It's not uncommon for young children to experience some nighttime fears and anxieties. Here are some tips to help them feel safe and secure:

Tame the Tube: While we may not find certain shows or movies scary, young minds can be easily spooked. Limit their exposure to potentially frightening content, including Halloween decorations, intense news stories, sad movies and anything else that might cause nightmares.

Dim the Lights: A nightlight or soft lamp can chase away the shadows and create a more calming environment for your child. 

Open Communication is Key: Talk patiently with your child about their fears during the day. Listen attentively without judgment, and avoid putting words in their mouth. Let them express themselves freely, but keep bedtime/nighttime on track.

Be Their Superhero: Remind your child that you're their protector and that they are safe. Offer check-ins at night (as needed) to show you're close by. Follow through on any promises to build trust and security.

Happy Place in Their Space: Spend time playing and reading in your child's room during the day. This creates positive associations and makes the bedroom a familiar and friendly place at night.

Cuddle Buddy Power: A cherished blanket, stuffed animal, or other "lovey" can provide comfort and act as a security object. This familiar friend can offer a sense of calm when your child needs it most.

Does your family need more in-depth sleep support?  Please email me directly at: [email protected] to schedule a 30 minute Sweet Dreams Starter Call to learn more about how I can help your family get the gift of sleep!

Yours in sleep,
Tracie / Rest Well Baby

As we venture into the realm of sleep, it's often alluring for parents to shape their tiny tots into nocturnal ninjas, able to sleep through blaring lights and a symphony of background noise. However, the reality is that we humans, whether we are infants, toddlers, older children or fully-grown adults, find our best rest in an environment that's as cool, quiet, and dark as a secluded forest glen at midnight.

Let's delve into this a bit further, starting with temperature. Imagine a baby as a petite Goldilocks testing out the three bears' beds. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, the little one is more likely to awaken, uncomfortable and protesting, much like Goldilocks would after trying out Papa Bear's too-hard bed or Mama Bear's too-soft one. As a guide, experts recommend creating a just-right environment for your tiny Goldilocks, with room temperatures hovering between a cozy 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, let's talk about light, an important element in life but a notorious party-crasher in the world of sleep. Light is like a persistent salesman, knocking on the door of our brains, signaling that it's time to wake up and get moving. To keep this intrusive visitor at bay, invest in good-quality curtains or blinds, the gatekeepers of your child's sleep. A dim nightlight, as subtle as a fairy's glow, is acceptable. However, if the light is so bright that you could comfortably read "War and Peace" by it, then it's high time to dim that overzealous nightlight.

Finally, let's tackle noise, the invisible disruptor of serene slumber. Picture noise as a mischievous sprite, prodding us into lighter stages of sleep or causing us to struggle with falling or staying asleep. To counteract this sprite's antics, a white noise machine can be your knight in shining armor, shielding your little one from the cacophony of the outside world, whether it's the street's orchestra of honking cars, the neighborhood dog's solo concert, or the clamor of household appliances in their daily symphony. However, keep this knight's protective shield - the sound machine - set to a constant, soothing sound, akin to a gentle breeze. Place your sound machine strategically between your little one's crib or bed and the door or window, like a sentinel at its post. And remember, even knights shouldn't be too boisterous, so keep the noise level to no louder than the calming serenade of your running shower.

In conclusion, creating a sleep environment for your little one is like setting the stage for a beautiful night's performance. So, dim the lights, quiet the orchestra, and set the stage temperature just right for your tiny star's grand entrance into dreamland.

Yours in sleep,
Tracie / Rest Well Baby

Exhausted parents, this one's for you! Do you dream of nights filled with uninterrupted sleep for both you and your little one? As a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach, I help families just like yours achieve that dream. But what exactly does a sleep coach do? 

Understanding Your Sleep Struggles:

Every child and family is unique, so my approach starts with a personalized consultation. We'll discuss your child's sleep habits, bedtime routines, and any challenges you're facing. This could include anything from frequent night wakings and early morning rising to difficulty falling asleep or transitioning to a crib. By understanding the root cause of the sleep struggles, I can create a customized sleep plan.

