There are many valid reasons why your baby or child might not be sleeping well, and “my little one hates sleep” just isn’t one of them! The same goes for the ideas that “babies and children don’t sleep” and “my baby isn’t a good sleeper”. These ideas are just not true, and they’re definitely not helpful.

If you’re dealing with sleep challenges, the absolute first thing you need to do is be aware of your mindset and be willing to shift it to one that empowers you. Any preconceived ideas you have about baby and child sleep, anything that people have told you or that you’ve read – please, put it all aside and know that there’s always a reason why your little one isn’t getting the sleep they need.

When you do this, you’ll be able to see two things much more clearly:

Number one – sleep challenges can be solved. You don’t need to just suck it up and live with them,

and number two – the person with the power to get your baby or child sleeping well is you.

Sleep is a basic human need and your little one is wired for it. What they can’t do is change their sleep environment, when they have access to food, or what time you put them to bed. These are things that only you have control of.

It’s my job as a baby and child sleep expert to offer resources that empower you with accurate, safe information to set up healthy sleep and routine habits for your family. It’s your job to apply what I teach you so you can achieve sleep success. And it’s your little one’s job to follow your lead.

So what does that mean, exactly?

Well, if your little one is waking through the night because they’re cold, it’s your job to adjust the temperature in their room or add a layer of sleepwear for warmth. If they’re going to bed too late, it’s your job to put them to bed earlier. And if they’re getting hungry when they should be sleeping, it’s your job to make sure they get the calories they need throughout the day to sustain them overnight. This might also include a night feed for very little ones.

The right mindset will also set you up for success when it comes to another crucial part of your journey: routine. When I teach you about establishing a successful routine, I don’t mean following a strict schedule – we’re human and so are our little ones! A routine that works is one that taps into your little one’s natural sleep / feed and wake cycles, seeing you work with their biological day and night patterns and rhythms. And it’s all about being consistent in looking at the foundations first when it comes to what you do and how you respond, even on the tough days and as your baby or child grows and develops.

Establishing your routine isn’t going to happen overnight, but if you remember the two things I mentioned before – that sleep challenges can be overcome and you’re the one with the power to make this happen – the process will feel a lot easier. If you’re having a tough day or week, take a deep breath and revisit what you’ve learned from me about sleep foundations, then make an informed decision about what to do next.

Your little one’s needs will change and evolve, but if you remain committed and consistent, they’ll soon be back on track to getting peaceful, nourishing sleep. 

Before long, getting a good night’s sleep will feel simple and straightforward, everything will fall into place, and you’ll have a family that’s well-rested, healthy and happy!  

The information in this Blog Article relates to healthy babies and children with no undiagnosed, untreated medical issues or concerns. If you have any concerns about the health of the baby or child in your care, please see their GP or paediatrician.

For more sensible, straightforward, safe advice and resources on getting your family the sleep you all deserve, explore my website – sleepbysteph.com.au