Comprehensive Child Consulting

04/01/2024

Chance of snow❄️ on Thursday? I wish I could say "April Fools!" Even though they have been few and far between recently, there have been a few days that remind us that spring is here. On those days, I take every opportunity to get my kids outside. There are many benefits to outdoor play for children, but one of my favorites? They fall asleep more easily! When children are exposed to sunlight, their brains become more in-tune with the natural patterns of day and night. Additionally, it helps your child naturally produce the hormone melatonin (the sleepy hormone) earlier in the evening!

03/15/2024

🌙 Happy World Sleep Day! 🌙

Hi there! Today, as we celebrate World Sleep Day, I want to take a moment to emphasize just how crucial quality sleep is for our little ones.

As a pediatric sleep consultant, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that good sleep habits can have on children's overall well-being. From promoting healthy growth and development to boosting their immune system and cognitive function, sleep plays a pivotal role in every aspect of their lives.

But creating those healthy sleep habits isn't always easy, right? That's where a sleep consultant comes in! Whether it's establishing a soothing bedtime routine, creating a cozy and safe sleep environment, or addressing any sleep challenges your little one may be facing, we're here to help guide you every step of the way.

So, on this World Sleep Day, let's join forces to spread awareness about the importance of healthy sleep habits for our children. Together, let's prioritize their sleep and ensure they have the best possible foundation for a bright and fulfilling future. 💤

01/10/2024

Let's talk about pre-bed activities. In nearly all my sleep plans, I recommend turning off screens at least 60-minutes before bedtime and promoting calm and quiet activities.

Why avoid screen time? Blue light from devices like smartphones/tablets disrupts melatonin production, impacting the sleep-wake cycle and sleep quality. Exposure to blue light close to bedtime signals the brain to stay awake, leading to difficulties falling asleep and poor sleep quality.

Instead of screens, consider these mellow activities for the hour before bed:

•Puzzles
•Legos/Duplos/blocks
•Play hairdresser (take turns brushing each other's hair)
•Light yoga or meditation
•Hand and foot massages
•Stuffed animal pretend play (they might need a bedtime routine too!)
•Coloring or drawing
•Books in a blanket fort
•Audiobooks or podcasts
•Stamps or stickers

Choose these screen-free options to promote a calm bedtime and restorative night’s sleep 🌙💤

10/25/2023

Great tips from a great SLP!

Help make trick-or-treating fun for all kids! 🎃

10/24/2023

Autism and sleep disturbances: is there a connection?

Yes, in fact up to 80% of children diagnosed with autism also experience problems related to sleep (as reported by Carin Lamm, MD and Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics Diplomate American Academy of Sleep Medicine). Many children with autism experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.

Check out my blog post for more information on sleep disturbances and autism.
https://www.comprehensivechild.com/blog/sleep-challenges-and-autism

If your child on the autism spectrum is experiencing sleep challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out! I enjoy taking a collaborative approach with your child’s service providers, such as occupational therapists, SLPs, and behavior team!

07/07/2023

I speak to many parents who feel guilty for considering sleep training. From online blogs to parenting articles, there's no shortage of misinformation about sleep training and sleep in general. Add in the mom-shaming comments from Facebook groups 🙁 and it's no wonder parents feel this way.

I encourage parents to change their perspective; sleep training is something they do FOR their child, not TO their child.

Studies (real research studies, not group advice or opinions) show that children who do not consistently sleep for the recommended nightly hours have higher rates of mental health and behavioral problems than those who are getting sufficient sleep. Side effects of insufficient sleep include impulsivity, depression, stress, anxiety, aggressive behavior, and thinking problems. Additionally, impairment in learning, conflict solving, working memory, and decision making have been noted.
(See one such study here https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35914537/).

No parent should feel guilty about implementing methods that support their child's mental health and wellbeing. Just like eating nutritious food and being active promotes overall health, sleep does the same!

Reach out! We have the tools to improve your child's sleep and can work together to create a plan that you are comfortable with.

06/10/2023

Recall Reminder: Boppy Loungers have been recalled and are not a safe sleep space.

See the recall details here
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/The-Boppy-Company-Recalls-Over-3-Million-Original-Newborn-Loungers-Boppy-Preferred-Newborn-Loungers-and-Pottery-Barn-Kids-Boppy-Newborn-Loungers-After-8-Infant-Deaths-Suffocation-Risk

05/22/2023

A common question after I tell people what I do- What exactly is a sleep consultant? Let me tell you!

As a pediatric sleep consultant, I provide support and education to families about infant, toddler, and preschooler sleep. Every child is unique- and that goes for their sleep needs as well! My goal is to guide your family (using evidence-based practices) to long-term, healthy sleep habits that will benefit not only your child, but the whole family.