Using A Responsive Approach:

Forget about rigid cry-it-out methods! My approach is supportive and age-appropriate. We'll work together to come up with a customized, responsive sleep solution where your child learns to sleep better, longer and more soundly all while feeling loved and reassured and you feel supported and empowered during the process.   

Supporting You Every Step of the Way:

Change doesn't happen overnight, especially when it comes to sleep. As your sleep coach, I'm here to support you throughout the process. I'll provide you with educational information, answer your questions, and troubleshoot any hiccups along the way. I understand that sleep deprivation can be incredibly frustrating, so I'll also offer encouragement and celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may seem.

The Benefits of a Good Night's Sleep:

Beyond well-rested parents, there are countless benefits to a child getting a good night's sleep. Improved mood, better focus, and a strengthened immune system are just a few. When children are well-rested, they learn better, have more energy to play, and overall experience a better quality of life.

Taking Back Your Nights:

You don't have to be sleep-deprived forever! I'm here to help you create a peaceful sleep environment for both you and your child. Through personalized plans, supportive techniques, and compassionate support, I empower families to achieve the restful sleep they deserve.

Ready to learn more?

​Let's chat! Contact me today to schedule your 30 minute Sweet Dreams Starter Call to see how I can help your family get the gift of sleep.

Yours in sleep,
Tracie / Rest Well Baby

Did you know that the National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get between 7-9 hours of sleep per night? Did you also know that many adults, especially those with babies and toddlers, are getting less than what is recommended? If you are not getting a restful night's sleep, here are a few tips that might help...

*Create a relaxing sleep environment. Make sure your sleep space is calming. A comfortable bed and bedroom will be more conducive to sleep.

*Turn down the temperature at night. Research has shown that the ideal sleep temperature is between 68-72 degrees.

*Unplug (no screen time) 1 - 2 hours before bedtime.

*Implement a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a bubble bath, reading a book or drinking a warm cup of caffeine free tea.

*Consider purchasing blackout shades (or really good blinds/shutters) to help your body's circadian rhythm support sleep naturally. Install a dim nightlight if you have to move around at night.

*If you live in a noisy neighborhood you may want to use a white noise machine or fan to help drown out any noise that may disturb you.

*Limit the amount of caffeine, alcohol and sugar you ingest as they can disrupt sleep.

*Try to avoid large, heavy meals right before bed, which can sometimes cause digestive problems.

*Try to get fresh air and sunlight during the day (particularly in the morning). Exercise, even light exercise, (in the morning or the afternoon) can also be beneficial.

If your baby, toddler or young child is not getting the sleep he/she needs and you are interested in learning more about the supportive sleep solutions that I offer, please contact me directly at: [email protected] to schedule a 30 minute Sweet Dreams Starter Call!

***Follow @restwellbaby on Facebook & @restwellbabysleep on Instagram for more pediatric sleep tips and information!***
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ONLINE AT: www.restwellbaby.com

As a pediatric sleep consultant, I get asked about "drowsy but awake" ALL. THE. TIME.  It is sometimes viewed as the holy grail of baby sleep...but is it all it's cracked up to be? Let's dive into the pros and cons:

Pros:

- Independence: Drowsy but awake encourages babies to fall asleep somewhat independently in their own sleep space, which can set them up for good sleep habits in the long run.

- Improved Sleep Quality: By falling asleep somewhat independently in their safe sleep space, babies will sometimes sleep better and longer.

-Transfer trap:  Some parents have a hard time transferring their baby to the bassinet or crib while asleep.  Drowsy but awake (when it works) can eliminate this challenge.
 
Cons:

- Tough to Master: It can be tricky to figure out those sleepy cues, and let's be honest, sometimes babies just want to be held!

- Frustration City: A lot of babies get upset when put down not fully asleep or they expect you to get them into a really drowsy state (in order to fall back to sleep) every time they wake up.

- Not for Everyone: Some babies (and parents!) just don't jive with drowsy but awake.

