that with sleep training you're teaching them to regulate their sleep so they don't need you for it throughout the night (or after short naps).

 

Your child will cry as a result of sleep training but this is NOT the end of the world

Crying is not a fire that needs to be put out. It's communication. And it's 100% okay for your child to communicate that they don't like the change. Our job as parents is not to stifle any uncomfortable feelings for our child. It's to be there, to support them through those feelings, and teach them that they can get through the uncomfortable stuff.

 

 

 

Did you need to hear this tough love? Walk to chat more and see if sleep training is the next right step for your family?

Let's chat!

Whatever way you slice it, parenting is just plain hard. There are no hacks or tips that can fully eliminate the struggles. And when you add sleep deprivation on top of it all, it can feel unbearable at times.

Caring for your little one every day... Trying to succeed at work or at home... Managing your own mental health... Maintaining important relationships in your life...

 

It's A LOT to juggle. It's not for the faint of heart, that's for sure.

 

With that all said, I'm not here to offer you an "easy hack" or a "secret tip" to make it all better. But I do want to help you see that you get a choice in how you handle the hard parts of parenting. And the simple act of making that choice can help you feel more in control, more confident, and less like you're drowning.

 

YOU GET TO CHOOSE YOUR HARD.

 

What do I mean by that? Let's look at 2 hard things:

 

HARD THING #1

Your child is struggling with sleep (night wakings, fighting sleep, short naps, cranky & overtired all the time, etc). You can accept that this is where you're at right now and embrace it. This will be temporary. Some day your child will sleep better. You can choose for this to be your hard and go with it. Accept it and stop letting it plague your every thought and emotion.

 

HARD THING #2

Your child is struggling with sleep but you've decided to arm yourself with support & information and start tackling these sleep issues. You know that change will be hard and that you'll likely get even worse sleep for a short time while you make changes. But you have hope that it will get better shortly after and your child will learn to regulate their own sleep if you give them the opportunity to learn. You embrace the challenge ahead of you and decide to tackle it wholeheartedly.

 

 

 

Choosing #1 is not better or worse than choosing #2 (at least I'm not going to pass that judgement). YOU get to decide which is better or worse for your family and your unique situation.

 

Unfortunately, I often see parents stuck in between these 2 hard things. They don't fully accept one or the other and so they feel even more stressed and overwhelmed because of it.

 

Usually that looks like dabbling in sleep training methods, following sleep consultant accounts, also following anti-sleep training accounts, but never fully committing to either so they never really see progress and feel perpetually guilty. Meanwhile, because they are "kind of" trying to get to better sleep, they can never be fully present in the moment with their child, they constantly feel anxious about the state of their child's sleep and they certainly aren't going to embrace the stage their currently in.

 

These parents often vacillate between thinking that their child's sleep struggles are just a part of life and/or thinking that their child is capable of sleeping better. This keeps them stuck in a downward spiral. (And if you've been here, you know exactly what I mean). You just feel stuck!

 

 

I'm here to offer a solution. If you decide to jump in and embrace hard thing #2.

You're ready to tackle your child's sleep issues wholeheartedly,

then look no further than my affordable Sleep Coaching Crash Course For Babies:

With the Sleep Coaching Crash Course For Babies you can have a step by step plan at your fingertips to achieve your sleep goals -> do your bedtime routine, kiss your baby goodnight, and walk out of the room + know that your baby will sleep long stretches at night and both of you will wake up feeling refreshed!

 

So if you're ready to stop feeling stuck, it's time to own your hard, commit to change & better sleep, and head over to check out the Sleep Coaching Crash Course For Babies today: https://allthesleeps.com/sleep-coaching-crash-course