Expert Sleep Help for Your Family
Why hiring a pediatric sleep consultant for your family is a game-changer
When I tell people I’m a pediatric sleep consultant, I’m generally met with one of two responses. The first goes something like this: “Oh, that’s awesome! My friend hired a sleep consultant for her baby, and it was great! They got so much more sleep because of it!” The second response usually varies between “Huh?,” “That’s a thing?” (both in a positive or negative undertone), or my personal favorite, “When my kids were babies, we didn’t need a sleep consultant!”
Sleep consulting is a somewhat new industry, so it’s not surprising that many people, especially those who raised kids before the year 2000, would be confused as to what a sleep consultant’s role is and why on earth anyone would pay money for one. So, I thought I would write a blog post on this very topic—what is a sleep consultant, and why the heck should you hire one?
What is a sleep consultant?
A pediatric sleep consultant is a trained professional who specializes in helping families improve their children's sleep. This involves understanding sleep science, child development, and effective strategies tailored to each child’s unique needs. As a sleep consultant, I provide personalized guidance and support, taking into account the family’s lifestyle, parenting style, and specific challenges.
What can a sleep consultant do for my family?
Here’s how a sleep consultant can help improve your family’s sleep:
Personalized Plans: They create customized sleep plans based on your child’s age, temperament, and sleep issues.
Expert Guidance: They offer expert advice on establishing healthy sleep habits, addressing sleep regressions, and managing nighttime wake-ups.
Support and Accountability: They provide ongoing support and adjustments to the plan as needed, ensuring you stay on track and see progress.
Education: They educate parents on the importance of sleep and how to foster a sleep-friendly environment.
Why should we hire a sleep consultant? (Isn’t there enough free information on the internet?)
While it’s true there is a plethora of free information available online, a sleep consultant offers something invaluable: tailored expertise. Here are a few reasons why hiring a sleep consultant is beneficial:
Targeted Advice: Unlike general advice found online, a sleep consultant hones in specifically on your family’s needs and goals. They provide targeted strategies that work for your unique situation.
Cut Through the Noise: The internet is overflowing with conflicting advice. A sleep consultant can help you navigate through the noise and focus on what truly works.
Efficiency: With professional guidance, you can achieve your sleep goals faster and with less frustration.
Support and Reassurance: Having a dedicated expert to turn to can provide peace of mind and confidence in your approach.
Think of it like hiring a personal trainer. Yes, you can find workout routines online, but a personal trainer creates a program tailored to your body and fitness goals, provides motivation, corrects your form, and helps you achieve results more efficiently.
When it comes to raising babies and children, I believe that less is more in terms of the amount of gadgets bought and advice taken from random internet moms. The baby industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and can often feel predatory to new parents who might feel off-kilter in their confidence and easily persuaded to buy the newest helpful thing for their baby.
With that said, sleep is an essential function for our bodies to perform, and sleep is mental health. A core belief that drives my career as a sleep consultant is that parents need to take care of themselves- and even prioritize themselves sometimes. I believe the very first step to prioritizing your health (both mental and physical) is to prioritize your sleep. Sleep consultants exist so that you can do just that! And the best part is, a sleep consultant can help you find a way that works for you AND your baby.
At Sleep Solutions by Cara, my goal is to help your family achieve better sleep so that everyone can thrive. If you’re struggling with your child’s sleep and feel overwhelmed by the amount of information out there, consider reaching out for personalized, expert support. Your family’s well-being is worth it.
