Does Your Preschooler Still Need to Nap? Probably
Does Your Preschooler Still Need to Nap? Probably Does your preschooler still need to nap? Surprisingly, many parents and educators feel that preschoolers shouldn’t need this important developmental assist in their education. The Huffington Post recently published an article that points out the necessity of naps when it comes to learning, as well as the […]
Quiet Time for Toddlers — Dropping the Afternoon Nap
Quiet Time for Toddlers — Dropping the Afternoon Nap Dropping the afternoon nap in favor of quiet time can bring a big transition for the whole family. Many families ask about the appropriate age to drop their naps for good. On average children give up their afternoon nap at 4 years old. That being said, […]
Baby and Toddler Naps — Everything You Need to Know
Baby and Toddler Naps — Everything You Need to Know Many parents assume that nighttime is the only time that we should worry about our baby’s and toddler’s sleep. What parents often don’t realize is how important naps really are to babies’ development, temperament, and growth. Naps are incredibly important for babies and toddlers, but […]
Cosleeping with Multiple Children: The Family Bed
Cosleeping with Multiple Children: The Family Bed A family bed — a fancy name for instances when parents are cosleeping with multiple children in a ‘family’ bed — is quite common. Although not many families talk about it, they do need to consider what happens when another baby is introduced into a family bed. You […]
Toddler Naps: Nap or Not to Nap for My 4 Year Old?
Toddler Naps: Nap or Not to Nap for My 4 Year Old? A reader wrote in this question about toddler naps: “I am struggling. Does my 4 year old need a nap? On weekdays, she goes to 1/2 day preschool, naps afterwards in her room with dim lights and a sound machine from about 12:45pm […]
Naps, Naps, and Naps! When, Why, and How to Get Your Baby to Nap
Naps, Naps, and Naps! When, Why, and How to Get Your Baby to Nap Getting your child to sleep at night is a major milestone and goal for parents everywhere. But did you know that daytime sleep plays a huge role in that quality nighttime slumber? Learn why they’re important and how to get solid […]
Safe Cosleeping: Creating a Safe Environment for your Baby
Safe Cosleeping: Creating a Safe Environment for your Baby How you choose to sleep is personal, and if you choose to co-sleep, there are a few things you need to know in order to be safe and secure. Parents need to ask themselves a few questions before they make the decision to co-sleep, even if […]
Common Baby Sleep Problems and What to Do About Them
Common Baby Sleep Problems and What to Do About Them We’re each unique and so are our children. Parents often see this uniqueness reflected in the way their baby sleeps. Some babies arrive ready to be swaddled and have sweet dreams. Others fight sleep day and night. Your family’s sleep challenges may feel as unique […]
Toddler Night Weaning: How Do I Stop the Constant Night Wakings?
Toddler Night Weaning: How Do I Stop the Constant Night Wakings? A mom named Hailey wrote to me and asked me a question about toddler night weaning: “My one-year-old wakes up six times a night. Sometimes it is for his pacifier and sometimes it is for milk. But mostly it is for no reason other […]
The 9 Month Sleep Regression: When Your Baby Stops Sleeping
What Is the 9-Month Sleep Regression? The 9-month sleep regression is a temporary phase of disrupted sleep that typically occurs between 8 and 10 months. Your baby may: Wake up more often at night Resist naps (or take shorter naps) Have difficulty falling asleep Experience separation anxiety Wake up standing in the crib and not […]
The 3 year Sleep Regression: What to Expect From Your Preschooler
Congratulations! You’ve made it out of the phase of intense and frequent sleep regressions. Yet, your child’s sleep can still be affected by major changes for the rest of their lives. Face it, we are all sleepless now and then. Starting a new school, moving homes, and travel can throw any child’s sleep off temporarily. […]
The Sleep Lady Shuffle: How to Gently Sleep Train your Baby
The Sleep Lady Shuffle: How to Gently Sleep Train your Baby When many parents think of sleep coaching, they automatically draw images of screaming babies and children in a room alone while the parent hides and pretends that the crying isn’t killing them. Most parents just can’t do that. It’s not fair to the child, […]
Night Weaning After Six Months: How to Gently End Night Feedings
Night Weaning After Six Months: How to Gently End Night Feedings The most common problem behavioral sleep disorders is that most children who experience problems falling asleep have never learned to fall asleep without a breast or bottle in their mouths. Their need for this sleep crutch compounds as they get older and no longer […]
Co-Sleeping and Room Sharing – Tips for Sleeping Safely
Co-Sleeping and Room Sharing – Tips for Sleeping Safely The term “co-sleeping” is often used alongside “room sharing”. While having your child rooming with you for the first six to 12 months is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sleeping with a baby in your bed is another story. The confusion and controversy […]
The Lovey — Your Child’s First Best Friend
The Lovey — Your Child’s First Best Friend It’s bedtime. You’ve gone through the whole routine — bath, stories, songs. As you turn to leave your tiny toddler for the night, she stands up in her crib and reaches out, crying for you to come back. That’s when you hand her that precious item she […]