Category Archives: Baby Sleep

Baby Sleep 0-18months

The time I gave up and accepted sleep help for my baby.

May 18, 2016 Janelle Leave a comment

Accepting or asking for help is hard but so wroth it.

Currently I am a member of a specific Facebook group where mums get to share and ask for each other for parenting help. I often feel saddened when one poor sleep deprived mum asks for sleep help for their baby or child. Nine times out of ten other mums share their ideas (which is great) but many say “suck it up” or “if you wanted sleep you shouldn’t have become a mum in the first place.” It can be a brutal world out there.

Not that long ago I was that sleep deprived mum, yet Facebook wasn’t a big thing. Hard to believe I know. I was curled up in a ball… my husband came home with advice and tips from another dad from his work, to help us with our daughter’s sleep or lack there of. I had been up every hour feeding, pumping and settling her. During the day I was lucky to get 45mins at a time. I didn’t ask Robert for help overnight because he was out working all day and I was a stay at home mum. This was my job right? Obviously I wasn’t very good at “faking it” or pretending to keep my shit together after all. I was an educated woman with over a decade of experience with children, so why was I finding this parenting gig so bloody tough? I WAS SLEEP DEPRIVED AND I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT THE HELL I WAS DOING!! I am still astounded you can just walk out of hospital with your baby, no questions asked. It’s harder to adopt a pet!! Anyway, I digress.

Ok, back to that moment, the old me would have told Robert to shove his so called “sleep knowledge” where the sun don’t shine. Well, I probably did say something like “so you think I’m a crap mother.” But the next day I digested what he said to me; I did some research, and I started to try a few settling techniques…. And guess what???? EUREKA IT WORKED!!

Now it wasn’t a magic solution, but what I got was guidance and knowledge about baby sleep and what to try to do to help her sleep a little longer for naps and at night. It took patience, consistency and teamwork. It worked because I gave up being stubborn and accepted the sleep help, support and advice I was offered.

The reason I want to share this moment with you is because it was a pivotal point in my life where I understood that asking for help, for anything, was far better than struggling through and “getting on with it.” We are not trained to be parents and we are not perfect. Whether you need sleep help, lactation support or even just a time out to shave your legs – ask for it!! By asking for help you are not a failure, you are finally accepting that you live in a loving community, not in isolation. As my mother used to say “a problem shared is a problem halved.”

Do you want some professional advice about your baby or child’s sleep? Are you looking for a holistic approach and not a quick fix? Do you want help from someone who has experienced what it is like to be a sleep deprived parent? Book here

Janelle Jeffery Child Sleep Consultant for Sleepytime — Janelle Jeffery
Child Sleep Consultant for Sleepytime

Baby Sleep, Child Sleep, Parenting, Sleep Products, Toddler Sleep

What to do when sickness strikes

May 10, 2016 Janelle Leave a comment

A sick baby affects the whole family. — A sick baby affects the whole family

There have been some nasty bugs going around lately. Whether it is a cold, the flu, ear infection, gastro or anything else you can think of, when your little one is unwell, it can be difficult for the whole family. It can certainly be a shock to the system too if your baby, toddler or child WAS sleeping through the night and now they are frequently waking.

When ill, we all need as much rest as we can so our body can fight the infection.

Below are some tips to help you through the tough times.

Offer comfort. When your baby cries, go to them, they need you. Give them a kiss and a cuddle and give lots of reassurance.
Offer water. Keeping fluids up and remaining hydrated is important. Offering extra milk feeds at night should only be given if recommended by a physician. Feeding your baby back to sleep will make things harder once they are feeling better. Milk is not necessary.
Limit rocking and patting to sleep. If your baby isn’t used to you settling them this way, they may become more upset and confused. If you find this is the only way you can comfort your baby, then as soon as they are on the mend, stop.
Try not to bring your baby into bed with you – I find this one hard! A better option is to make a ‘make-shift’ bed in your baby’s room. They need their space to feel better.
Purchase a reliable thermometer so you can track their temperature.
Record the time when medication is administered. It can be hard to keep track in the middle of the night.
Use a “Vick’s Vapourizer” or “Medescan Rainbow Mist Humidifier”. Both work a little differently but they both can help with a snuffly nose or tickly chest. They are well worth the money.
When your baby rests, so do you. The last thing you need is for you to fall sick yourself so rest and re-cooperate whenever possible.