A few more FAQ’s…

•Is sleep training just “cry it out?”
No! While extinction procedures can be effective and beneficial, there are many options. Whether you are looking for a slow and gentle approach with a lot of parent involvement, or an approach that allows baby/child more independence right away; sleep training can work for you. We will work together to create a sleep plan that fits your family’s comfort level and promotes sleep success.

•Can you sleep train my newborn?
Not yet. While there are some beneficial sleep routines that can set your newborn up for later success, sleep training and sleep schedules become most appropriate around the age of 4 months. Newborns often lack the biological maturity to have predictable or strict sleep patterns early on. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do until then- reach out to learn more about creating healthy habits with your newborn now to promote successful sleep in the future.

•What sleep challenges can you help my child with?
A baby or child may benefit from sleep support if…
o The child has trouble falling asleep at bedtime or nap
o The child is waking frequently overnight
o The child is not sleeping in his/her own bed or crib
o Naps are short, skipped, or unpredictable
o Bedtime is challenging and the child resists sleep
o The child requires extraneous supports to fall asleep (such as rocking, swing, car rides, nursing/bottle, parent in room)
o The child is falling asleep too late or waking too early in the morning
o It’s time for a sleep transition, such as dropping a nap or moving from crib to bed.
…Or for caregivers who are simply seeking guidance with their child’s sleep routine and daily sleep schedule!

03/20/2023

Fun Fact: My primary focus is sleep, but my sleep practices are supported by my background in behavior! I have been a board certified and licensed behavior analyst for 14 years. Happy World Behavior Analysis Day to my fellow behavior analysts!

02/26/2023

**Two-Week Reminder: Daylight Saving is Coming!**

The impending snowstorm isn't giving springtime vibes, but there is one sign of spring looming ahead… DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME! On March 12th, we will “spring forward” and turn the clocks ahead one-hour. A day that should be a welcome sign of upcoming warmer weather instead often strikes fear in parents of young children. We are moving the clocks one-hour forward, which means we are asking our children to go to sleep one-hour earlier than they are used to.

Sensitive sleepers might need advanced planning to make the transition, and with two-weeks to go, now is a good time to think ahead.

Here are some tips to help make the naptime and bedtime transitions a little smoother…

•If you have a strong sleeper who is not particularly bothered by schedule changes (lucky you!) there isn’t much you need to do to prepare for this change. On March 12th, naptimes and bedtime can be on their regular schedule (following the adjusted clock time), and your child will likely adjust to the change within a week or so. While they are adjusting, stick to your routine and don't introduce new sleep supports that might become habitual.

•For sensitive sleepers, start shifting your child’s nap and bedtimes 15-minutes earlier about a week to ten days in advance. Every 2-3 days, shift another 15-minutes earlier. On Sunday, when daylight savings begins, align your child’s nap and sleep with the adjusted clock times.
If your child isn’t adjusting well or isn’t ready for the full hour difference by March 12th, allow your child a few extra days at each 15-minute reduced interval before reducing again. While they are adjusting, stick to your routine and don't introduce new sleep supports that might become habitual.

•If you have a very early riser, keeping him/her on their current schedule (regardless of DST) can actually help the schedule feel more manageable! For example, if you have a child who currently sleeps 6:30pm-5:00am, don’t adjust with the clock (i.e. don’t move bedtime to fit the “new” 6:30pm) and your child will now sleeping on a 7:30pm-6:00am schedule, which many parents prefer!

•Shift your household “wind down” routine to begin one hour earlier: Electronics off, calm and quiet activities only, lights dim (though it may still be light outside). Invest in good room-darkening shades if not already in your child’s room- even small amounts of light can send your child “time to be awake” cues!

Make the coffee a large and power through. If your child hasn't adjusted after a few weeks- let's chat!

01/23/2023

What is the benefit of working with a sleep consultant? The support! When I work with a family through a two-week sleep consultation, we talk daily. I am there every step of the way to troubleshoot issues, answer questions, provide information, and to encourage you!

I love getting texts from parents telling me how well their baby went down for a nap, or that their toddler finally slept past 6:00am! On the flip side, I am just as happy to hear from a parent who is feeling defeated at bedtime and needs encouragement in that moment.

Communication and support make all the difference!

11/23/2022

With the holiday season quickly approaching, many families will be traveling with their children. For some, this means car naps (or plane or train or boat), new sleep environments, room sharing, and many unknowns when it comes to sleep routines.

Does it also mean complete disaster when it comes to sleep? Not necessarily!

Follow the link below to access my blog post about promoting sleep success while traveling this holiday season.

https://www.comprehensivechild.com/blog/holiday-travel-and-sleep
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