Blog

How to dress baby for sleep (and what to wear under a sleep bag!)
With changing seasons, parents are wondering how best to keep baby warm for sleep, while not overheating! The best way to check if your little one is the correct temperature is to put your hand on their chest. Does their chest feel comfortable and warm? It should not...
What’s with the False Start? When baby wakes up after they’ve just gone down…
This is the scene: You've finally convinced your baby to fall asleep in your arms after much rocking, feeding, shushing, and pacifier-replacing. You gently transfer them to the crib, and tiptoe out of the room like a ninja. Forty-five minutes goes by, and... your baby...
Safe Sleep for Baby: The ABCs of Infant Sleep
Alone, on their Back, in a Crib - this is what we call the ABCs of safe infant sleep, and it's how the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies sleep, for the safety sleep possible for babe. 1. Alone: Baby should sleep alone, rather than in the same...
Three sleep coaching techniques, explained
It’s 2 a.m. and your 18 month old is awake. It’s 3 p.m. and your 7 month old is refusing to nap in her crib. Do you go in right away so he doesn’t get more upset? Wait a few minutes to see if he’ll maybe go back to sleep on his own? Rock him? Stay with him? Check on...
Four signs your baby is ready to transition from two naps to one
One of the most common nap questions I get from parents is when to expect that their child will be ready to transition to one nap, instead of two. Let’s talk about the signs that your child might be ready for just one nap each day: Every child is different, but most...
The Witching Hour: What it is and how to manage this tricky time with baby
Who among us parents hasn't dealt with a newborn's witching hour? And, let's face it, it's not usually just an hour... it's HOURS!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The witching hour is a fussy period that almost all babies go through, and tends to occur around the same time each day, from...
From swaddle to sleep bag – when and how
Swaddling can be very helpful for newborns to help calm their Moro reflex (often referred to as the “startle reflex” - you know, the one that causes your baby to hit himself in the face and wake up very annoyed? Yeah, that one.). Swaddling is not a sleep prop, but...
Crib hour: What it is and why I’m not a fan
Related to naps, the concept of "crib hour" is this: if baby wakes up at any point under an hour from when they were put down, you leave them be. This is a popular option among some for lengthening a baby’s short naps... But, here’s why I don’t subscribe to crib...
When to increase your baby’s awake time
It's not always crystal clear when your baby is ready to make certain sleep transitions, and determining when to increase awake times can be one of those uncertain periods. Let's start by looking at average awake times by age (remember, every baby is different, and...
Sound machines, white noise, and your baby’s sleep
Sound machines have become a popular sleep tool for parents with young children. There is a lot of mixed information, though, about the right way to use a sound machine, and whether to use one at all! Here's what to keep in mind when considering a sound machine for...
Three signs your child is ready to drop a nap
Sometimes things aren't always determined by age! For some parents, it can be tricky to know whether and when your baby is ready to drop a nap and make a nap transition. This goes for 3 naps to 2 naps, 2 naps to 1 nap or even 1 nap to NONE. First, let's take a look at...
What’s a Dream Feed?
There are loads of different recommendations about the effectiveness of a dream feed. First, let's define it: A dream feed is something some parents offer during the night, and involves going to your infant while they are still asleep and offering a feed while they...
Can you room-share while sleep coaching?
Health Canada recommends parents sleep in the same room as baby until at least 6 months of age. But that doesn’t mean you can’t work on sleep coaching before you’re ready for baby to sleep in their own nursery! It’s entirely possible to help baby learn independent...
Adjusted age: How your preemie’s corrected age affects sleep
If your baby was not premature, you may have never heard the terms “Adjusted Age” or “Corrected Age.” But, if your baby was born early (earlier than 37 weeks), calculating baby’s adjusted age can be very helpful for sleep!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Adjusted age is your baby’s...
Nap Strikes: What they are and how to get past them!
Previously-perfect napper seem to be on strike? A "nap strike" is what we refer to when a child who was previously napping well suddenly fights naptime. This most commonly occurs when a child is getting close to the age to drop a nap, making his parents...
Does your child need a pillow?
Wondering when your little one should sleep with a pillow? A pillow is generally only needed once your child transitions from a crib to a “big kid bed” and I recommend the transition to a bed occur around the age of 3. Before that, a clean empty crib...
The mattress matters! What to look for in a crib mattress
We talk a lot about room environment – Dark, quiet, peaceful, no distractions. But what about what baby sleeps ON? Baby’s mattress can go a long way towards healthy rest! Recently, I was thrilled to visit Obasan and get a full tour of their incredible inventory,...
How to succeed with the “Wake Up Clock”
First, let’s ensure you know what I mean when I refer to a “wake up clock.” A wake up clock, like the Gro Clock or Sleepy Sheep, is designed to help toddlers and preschoolers understand when it’s time (or “ok”) to get out of bed....