 The Verdict:

Drowsy but awake can sometimes be a helpful tool for promoting independent sleep, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Be patient, be flexible, and most importantly, follow your baby's lead ✨

Looking for individualized sleep support?  Lets connect: [email protected]

Yours in sleep,
Tracie / Rest Well Baby

1. Make sleep a family priority. Create and follow a flexible sleep schedule 7 days a week. The predictability will help your little one have an easier time at bedtime.

2. Pay attention to possible underlying medical conditions. Ailments such as reflux, allergies, eczema, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic ear infections, etc... can all impact sleep. If you suspect your little one may have something going on, then it's important that your talk to your pediatrician.

3. Make sure all caregivers are on the same page. It's challenging to have consistent, healthy sleep habits if your family is not working as a team.

4. Create a sleep friendly environment. We all sleep better in a cool, dark, quiet space. Make sure your child's sleep environment is a safe space that is conducive to sleep. Dim night lights and sound machines (to help drown out outside noise) are fine to use, if needed/desired.

5. Give your child a security object. It can sometimes be difficult for older babies, toddlers and young children to separate from their loved ones at bedtime. As long as your pediatrician says it is safe, a security object such as a lovey, small teddy bear or soft doll can help your child feel more secure and comforted at night.

6. Implement a nightly bedtime routine. Babies, toddlers and young children all thrive with routine. Structure and consistency help them feel safe and secure. A bedtime routine helps your child wind down from the day and helps cue her body that it is time to sleep.
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If your baby, toddler or young child is not getting the sleep he/she needs and you are interested in learning more about the supportive sleep solutions that Rest Well Baby offers, please contact Tracie at: [email protected] to schedule a 30 minute Sweet Dreams Starter Call.

​🌙👶 Sleep tight, little ones! 💤✨

Parents! Let's talk about the importance of good sleep hygiene for your sweet baby. 💕😴

My favorite part of sleep consulting is helping families establish healthy sleep habits for their babies from the beginning (or whenever they reach out to me!). 🌟

I listen to the current situation and then provide personalized guidance, tips, and support to ensure your little one (and YOU!) get the quality sleep needed to thrive. 💪🙌

From establishing consistent bedtime routines to creating a sleep-friendly environment, sleep consultants walk hand in hand with parents, offering valuable tools and techniques to overcome sleep challenges. I truly understand that every child is unique, and tailor my approach to suit each family's specific needs. 🤗❤️

So, say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to sweet dreams! 

Reach out to me directly at: [email protected] to book your Sweet Dreams Starter Call today 💕

Yours in Sleep,
Tracie / Rest Well Baby

​Yes, you can read ALL the books about sleep for your baby.  But you're too tired to make any sense of it all...

When you book a sleep consultation with me, not only do you get my expert advice and a personalized plan for your family, but you also get these two very important things:

1. Accountability: Let's face it, it can be challenging to stay committed and accountable when trying to solve sleep problems on your own. A sleep consultant helps you stay on track and holds you accountable for implementing the strategies and changes necessary to improve your baby's sleep. This added level of accountability significantly increases your chances of success.

2. Holistic Approach: I like to take a holistic approach to sleep, considering various factors that may contribute to your baby's sleep difficulties. I look beyond the surface and examine your lifestyle, environment, stress levels, bedtime routine, and more. By addressing the root causes, I can provide long-lasting solutions instead of quick fixes that you can't find in any of the books.

Want to learn more?  Book your Sweet Dreams Starter Call today 💕

Yours in sleep,
Tracie / Rest Well Baby

​Parents always ask me what kind of sleep training I teach.

My answer?

The one the best fits you and your baby's needs.

Sleep consultants are trained in various methods to help parents and their little ones get the rest they need.💤

I'm equipped with a range of tools and knowledge to support different parenting styles and goals.

💪 So if you're struggling with your child's sleep, consider reaching out to me to guide you through the process and help you establish healthy sleep routines. 😴

Yours in sleep,
Tracie / Rest Well Baby