If you've found yourself googling "baby sleep consultant" at 3am, you're not alone. I've been there too. Lots of parents aren't sure what a sleep consultant actually does, or whether it's for them. Here's an honest look at what I could do for you.
What a sleep consultant does
A baby sleep consultant helps families improve their baby's sleep with a plan that's built around their baby. Instead of general tips, they look at your baby as an individual:
- how your baby currently falls asleep, and what happens when they wake
- their daily rhythm: naps, feeds and bedtime
- their age, development and temperament
- the sleep environment
- what matters to you as a family, and what you're comfortable with
From that, they create a plan and support you while you follow it. The support part matters. Knowing what to do is one thing. Doing it consistently at 2am when you're exhausted is another.
How it works with me
- A free 15-minute call. You tell me what's going on, and I tell you honestly whether and how I can help.
- Questionnaire and sleep diary. Once you've booked, you fill in a questionnaire about your baby and keep a sleep diary for at least seven days: nap and bed times, how long your baby sleeps, and how they get to sleep.
- Your plan. I write a personal sleep plan for your baby, and we go through it together on a call so you know exactly what to do and why.
- Support. Depending on your package, there's a follow-up call and five days of WhatsApp support while you put the plan into action.
All calls are on Google Meet, and I work with families in both the UK and the US.
Who it's for
I work with healthy babies aged four to fourteen months. Families usually come to me when:
- night waking has become a pattern that isn't passing
- naps are short, or a daily battle
- bedtime takes hours
- early mornings have become the norm
- they've tried lots of general advice and nothing has stuck
What it isn't
- It isn't medical advice. I'm not a doctor. If your baby has a medical need, or you're worried about their health, speak to your GP, health visitor or paediatrician first.
- It isn't one-size-fits-all. Every plan is written for one baby.
- It isn't "cry it out". I don't use cry it out. I can't promise zero crying, because crying is how babies communicate, especially when things change. But you'll never be asked to do anything you're not comfortable with.
- It isn't the end of your breastfeeding journey. A lot of parents worry that sleep training will mean they have to stop breastfeeding at night, which could affect their supply and bring breastfeeding to an early end. This absolutely does not have to be the case, and I can build breastfeeding into your plan.
- It isn't something that will harm your attachment. Sleep training cannot change your parent-child bond. Any tears that come up are simply your baby protesting change. A happier, well-rested family brings more positivity into the whole household.
- It isn't unsafe. Everything I recommend follows safe sleep guidance. I've completed The Lullaby Trust's SIDS and safer sleep training.
How quickly will it work?
It depends on your baby's temperament and how consistently the plan is followed, but five to seven days is a good place to aim for.
What does it cost?
Packages start with a free 15-minute chat. Paid packages range from a one-hour call (£75 or $109) to complete support with a personal plan, follow-up call and five days of WhatsApp support (£400 or $549). All are one-off payments, with no subscription. You can see everything that's included on the packages page.
Not sure if it's right for you?
That's exactly what the free call is for. Book 15 minutes with me, tell me what's happening, and we'll work out together whether I'm the right fit.