Early Riser? Why Your Child is Waking Too Early & How To Fix ItI can't even count the number of calls and emails I've received recently from exhausted parents whose baby or child is suddenly waking way too early every morning. So let's talk about it! First let's make sure we're talking about the same thing. Babies and children are programmed to be early to bed and early to rise so typically waking at 6 or later is considered normal. I define early rising as regularly waking before 6 am or at … [Read more...]
Does Changing Sleep Habits Mean My Baby Has to Cry?
If I could boil down parents concerns about addressing sleep struggles into just one, it would be that we don't want our baby or child to cry. I am asked this question quite often and want to answer it here for any parent who is suffering through chronic sleep deprivation for this very reason. First let's touch on the subject of sleep "training". I am not a fan of the term as it evokes so much negativity and is equated with leaving a baby to cry alone. What we are talking about is … [Read more...]
3 Spring Sleep Traps You’ll Want to Avoid
Spring is upon us! And if you are at all like me, you are celebrating the fact that you made it through Winter parenting. (I am a much better parent when the sun is shining and we can go outside!) Along with the sunshine and excitement though come several challenges that can impact your child's sleep habits. If you give some thought to them now, you won't be calling me in September lamenting that sleep is a mess. Sleep Trap #1: Shifting Bedtime Later with the SunIt is a wonderful thing when the … [Read more...]
Preparing Your Child to Spring Forward on the Clock
Calls and emails are flying my way in anticipation of the clocks shifting forward. Parents are worried! While springing forward is not quite as disruptive as falling back on the clock, it can leave your little ones feeling “off” for a few days. Don’t panic! Even the most sensitive children can adjust. Here are some tips to help your family prepare and survive: An overtired child has a harder time adjusting and coping with change. Make a special effort in the days approaching the time shift … [Read more...]
Confessions of A Sleep Coach
My name is Erica Desper and I am a pediatric sleep consultant.Upon hearing this you will probably think one of the following thoughts. One: “Ugh, she’s one of those cry-it-out advocates. I could never do that to my baby.” Or perhaps, ”Oy, I wouldn’t want her to see what goes on in our house! We’re doing everything wrong.” Or maybe even, “That is SO cool. I bet her kids never give her trouble with sleep.” Whichever you were thinking, you were wrong. Yes, I am a sleep coach … but I’m also a Mom. … [Read more...]