Developmental milestones can impact healthy sleep habits. They can also compound existing sleep problems. Twelve month old Milo was struggling with staying asleep for consolidated periods at night when standing in his crib also became an issue. Mom Kate shares her sleep training success story and her experience working with The Sugar Plum Sleep Co.
Nap routines are just as important as a bedtime routine. Nap routines are an excellent way to establish consistency and predictability, helping a child make the transition from begin awake to falling asleep.
The dinner bell rings early at our house. I aim to put food on the table by 5:30 PM. While it can be a challenge, I’ve found that this is the best way to keep our evening schedule, including bedtime, on track. Read on to learn tips for streamlining meal planning and preparation.
Many of my clients struggle with long work hours and long commutes. As a result, meal times, and consequently, bed times routinely get pushed back. Bedtime battles are common and it’s difficult to get children to fall asleep and stay asleep. When children become overtired they have a difficult time making the transition from being awake to sleeping. Inadequate digestion can also play a role. Sleep provides the body with the opportunity to rest and regenerate. Digesting food forces the body to use energy that would otherwise be used for healing and synthesizing the information learned during the day. Sleeping with an overly full stomach can also lead to bad dreams and restless sleep.
Looking for some fun and practical storage containers for quiet time activities? Read on for some great finds and some new suggestions for quiet time activities too!
I’ve talked about the importance of quiet time in the past and I’m revisiting it based on personal need! I’ll admit that quiet time fell out of our daily routine this past summer. There seemed to be enough down time that we didn’t see a need for it. When Henry started pre-school again, we definitely started noticing some changes in his behaviour and have since returned quiet time to our daily routine. It wasn’t exactly accepted with open arms at first. I would frequently find Henry perched on top of the radiator cover or lying in a heap of clothing he had pillaged from his closet. But with a little consistency, he is totally into it now. He actually asks to go to his room after lunch and on occasion has declared that he “…isn’t finished quiet time yet”. What are we doing right? Here’s a breakdown:
The cooler temperatures have finally arrived and that means it’s time for fall cleaning. A clear house makes for a clear mind….and a better sleep! Read on to learn about the science behind it and tips for keeping clutter under control in your child’s room.
I’m a big fan of fall cleaning. Cooler temperatures mean we’ll soon be spending more time indoors, so I think it’s a great time to clean up, organize, donate and sell what you don’t really need. One night last week I just went for it. I honestly think it’s the best approach. If you overthink it then you might end up keeping everything. The most interesting thing about this recent process is that I realized the next morning how much better I slept that night. The only downside is that it can be a little addictive!
I realize that you don’t need another reminder that the summer is almost over, but now is perfect time to evaluate your child’s sleep habits and make some changes before it’s time to head back to school.
During the summer months, bedtimes tend to shift later into the evening to accommodate travel and special events. Longer days also interfere with our bodies’ ability to release the sleep hormone melatonin, making it more difficult to convince ourselves and our children that it’s time for bed. Even I am guilty of pushing back my children’s bedtimes. Our family recently returned from some time in the sun and the sand in Grand Bend. I’m not one to deprive a three-year-old of post dinner walks along the beach to the ice cream store. As a result, bedtime was usually 9:00 PM. When we returned to Toronto my son was happy to be home; however, the transition away from the intoxicating mix of a sandy beach, daily BBQ and spending time with friends and family definitely resulted in a vacation hangover.
Have you ever used an exercise ball to get your baby to sleep? Anita did. Thanks to a little help from The Sugar Plum Sleep Co., it’s now a neglected piece of exercise equipment again and Abigail is another sleep training success story. Read what mom Anita says about her sleep training success story and her experience working with The Sugar Plum Sleep Co.
Sweet little Max! He didn’t always sleep this peacefully. Four months ago this little guy was waking up frequently at night and his naps were short and sporadic. Months later, the results from working with The Sugar Plum Sleep Co. are still evident. Max continues to sleep through the night and takes 2 solid naps every day. Mom Karyn was even well rested enough to study and pass her real estate license exams! Read what she has to say about there sleep training success story and her experience with The Sugar Plum Sleep Co.
Want to know how to get your baby to nap longer than 30 minutes? Learn how I struggled with my son’s naps and how some simple changes made a big difference.
Sarah and her husband struggled for a year with sleepless nights. She shares her son Patrick’s sleep training success story and her experience working with The Sugar Plum Sleep Co.