Helpful tips for keeping sleep on track on the long weekend
Gobble gobble! Long weekends are a fantastic time of year for reconnecting with family, starting new traditions with a new babe, and taking part in fun-filled holiday activities; but, none of these is particularly joyful alongside an exhausted wee one who has missed...
5 back-to-school sleep tips
The end of summer generally comes with mixed emotions – some kids are bummed to see the sunny days of school vacation come to an end, while others can’t wait to get back to the playground to see their friends! Whatever the scenario, one thing is certain – back to...
Why dark is better for babies’ sleep (and adults, too)
It’s 5am. You’re on vacation in an Air B&B that has white lace curtains in the window (you know the ones I mean; the kind that remind you of the “doily” your Grandma used to keep on her dining room table). So, you’re awake. But, when you roll over and see the...
Bedtime snacking “Do”s and “Don’t”s!
Children and adults alike sometimes need a little nutritional top-up before bedtime to get through the night without feeling hungry. But, the types of foods we stock up on before bed can have big impacts (both positive and negative) on the quality and length of our...
5 ways to help kids sleep in the summer heat
The sunny days of summer are finally upon us! Pool parties, backyard BBQs, and days full of splash pad fun! But the extreme heat can have a tough impact on your child’s sleep. Here are five ways to help your kiddo sleep well in the midst of the summer heat: 1. Avoid...
Is a pacifier a sleep prop?
Yep (even when baby can put it back in on his own) Many parents, even those who are well-Googled on the issue of sleep props, express to me that they feel a pacifier (or “soother”) is not a sleep prop. Why? Because their baby is old enough to have mastered replacing...
A sleep consultant and a four-year-old take on Disney World
I know, I know, the title of this blog is ridiculous. It’s like a bunch of oxymorons all rolled into one hilarious, nonsensical line. But, it’s true – this sleep consultant, her husband, and her four-and-a-half-year-old, princess-loving, Minnie-mouse-adoring daughter,...
Is thumb sucking bad for babies?
Everyone has heard the story of their friend’s sister’s college roomate’s brother who sucked his thumb until he was 12 and thus required extensive dental surgery to repair his teeth. Is this an urban legend? No. It happens. Is it by any means the norm? It is...
The 45-minute nap – why it happens and how to move past it
Here is the scenario: You’ve rocked your baby to sleep; you’ve tip-toed over to the crib and ever-so-gently put her down; you’ve ninja’d your way out of the nursery using a brightly-coloured sticky note map on the floor to avoid the creaks in the hardwoods; and…...
Four sleep tips to help you ring in the new year with healthy rest!
With the ball dropping in just a few days, it’s time to think about starting off the new year with great habits and good health; and what better way to do that than with proper sleep?! Don’t forget, it’s not only our kids who can benefit from proper sleep habits and...
From three naps to two – when and how to make the switch
While every baby is different, there are some sleep generalities that simply can’t be ignored, and one of those is when to make certain nap transitions. One of the most common conversations I have with parents is the awkward daytime scheduling that comes along with...
Baby sleep tips for Grandma and Grandpa
You’ve just learned that your son or daughter is going to become a parent – congratulations! You are going to be a grandparent!! You’re likely feeling the same joy you experienced when you learned you were expecting your own child – it’s a time of hope, renewal, and...
Moving? Four ways to make the transition smooth for your kiddos!
Amidst the excitement and anticipation that comes along with moving to a new home, many parents are concerned about how this big change might affect their child’s sleep. Moving to a new home absolutely does not (and should not!) mean a disruption to your child’s...
The best bedtime routine for children (and why it is so important)
For adults and children alike, bedtime is a time for the brain to process the day’s many thoughts. This can make it difficult to drift off to sleep, particularly if there has been no wind-down process in advance to signal that the day is ending and the time for sleep...
Guest Blog! Your second child: 6 tips to keep in mind for bedtime
By: Dominique de Bourgknecht, baby deedee If you already have a young child and are preparing for your second (or third), one thing’s for sure – you should never expect all your children to have the same sleeping patterns/habits. For some babies, they can...
Guest Blog! Why you should become your baby’s RMT
Raise your hand if you have ever fallen asleep during a massage! Most people correlate massage with deep relaxation, and an A+ nap is usually the collateral from this. Have you ever noticed that the night after having a massage you experience a more restful sleep?...
Don’t lose sleep over springing forward! Your prep guide for daylight savings
While the Fall Back of the clocks in November has most parents running for the hills (especially if your child is already an early riser), the Spring Forward that occurs each March has most adults rejoicing. No 5:07 a.m. staring you in the face this time! Cue the...
Travel & Sleep – Tips and hacks for making your vacation a whole lot more restful
Whether your family is heading to the sunny south to hit the pool and bask in the sun, or taking a fast-paced, activity-packed trip to Disney World, we’re all hoping for some level of down-time when we go on vacation. But, this dream of catching up on much needed rest...