Health Direct Australia – 1800 002 222

If it isn’t an emergency, but you are wanting medical advice, calling Health Direct Australia is great because at first you will speak directly with a nurse and if she/he cannot advise you, you will be transferred to speak with a doctor.

After Hours GP

Chances are your baby will be ill over night when seeking medical treatment is limited. There are many after hour GP services that will come to your home during the night. Only drawback is that there is often a long wait time, but at least you are at home. Ask your local GP who they recommend so patient notes can be transferred.

Emergency

If it is an emergency, knowing where your child hospital is located, is crucial or phone 000.

Stay well and sleep tight!

Contact me via email janelle@sleepytime.net.au or complete the online form to book in a time to chat about your little one’s sleep issues.

Baby Sleep, Child Sleep, Toddler Sleep

How to Avoid Summer Sleep Trouble

November 16, 2015 Janelle Leave a comment

Summer used to be my favourite time of year. Late nights, barbecues with friends, lazy mornings. Since becoming a mother, my ideal summer has changed somewhat. Now I have the challenge of a child struggling with sleep. Here are my best 3 tips to help you survive the summer months and promote the best opportunity for sleep for your entire family.

Sleeping in the summer months can be tricky for everyone.

1. Darkness

Our bodies need darkness to produce melatonin. Melatonin is what makes us sleepy. During the summer months, it can still be light outside making it more difficult for your child to fall asleep. Try your best to use thick, block-out or blackout curtains in your child’s bedroom. This is also really important in the morning when the level of melatonin in our bodies is at it’s lowest. The smallest amount of sunlight can wake your child ready to start the day!

2. Temperature

If our bodies are too hot, we find it difficult to sleep. If your child has been running around, offer a lukewarm bath or shower to help drop their body temperature a little. Provide quiet, calm activities before bed.

If you live in a hot house like me, dress your little one in very light layers when they first go to bed. Later in the evening, you may want to add another layer over the top, because as the temperature drops in the early hours, you do not want your child to wake feeling cold. It can be really tricky getting the right balance so sometimes it is a bit of trial and error. For safe wrapping, visit here.

3. Avoid Over-Scheduling

This is a busy time for many families. With so many social events filling up our diaries, it can be hard to say ‘no’. I say everything needs to be in balance. If your child has had a late night or a day of missed naps, then the next day, try to stay closer to home and offer the best opportunity to catch up on lost sleep.

Our children’s bodies do need a certain amount of sleep each day. If that is reduced, then they carry a “sleep debt”. If that sleep debt if not addressed quickly, it will impact on your child’s sleep permanently. A child not sleeping is one tired and cranky household!!

The overall message here is be consistent with bedtime as much as possible. If there has been any missed sleep, make sure your child has a chance to catch up. Make sure your child’s environment is perfect to promote the best quality sleep possible.

Book in a time to chat with me here.

Sleep well!

Baby Sleep, Child Sleep, Sleep Products, Sleep Training Methods, Toddler Sleep

Top 4 Sleep Aides for Children

October 22, 2015 Janelle Leave a comment

In my previous blog post, I wrote about 3 types of sleep gadgets to avoid that could actually prevent your child from sleeping soundly. If you didn’t read it, follow the link here.

In this blog post I will share my top 4 sleep aides that can encourage your child to sleep a little better. With anything, I do like to keep things simple and I only introduce something if it is needed. Less is more when it comes to sleep.

1) Blackout blinds. A blackout blind or really thick curtains is a “must” in any child’s room. Darkness is needed for your body to produce melatonin. Melatonin is what makes you sleepy. With the summer months upon us, having a dark space to fall asleep at night BUT most importantly for morning, can help your child to sleep longer. Even the smallest peep of light in the wee hours can wake your child ready to start the day. Blinds can help with early risers.

