Little Sleepy Headz Sleep Consultant

5 star google review! This is why I love what I do!

This gorgeous family had tried a number of different sleep techniques to limit night time wakes and feeds with little success.

We used very gentle, no cry method and in less than a week the little is only waking once for a feed.

So proud of this Mama!

What is a sleep cycle?

A sleep cycle simply marks the different stages of sleep. A baby's complete sleep cycle lasts 45 - 60 minutes.

This information is handy to know, particularly if you're wanting to transition bub from one place to another.

Save for later!

Red Nose Australia - saving little lives

This is a good one to save for later!

Also remember:
✨Dress bub in an appropriate swaddle or sleeping bag/suit for the temperature of the room.

✨Keep sleeping space clear of hazards - in and out of bassinet/cot.

✨Ensure you have a mattress that fits the cot or bassinet perfectly.

✨ Never leave your baby to sleep on a lounge, nest, pillow, bean bag. Their cot or bassinet is always going to be the safest place for them to sleep.

These words get thrown around a lot, particularly if you have a newborn so this is just a little FYI!

Have you ever wondered why your baby or toddler is laying awake in their cot for 30 minutes or more before falling sleep?

Sleep Pressure!

If your little one is resisting their nap or bedtime, consider adjusting their sleep. This may include capping sleep and lengthening awake times to create enough sleep pressure for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Send me a messaged if you'd like more information on how to adjust your schedule to create more sleep pressure for your little one!

I’m sooo looking forward to being able to go on adventures again! But this does bring up the topic of naps on the go!

We all need to live a little (or a lot after lockdown). Where possible, try to have a plan of how, where or when your little one will get a nap.

This might mean planning your driving for their nap time or taking a pram or carrier for them to sleep in while you’re out 💕

Who else is ready to get back to normality?

Night Time Routine

Never underestimate the power of routine! Our babes thrive on predictability! Having a set routine lets our little ones know it is time to wind down and to get ready to sleep.

This is my 6 step process to success!

Blinds
The first signal to your little one that it is time to wind down. It is a sign that the end of the day is near and bedtime routine is approaching. It will also let the brain know it is time to start producing melatonin - the sleepy hormone! (I like to open the blinds together in the morning to signify a new day too).

Bath
For younger bubs, this is a great time to be calm and stare into each other eyes and for the older ones, it is a great time to chat, splash and play while washing your little one. Lots of interaction here can minimise separation anxiety that may occur at night.

Bundle
This is another opportunity to chat and sing to your little one while you go through the process of clothing them (or wrestling them), including their sleeping bag/swaddle. It can be a good time for a little massage too!

B**b or bottle
Include lots of eye contact and cuddles.

Book
I like to use the same books on repeat (at least until they can request a different book, then I always keep the number of books the same - eg 2 books). I see this as the last opportunity to cuddle my little one before bed.

Bed
Turn on white noise, say your "magic words" - for example, "it's time to go to sleep, good night bubba, I love you". Then place your little one on their back in their cot/bassinet.

Save for later or tag a mumma this could help!

2 Year Sleep Regression

Yes, there is ANOTHER regression at 2 years of age!! Like all sleep regressions, this one is linked to development. It is often a time of transition for our little ones too!

At this time your toddler is having a huge growth in language development, physical development and social skills. It is important they are given opportunities during the day to build on these skills. If they are happily chatting, singing or playing throughout the night, leave them to it.

Around the age of 2, our little babes often have a lot going on around them - cue daycare, toilet training, siblings, meaning their little secure world may not look the same as it used to. This linked with yet another spike in separation anxiety can lead to genuine fears that come to the surface at bedtime.

Top Tips:
Keep them in their cot as 2 year olds do not have impulse control yet. The closer to 3 you can wait, the more control they'll have.

Make sure your little one isn't getting too much day sleep. 1 - 2 hours is plenty!

Staying consistent with routines will help our little ones fall back into their dreamy sleep pattern again. Remember to maintain firm boundaries for our trying toddlers.

Happy Father’s Day

Credit:

18 Month Sleep Regression

This regression can begin from 16 - 18 months. It goes hand in hand with your little one transitioning from 1 - 2 naps, a developmental leap (cognitive & emotional) and is topped off with a rise in separation anxiety.

Top Tips to surviving:
1. Patience
It is common to freak out when our little ones start testing us. At this point, they often learn the word "no" and how to use it. Try to remain calm. Our little ones feel our emotions and act on them.

2. Consistency
Consistency is key! Our little babes thrive on predictability. It gives them security in what can be an overwhelming time for them (and us).

3. Boundaries
It is important to remember it is the role of our little ones to push and test boundaries - it is a form of learning. It is our role as parents to teach them what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.

4. Naps
At this age we often transition from 2 to 1 nap. This nap ranges from 1.5 - 2.5 hours.

5. Nights
While we are aiming for 10 - 12 hours overnight, night wakes can become common at this time. It is important not to bring back old sleep habits such as a milk feed. With separation anxiety on the rise, it is important to attend to your little one, it won't undo all your hard work.

Remember, this is just a phase and it will pass. Be kind to yourself and your little one.

9 Month Sleep Regression

This sleep regression can occur anywhere from 8 - 10 months, usually lasting from 2 - 4 weeks. It is often characterised by resisting naps, night wakings and early rising.

The 9 month sleep regression has a direct link to the development of new skills, separation anxiety and change to sleep needs.

How to survive?
Practise!
Allow bub plenty of time to practise their new skill during the day. This includes sitting, crawling, standing or possibly walking.

Separation Anxiety
This can be a great time to introduce a comforter, particularly during wind down to ease bubs separation anxiety which begins to peak at this time.

Change to sleep!
It's time for bub to drop to 2 naps. Following an age appropriate routine is really important. You can find this on my website - link in bio.