Guest Blog! Dealing with sleep issues as a single parent
When you don’t sleep well, your whole life gets thrown out of whack. While this is frustrating for everybody, it can be particularly problematic for a single parent. Daniel from dadsolo.com provided this guest blog, with the secrets that help his own...
5 holiday sleep tips to help keep the peace this season
It’s that time of year! Excitement over the holiday season, loads of treats and sugar, and travel from one holiday party to another (and another… and another!) The holidays are a fantastic time of year for reconnecting with family, starting new traditions, and taking...
Sleep regressions aren’t just for babies: Eight tips for managing the toddler sleep regression
So, your previously perfect sleeper has just turned 18 months and is suddenly battling bedtime. Or, your already challenging night-waker is now two-years-old and naps are recently non-existent while nights are an even bigger struggle. Brace yourself, mama: Your little...
The Dos and Don’ts of decorating your child’s bedroom: how to make it fun and great for sleep!
When it comes to their child’s room environment, I have worked with parents who are of two different extremes: 1) It appears that either an entire Lego store or the whole cast of The My Little Pony Movie has been transplanted into the sleep space; OR 2) ...
Trick or Treat! 5 Halloween sleep tips
Once our kiddos are old enough to really grasp the whole concept of Halloween, they can’t get enough of it! So, how do we keep sleep on track amidst all this candy and chaos?! Here are my top tips for sleep success this Halloween eve: 1. Carve out...
Daylight Saving Time – The dreaded fall back and how to deal
Oh, the dreaded Fall Back – the change in Daylight Saving Time that occurs each autumn that has parents of already-early wakers wanting to run for the hills. Good news! There ARE ways to manage Daylight Saving Time that will result in much less stress for your family....
Five ways to prioritize your family’s sleep this fall
Now that the long and relaxing days of summer have come to an end, and regular school and work schedules are back in full swing, life can get hectic! And, what tends to slide when the rest of life’s activities get in the way? Sleep. The thing is, it’s during...
The four-month sleep regression: what it means and why it’s so different from all the others
Just a few short weeks ago, you felt like you had this whole newborn sleep thing under control. Your baby would sleep long stretches during the night, and have big, restful, naps (in the stroller, your arms, the vibrating chair – you name it, he’d sleep there!) during...
School’s out for the summer… so what about sleep? Five ways to get great sleep for your family this summer
Summer vacation can throw your family’s sleep schedules for a loop. Here are my top tips for having a fantastic, fun-filled summer, while getting your family all the healthy sleep they need: Stick to A Schedule, but be Realistic. I recommend that you try...
The early riser – tips for managing your child’s early-morning wakes
Periods of early wakes, while the bane of many parents’ existence, are actually very common and normal for babies and toddlers. However, this doesn’t necessarily make it easier to swallow when your clock reads 5:05 a.m. and your little one is already signing along...
The big kid bed – When and how to make the transition
You’ve been sleeping in a “big bed” for decades, so of course it comes completely naturally to you. However, if your child is ready to make the change from crib to bed, don’t underestimate what a significant change this may be to him or her. This change represents an...
Camping and sleep… say what?! Nine ways to get great sleep while camping with the family this summer
The first long weekend of the summer is almost upon us! With it, for many, comes the first of many family camping trips of the season. My clients seem to love the great outdoors, because I get a lot of questions about camping, and how to keep sleep on track while...
5 tips for keeping the easter bunny from hopping all over a good night’s sleep
It’s almost Easter! That means many little ones are already completely hyped up, waiting for the arrival of the cotton-tailed candy monster! Easter is an exciting time for kiddos, and a great time for families to spend time with one another, catch up, and reconnect....
The daycare transition, and how to keep sleep on track
So, you’re about to head back to work and send your little one off to daycare for the first time. There are so many emotions around this big leap – from excitement over to heading back into the office, to anxiety over missing your little one during the day, this...
Five tips for managing the crib-climb
Got yourself a little monkey who’s already managed to jump from the crib? If so, what I’m about to say next is very important: Crib jumping doesn’t necessarily mean you should transition to a bed. Say it with me: Crib jumping doesn’t necessarily mean you should...
7 travel tips from a sleep consultant
Whether it’s March Break, summer vacation, or a winter getaway, family holidays are a great way to reconnect and bond. However, all this travel also means long flights, airport layovers, lengthy car rides, and hotel stays, which can sometimes wreak havoc on children’s...
From one nap to none!
If your child is between the ages of three and four, he might be showing signs of being ready to drop his nap. For some parents, this is a welcome change, as they find naps inhibit their ability to get out of the house and get things done (i.e. feeling “trapped by the...
And then there was Kyte
Anyone who knows me at all knows of my total adoration for sleep bags. When my own daughter was still in a crib (she’s in a big-kid bed now – eek!), I had tried so many different varieties of sleep bags; we had every style and colour under the rainbow! As a baby sleep...