Is Your Baby Ready for Sleep-Coaching? Here’s How to Tell
Sleep coaching can feel like a big milestone—for both you and your little one. But here’s the good news: there’s no “perfect” timeline and absolutely nothing wrong if your baby (or you!) aren’t quite ready yet. Think of this as more of a gentle guide than a hard rulebook. If you’re curious whether your baby […]
Gentle Sleep Training: Research-Based Alternatives to Cry-It-Out
When parents hear sleep training, many think of leaving a baby to cry alone. This approach—commonly known as Ferber or “cry-it-out”—is rooted in behavioral theory and has been the dominant framework in research for decades, but that doesn’t mean it works for every family. In fact, many parents find it stressful, counterintuitive, or simply ineffective. […]
33 Spectacular Toddler Swimsuits Sure to Make a Splash
Shopping for baby clothes is one of the many perks of motherhood. Summer is quickly approaching, and we all know what that means… you need to start searching for toddler swimsuits! While shopping for your swimsuit may not be high on your “Favorite Activities” list, shopping for a toddler swimsuit is definitely going to be a highlight of summer preparations. The toddler […]
Soothing Colic: Root Causes, Remedies, and Relief for Your Baby
According to the Mayo Clinic, colic is “frequent, prolonged, and intense crying or fussiness in a healthy infant. Pediatric nurse practitioner and PhD Maryanne Tranter shares that it appears in babies under 5 months with no known cause, and often occurs in the evening or toward the end of the day, which can set you […]
Hydrate to Potty Train: A Summer Guide for Parents
The importance of staying hydrated, especially during the hot summer months, cannot be overstated. However, when it comes to potty training in the summer, hydration becomes even more critical! Ensuring your child stays well-hydrated can prevent issues like dehydration-related constipation, which could hinder their ease and comfort when using the potty. In the early stages […]
When Can Babies Self-Soothe
When Can Babies Self-Soothe Every baby is unique, and while science gives us helpful trends, it’s important to watch your baby’s individual cues and readiness. Let’s take a closer look at what the research tells us—and how it aligns with what I’ve seen in over 25 years of supporting families with gentle sleep coaching. Between […]
CIO: Extinction Sleep Training | What It Is & If Its Safe
What is the cry it out method (extinction sleep training) The Cry-It-Out (CIO) method is a sleep training approach where parents allow their baby to cry for a set period without immediate intervention, with the goal of helping them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. There are two main versions of CIO: What I […]
Sleep Training Regression
Sleep Training and Sleep Regression Sleep regressions are natural and often coincide with developmental milestones or significant transitions in your baby’s life. Although these phases can temporarily disrupt sleep, gentle sleep training methods can help restore healthy sleep habits. General Sleep Training During Regression Can You Sleep Train a Baby Going Through a Sleep Regression? […]
Sleep Training Regression
Sleep Training and Sleep Regression Sleep regressions are natural and often coincide with developmental milestones or significant transitions in your baby’s life. Although these phases can temporarily disrupt sleep, gentle sleep training methods can help restore healthy sleep habits. General Sleep Training During Regression Can You Sleep Train a Baby Going Through a Sleep Regression? […]
Ferber: The Method. Schedule, Analysis & Alternatives
What is the Ferber Sleep Training Method While my philosophy focuses on gentle sleep coaching methods like the Sleep Lady Shuffle, I understand that many families consider the Ferber Method for sleep training. Below, I’ll outline the facts about the Ferber Method, its steps, and alternatives, while sharing my thoughts to help you make an […]
Why Sleep Training Is Bad:Controversies & Child Bonds
Why Extinction Sleep Training Gets a Bad Name—and How Better Methods Can Work Sleep training is one of the most polarizing topics in parenting. Approaches like unmodified extinction or “Cry It Out” (CIO)—where caregivers leave their child to cry without intervention—are widely criticized for their harshness and emotional toll. For many parents, the idea of […]
CIO(Cry it Out) vs Ferber vs The Sleep Lady Shuffle
Cry-It-Out vs. Ferber As a parent, you may have heard of the Cry-It-Out (CIO) and Ferber methods for sleep training. While both are popular, neither reflects the gentle, responsive approach I advocate through the Sleep Lady Shuffle. Let’s break these down so you can decide what works best for your family—and understand why gentler methods […]
Sleep Training Not Working – Method Mismatch or Something Else?
Baby not responding to sleep training When sleep training doesn’t seem to be working, it’s often not your baby—it’s the approach. Every baby is unique, and some methods might not align with your child’s temperament or developmental readiness. It’s essential to step back, assess what’s happening, and make thoughtful adjustments to your plan. It Might […]
Can You Sleep Train Newborns? No , But Here Is What You Can Do
Can You Sleep Train Newborns? No, sleep training is not appropriate for newborns. As a sleep expert, I advise parents to hold off on formal sleep training, like my gentle sleep coaching method (The Sleep Lady Shuffle), until their baby is at least 6 months old. Newborns in their first three months—commonly called the “fourth […]
Sleep Training A 1-Year-Old: Best Method & How Long
Can you sleep train a 1-year-old You can sleep train a 1-year-old! While older toddlers may resist more due to independence or ingrained habits, they adapt quickly with a consistent approach. Start with a gentle method like the Sleep Lady Shuffle, staying close to offer reassurance while teaching self-soothing. A calming bedtime routine and consistent […]