Pediatric Sleep Expert FAQ: Working Parents and Baby Sleep

Based on webinar with Nicole Morales

Leva’s expert sleep consultant offers practical advice to parents struggling with their baby’s sleep routine. Dive into our Q&A with Nicole to turn sleepless nights into sweet dreams.

Introduction to Sleep Expert Nicole Morales

Meet Nicole Morales, a dedicated newborn care specialist, postpartum doula, and pediatric sleep expert. With years of experience, Nicole provides holistic support to families with children aged newborn to 12 years. She specializes in sleep, nutrition, and behavior, helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children. Nicole's approach is gentle and tailored, ensuring each family receives personalized guidance to achieve better sleep and overall well-being.

FAQ: Baby Sleep Solutions for Working Moms and Dads

Q: Why is sleep so crucial for both parents and children?

A: Sleep is essential for everyone's well-being. For children, it supports healthy development and mental health. For parents, especially working moms, adequate sleep is vital for recovery and managing stress. Lack of sleep can lead to postpartum depression and overall exhaustion, making it difficult to balance work and family life. A structured schedule, as recommended by Leva, can help everyone get the rest they need.

Q: What are the common sleep challenges working parents face?

A: Working parents often struggle with irregular schedules and overwhelm from work, which can disrupt their child’s sleep. Coming home and dealing with a child who isn’t sleeping or eating properly can take a toll. A structured schedule helps create a sense of predictability and reduces anxiety for both parents and children.

Q: At what age can I start sleep training my baby?

A: While we don’t formally sleep train newborns (0-3 months), we can establish sleep routines to prepare them. By 4 months, you can introduce a more structured schedule, aligning with their developing circadian rhythm. We use gentle methods to help infants and toddlers (4 months to 2 years) transition to better sleep habits, including transitioning them to their own crib or bassinet.

Q: My toddler wakes up multiple times at night. What can I do?

A: Toddlers (3-5 years) often wake up at night, especially when they drop naps. Shifting their bedtime earlier can help. For older children (6-12 years), anxiety from school or daily activities can affect sleep. We offer sleep school programs to address these issues, focusing on reducing stress and adjusting sleep schedules.

Q: How can I transition my child from a crib to a bed?

A: Transitioning from a crib to a bed can be challenging. Use a consistent routine and a ticket or chart system to reward your child for staying in bed. Family meetings can help communicate expectations. Consider using a monitor to check on them and build trust by staying in the room initially and gradually moving away.

Q: My 18-month-old only sleeps about 9 hours at night. Is that enough?

A: An 18-month-old should ideally sleep between 10-14 hours total, including naps. If your child is sleeping from 8 PM to 5 or 6 AM, consider shifting bedtime earlier. Treat wake-ups before 6:15-7 AM as overnight wakes and help them get back to sleep. Naps should be 2-3 hours long.

Q: What is your approach to sleep training? Do you use the cry-it-out method?

A: I do not use the cry-it-out method. It doesn’t always work and can be distressing for both parents and children. I prefer gentle, step-by-step approaches tailored to each family’s needs. This includes gradual methods like the faded association method (chair method) and time checks, ensuring you stay involved and build trust with your child.

Q: How can Leva help working moms with their baby’s sleep?

A: Leva offers one-on-one sleep coaching with tailored plans for all ages. We provide support for conditioning routines, swaddling, pacifier and bottle selection, and lactation support. Our holistic approach addresses sleep, nutrition, and behavior, helping your entire family achieve better rest and well-being.

Q: What are some tips for improving sleep practices?

A: Here are some tips that are sure to help:

• Establish a consistent routine: Predictability helps children settle down.

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Include activities like bath, reading, and a milk feed.

• Avoid screen time: Limit screen time 2 hours before bed for both parents and children.

• Encourage daytime physical activity: This helps children expend energy and sleep better.

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Even on weekends, try to stick to a regular schedule.

• Control the sleep environment: Ensure the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.

• Use a sound machine: This can block out disruptive noises and create a calming environment.

Want more sleep advice?

For personalized sleep coaching and support, book with Nicole here or download the Leva app and schedule a session with Nicole. You can also contact Leva support via email or call (347) 855-5382 for more information.