As moms, we have the opportunity to lead our children and set an example for them as they grow up even from the very early days. Our kids are always watching us and likely mimicking us, from the food we eat to how we sleep.
Sleep Training can be a touchy subject these days. I think two things about sleep we can all agree on are that we need it and our kids need it. Whether you support sleep training or not, you undoubtedly have the opportunity to influence your child’s sleep habits.
I, personally, am not sold on sleep training. This is mainly because I completely hate hearing my child cry (it’s like nails on a chalkboard to me) and it can be counter productive to my job as a lactation consultant. I do, however, love a good night’s sleep, and I want to lay a good foundation for my son. While trying to reach my goals for my family, I discovered a wealth of resources regarding infant and child sleep that I didn’t know existed before motherhood. While I never followed a specific plan, these resources gave me useful expectations, perspectives, ideas, and tricks that I could implement if I chose to. It’s always good to be aware of your options, right? I’ve compiled a list for you of some resources that I have discovered since my son was born.
Taking Cara Babies
This girl is amazing! She is a nurse who is married to a pediatrician and seems like a complete doll. Her Instagram page is my number one go-to for random questions. What I love most about following her are the “day in the life” Instagram stories. You can watch real people integrate Cara’s tips into their lives, with their unpredictable babies, throughout a typical day. What is so helpful about this is that it makes me feel SO normal. Like, I’m not the only one who’s baby only slept for 20 minutes today? Phew! I love her blog because it gave me realistic expectations for the development of my own child, as well as sample routines. Also, much of her information is easily accessible and free.
The Sleep Designer
This is a Birmingham mom, Caroline, who became passionate about pediatric sleep after becoming a mom. Her mission is “to give families with children ages 0-5 the gift of sleep.” She is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant who can come alongside you and create a custom plan for your child. Her services range from phone calls to in-home consultations. She is perfect for the Birmingham momma needing some personalized help.
Moms on Call
I’m not gonna lie, this is not my go-to or what I recommend in my professional life. However, if you have ever met a mom who did Moms on Call, odds are she is going to tell you how it saved her life. Mom’s on Call describes their program as “a concision guide that is not filled with options – just a right hand line and a left hand line and a clear path forward.” One thing that I did use from Mom’s on Call is their collection of sample schedules for options/ideas on potential routines. They are provided in the book, but a lot of people have shared them online. They also have their own consultants that can come to your home to help.
Happiest Baby
This is a company started by Dr. Harvey Karp and his wife to help provide “products, content and services to help solve everyday parenting challenges.” Dr. Karp is the creator of the SNOO bassinet, which is known for its technology and price tag. Happiest Baby is also known for “The 5 S’s for Soothing Babies.” The 5 S’s are the following:
- Swaddle
- Side or stomach
- Shush
- Swing
- Suck
I went through this checklist every time I couldn’t figure out why my baby was crying. Their blog provides more information on the 5 S’s, as well as sleep and parenting tips.
I am the kind of person who loves to be educated and have lots of choices. So, I hope this has helped introduce you to some options that may help you and your child get some sleep. At the end of the day, you know what is best for your family, but you can always reach out to someone for advice if you think their opinion would be helpful.
Some other Instagram accounts I love to follow (if you’re into that) include: heysleepybaby, littlewinksleep, babysettler, babysleepdr, and taylorkulik. Let me know your favorite sleep resources below!
