SleepBee Consulting

Cortisol and melatonin are two hormones that play major roles in sleep cycle regulation. Cortisol is considered the wake up hormone and is released in higher doses when the body is exposed to sunlight.

Melatonin is the yang to cortisol’s yin. It’s released naturally when light exposure decreases and it helps settle you to sleep.

Make sure your child (and you) get lots of natural sunlight throughout the day to keep that cortisol pumping. Then, reduce exposure to light, including blue-light from electronics, an hour before bed to help trigger your child’s body to release melatonin.

Keep those phones, projectors, and tablets out of your kiddo’s room as those can promote the body’s cortisol production at night.

Oh, those summer nights! Remember, if you are hot, baby probably is too. One layer is all baby will need on those hot summer nights.

Like and follow for updates and sleep tips for your little one!

Ever wondered how babies can seem to fall asleep anywhere? Ever wondered why your child seems to need an exact environment with blackout curtains, rocking, and a 20-step routine in order to fall asleep?

Sleep training is not about teaching a child to sleep through the night, but rather teaching them how to fall asleep independently. Once that skill is mastered, the environmental cues are less important. Baby will be able to fall asleep in a crib, pack-and-play, hotel room, anywhere!

Are you ready to learn more about gentle strategies to teach independent sleep skills?

Reach out for your FREE initial consultation with SleepBee Consulting and start your journey toward restful sleep!

Myth: I can’t sleep training without impacting my milk supply.

Truth: There are several ways to keep up your supply while sleep training. My personal favorite is the dream feed method. If baby consistently wakes at a certain time in the night, set an alarm to nurse 30 minutes prior. Baby will stay in a half-sleep state but still nurse.

Just beware that too much interaction with baby at night will be highly stimulating and will likely make it harder for baby to get back to sleep! Keep lights low and avoid music or talking to baby while nursing.

🐝Use predictive text: My baby was sleeping until…

They say you should never wake a sleeping baby. I disagree! Why?

Kids need to build up sleep pressure during the day. Too little day Tim sleep and they will be overtired. Too much daytime sleep and they will be a ball of energy at bedtime.

This is where a sleep consultant can help. Your child has unique needs and requires a unique schedule. Are you ready to learn more?

Reach out to schedule your free initial consultation!

How do you stretch a wake window as your child grows?

That’s a very common question. Here are some easy tips!

🐝 Get lots of natural light to increase wake hormones
🐝 Introduce a new toy or visually stimulating activity
🐝 Sing songs with movement to keep baby/toddler alert

What NOT to do:
❌ Give food or a bottle if baby is showing tired signals
❌ Take a drive or introduce movement from a swing
❌ Keep the lights dim

Let’s talk !!!

As the weather warms up, it may be time to adjust your child’s sleep attire. Sleep sacks come in every shape and size, so consider swapping out a long-sleeve sack for a sleeveless one around spring time.

Bonus! Sleep sacks can help prevent your toddler from climbing over the crib rail. If you have a climber, definitely invest in a sleep sack.

As a reminder, swaddling is unsafe as soon as baby starts to roll over. That is a perfect time to switch to a fitted sleep sack, which also makes your baby look like a flying squirrel 😁

Does sleep training cause attachment trauma for infants?

Long story short, no. Sleep training does not cause attachment trauma. In fact, many studies show that sleep trained babies (and their parents) show greater self-regulation skills and overall better functioning. After all, no one is at their best when they are exhausted!

Sleep training is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Your child’s temperament will dictate the best sleep strategy to use.

Are you ready to say goodbye to the bedtime blues? Message for your FREE initial consultation.

Sleep props: yay or nay?

Sleep props are any objects that provide comfort to a child as they go to sleep. Props can be anything from a stuffie, a favorite blankie, in my kid’s case a taco toy, or even mom. That’s right! You may be a sleep prop.

Some sleep props are recommended, like a comfort object that doesn’t interfere with your kiddo’s sleep. However, if you have become the sleep prop and your child can’t fall asleep without your physical touch, it may be time to reach out.

Why? When a child wakes up in the middle of the night and the prop is no longer there, anxiety will take over. They will think they can’t sleep again until the prop is present. Make sure any comfort items are things that can stay with your child all night.

Are you ready for a full night’s sleep? Contact SleepBee Consulting for an initial sleep evaluation.

What influences sleep? Lots of things!

Biology: Some people are higher sleep needs and some are lower sleep needs. That’s why there is always a range of what is considered “typical” amount of sleep.

Environment: The amount of light, noise, and vestibular stimulation impacts sleep. A sleep consultant will help you set up your child’s room for optimal sleep based on his/her sensory profile.

Routine: Practice makes permanent! That’s why establishing a consistent bedtime routine is so important.

Are you ready to schedule your FREE initial consult call?

Stop scrolling for a second and listen up! Wanting sleep does not make you selfish. Wishing sleep for your child is not a bad thing. Parents and children regulate better when they are well rested. Know that ot CAN get better with the right supports.

Are you ready to explore sleep consultation? Message to schedule your initial consult call and get one step closer to a good night’s sleep.

When are contact naps ok?

Anytime! Daytime sleep is important. Try a nap in the bassinet or crib, but don’t stress if baby needs contact to nap at first. You can gradually build up the tolerance for the crib.