As most parents will tell you, new babies need to wake and eat frequently, so lack of sleep in the beginning is a given. However, the impact of this sleep deprivation is something that is almost impossible to prepare for - sometimes even when you've done it before! As a result, you may find yourself wondering at some point if your family needs some sleep assistance. With lots of sleep books on the market, conflicting advice from well-meaning friends & family, and online groups, the vast amount of information on sleep can be overwhelming. So how can I help as a certified pediatric sleep coach?

1. I can help you figure out when is the right time to start helping your little one learn healthy sleep habits.

2. I work with you to create a customized sleep plan that fits your child's age, your parenting style, and your sleep goal(s).

3. Every family that I work with is unique, so I tailor sleep plans and schedules to fit the preferences that work for each family dynamic.

4. I am able to be objective and work to keep your family on track.

5. I am able to answer questions that a book cannot.

6. I have extensive experience, research-based education and stay up-to-date on current pediatric sleep recommendations and best practices.

7. I know when to refer you back to a medical professional to rule out any possible underlying medical conditions that may be impacting your child's sleep.

8. I am on the journey with you to help answer your questions, to support your progress, and to tweak your individualized sleep plan or initial sleep goals, if necessary. I can give you the information, support and confidence you need to be successful.

If your baby, toddler or young child isn't sleeping well and your family needs individualized pediatric sleep support, please do not hesitate to contact me at Rest Well Baby (www.restwellbaby.com) to schedule a FREE 15 minute initial phone call to learn more about my professional sleep coaching services. I am passionate about helping tired families get the sleep they need!

--Follow Rest Well Baby on Facebook for more information and tips!--

Wishing you all a restful night's sleep! www.restwellbaby.com

Creating a sleep schedule for your little one doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes implementing just a few simple healthy sleep habits is all it takes. Here are my top 3 steps in creating a simple sleep schedule for your baby or toddler:

1. Put your child to bed around the same time every night. If your child’s bedtime varies greatly from night-to-night, then his/her overall quality of sleep can suffer. Children thrive with consistency and routine. Your little one’s bedtime does not need to be exact (ex: 7pm on the dot) every night, but it should fall within a reasonably short bedtime window (say between 7-7:30, depending on naps).

2. Have a regular wake up time. Just like having a regular bedtime window is important, having a morning wake up time is important too. If you start your day too early or too late, then your child’s entire schedule (eating and sleeping) can get thrown off track, which can lead to a little one who is not sleeping (or eating) well.

3. Have fairly consistent nap times. Babies and toddlers need daytime sleep. Just like the timing of night sleep is important, the timing of day sleep is important too. Little ones will nap better when they are on a predictable nap schedule – meaning that they nap around the same times every day. While nap times do not need to be exact, they should fall within an age appropriate nap window.

If your family needs individualized pediatric sleep support, please do not hesitate to contact Tracie at Rest Well Baby to schedule a FREE 15 minute initial phone call to learn more about her supportive sleep coaching services.

--Follow Rest Well Baby on Facebook for more information and tips!--

Wishing you all a restful night's sleep! www.restwellbaby.com