frequently asked questions

In short, no. After studying infant sleep for many years, I don't believe that leaving your baby to cry it out is the best approach to helping them get better sleep. For parents it can also be quite stress-inducing at a time when they are sleep deprived and need to reduce stress. Together we can find the most appropriate support and technique/s that everyone is comfortable with, that also gets the results you would like.

I can come to you for an initial consultation if you live within 20 minutes drive of my home in Hertfordshire. Farther than this and I may charge travel expenses. I don't offer in-home support with implementing the changes in your plan, so all support is offered remotely via phone, email or WhatsApp.

Sleep training is not an exact science as babies are all different! But most will make improvements with their sleep within a few days if the expert advice in your personalised sleep plan is followed with consistency. I offer 1- and 2-week packages where I provide a sleep plan with recommendations of how to implement changes and introduce settling techniques, and offer support and check-ins to keep track of progress. Often during this time some babies will start to sleep through and we may even solve all of your sleep woes, but it is not possible to guarantee every child will be sleeping through by the time we finish working together. What I do guarantee is that you will have the information and tools you need, and will feel empowered to continue the work we started together.

Crying is your baby's way of communicating before they have learnt to laugh or speak. They will cry when happy, sad, hungry, amused or not amused, so inevitably they will cry when they're tired or when we are doing something that doesn't suit their mood. Sleep training is a spectrum, with incredibly gentle methods that involve minimal crying (even with these there will always be some!) at one end, to the other end which can mean longer periods of crying but often results can come quicker. It is entirely up to you to choose the approach that best suits your child's temperament and your parenting style. Rest assured that as we help your baby achieve better sleep the crying will lessen and everyone will feel brighter and better.

100%! Unless there is a medical reason for your baby not being able to sleep through then I can help. If medical reasons have been ruled out then we can get to work investigating the reasons behind poor sleep. How dark or noisy their room is, their nap and feeding schedule, habits they've not outgrown or physical milestones like new teeth or learning to stand or crawl can all affect a baby's ability to sleep well. Together we will work through these and agree a settling technique to use instead of old sleep props and habits your baby has likely become reliant on for sleep.

Absolutely! My training covers how to support babies with colic or reflux to get better sleep. I understand that this can be a very difficult time for parents of newborns and as such offer a gentle and science-based approach to applying settling techniques and changing routines for colic/reflux babies.

Of course! I would love to chat to you about the issues you're having and to see if there are any quick fixes you can implement before we start working on a personalised plan. It's a great opportunity to see how I can help and for you to find if you like my approach and would like my support. You can book a free discovery call by clicking the blue button at the top of the homepage. I very much look forward to chatting with you.

Good question! While AI can provide general information and suggestions, a certified professional sleep trainer like me offers personalised guidance tailored to your baby's unique needs. I will consider factors such as your baby's age, feeding schedule, nutritional status, temperament, current routine, and your parenting style to develop a customised sleep plan. This individualised approach increases the likelihood of successful sleep training outcomes. As a professional sleep consultant, I also provide ongoing support that you can't get from AI, helping you navigate challenges and adjust strategies as needed. My expertise allows me to identify and address specific issues that may not be apparent through generic advice. With me you will get personalised support and advice from someone who has been where you are, can provide an empathetic ear, and is at the end of the phone in those moments when you just need that human touch.