2) Sleeping bags. I am a huge fan of sleeping bags for nights and naps, and they can be used from 3months of age right up to 3years. There are so many options available on the market allowing you to choose the perfect ‘tog’ (cloth weight) for your home environment. Every home will have a different room temperature so be guided by this. Sleeping bags help children to stay warm (not hot or cold) and snuggly though out the night. Sleeping bags are also recommended by SIDS and Kids. An added bonus is that sleeping bags can at times prevent children from climbing out of the cot.

3) A Sleeping Buddy. A small, soft, cuddly toy can help babies and children to wind down and fall to sleep. A sleeping buddy can help to resettle during the night or to extend a short nap. Children are tactile and need to feel, touch, smell and taste. Having a sleeping buddy can provide all of these. Many children do not bond with one because their sleeping buddy is a parent. Some children just do not want anything to sleep with and that is ok. Some children may not have a sleeping buddy until 3years or older. A sleeping buddy can help older children when they are feeling scared in the night. Introducing a soft toy into a cot or bed needs to be at the discretion of the parent as it can increase the risk of SIDS.

4) A Sleep Clock. If used consistently, a sleep clock can help children know when they need to stay in bed and when it is time to get out of bed in the morning. Children are governed by their internal clock and do not know when it is time to get up or not. A child doesn’t know the difference between 5am and 7am. A sleep clock is a visual clue and can take some pressure off you as it’s the sleep clock that says “stay in bed” and not you being the bad guy. A sleep clock will only work if you stick with the time. If you allow your child to get up even 5mins before the clock says it’s time to get up, you are opening the opportunity for an earlier and earlier start.

With any sort of sleep aide, they are only there to enhance the opportunity for sleep. Sleep aides may not make your child sleep longer and they cannot stop your child from waking up through the night. Sleep is a complex issue. If you would like more advice, then book in a time to chat here.

**If you wish to support an Australia online baby store visit Dream Child Emporium to purchase your sleep products.

Sleep well.

Janelle Jeffery Child Sleep Consultant for Sleepytime Child Educator and Behaviour Specialist. — Janelle Jeffery
Child Sleep Consultant for Sleepytime.

Baby Sleep, Child Sleep, Sleep Products, Toddler Sleep

Baby sleep gadgets to avoid!

October 15, 2015 Janelle Leave a comment

There is an endless stream of gizmos and gadgets on the market that promise to help your baby sleep. To be honest I have bought a few dud things that seemed like a great idea at the time. Here are a few gadgets to avoid as they can actually prevent your baby from sleeping well.

1 – Hanging mobiles. They look beautiful in a nursery. In fact they can be very useful – but not for sleep. As parents we think, “oh it would be so nice to watch it go around and around then fall asleep”. Well the opposite can happen. Mobiles stimulate your baby’s brain ready for play instead of winding down ready for sleep. Mobiles are wonderful hanging over the change table when you need to distract and entertain your baby whilst you have your hands full.

2) Flashing Lights. Electric aquariums or twinkling star shows, night lights with rotating colours can actually keep your baby awake. You want the room to be ‘’boring” and dark to promote good sleep.

3) Music machines. I am talking about anything that plays a song. Music has rises and falls and this could actually wake your baby when they are trying to drift off to sleep. If your baby has fallen asleep with music playing and the CD has stopped, they may wake wondering where the noise has gone. If you need anything at all, ‘white noise’ is a better choice as it is constant and unchanging.

If you have fallen into the trap of the bedtime circus, it is time to remove everything and get back to basics. The best ways to help your baby sleep are:

1 Routines

2 Sleep Cues

3 The opportunity to sleep independently

Easier said than done right? My philosophy around bedtime and ‘sleep devices’ is – keep it simple! If your baby is having difficulty sleeping, buying a gadget or gizmo will only put a bandaid on the problem and not tackle the root of the issue.

If you want your baby to sleep unassisted but feel confused or worried about where or how to start, I am here to help!!! Contact me here.

If you’re looking at what sleep products I do recommend, read more here.

Help your child to love sleep