Ask any mom. What they want and NEED this holiday season is a good nights sleep.
Yet, I find we spend lots of money on gadgets that promise to make sleep magically happen without actually fixing the root of the problem in a holistic and intentional way. A lot of advertisements make these promises, the promise that your problem will magically be fixed. The truth however is for anything to change, you must first put in the work and have a plan to make that happen.
We all want a fast fix, and I can’t blame tired mamas for trying to fast track the process with a magic bassinet that makes 360 degree turns, spouts lavender oil and hums an ongoing playlist of lullaby’s in their mothers voices.
Here’s my thing, when I look at sleep it’s in a very specific and holistic way. Taking into account all of the numerous factors that can influence it for your particular family. A band aid approach or trying one sleep method you find on the internet for a few days will rarely get you the long term results you so desperately need. In fact, it can cause more frustration, more time wasted and more money spent…
In my opinion, here are the only three necessities you should invest in to achieve great sleep.
Black out blinds - Environment is key! Investing in providing a great sleep environment makes a huge difference not only for babies but studies have shown that for adults as well. You want to ensure that your baby’s sleep environment is PITCH DARK, like can’t see your hands in front of your face dark. This not only helps the production of melatonin - the sleep hormone, but it will help your baby fall back asleep easier when they wake at night.
Please note that many black out blinds will still let light in around the sides if not stuck to the actual window!
Here are the black out blinds that I love:
https://amzn.to/38jNdBP
https://amzn.to/2KDsZL4
This product is FANTASTIC for travel!
White Noise - White noise is not only for newborns, although newborns do love it most. White noise can be used up to 12 month or older and is great not only for settling newborns but for maintaining the same sleep conditions all night long. This in turn, will help your baby link their sleep cycles and drown out ambient noise especially during those early morning hours when sleep is the lightest.
Keep in mind that while music is great for winding down, it helps a baby’s brain to grow and helps grow new synapses in the brain that are linked with language skills. However, it actually helps to stimulate the brain and thus not the greatest choice for overnight. White noise, a shhhh sounds or deep rumble sounds will help relax your baby’s brain and help achieve deeper sleep. As loud as a vacuum cleaner is the ideal volume for white noise.
Here is my favourite white noise machine:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01D50RZQI/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lilbabyslee0d-20&creative=330641&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01D50RZQI&linkId=b262f65ef77f1ffcaab8bc903fe07388
SUPPORT (Sleep Consultant) - I know, I know this seems bias. Since I’m a sleep consultant but hear me out.
It’s not about just hiring a sleep consultant but acknowledging that everyone needs help and that sleep is HARD to manage on your own.
What’s the difference between hiring a sleep expert and reading a book or searching online?
A Sleep Consultant can filter through the noise of the internet and build a plan that’s right for you. No nonsense, no time wasted trying it all out and you can be sure they know ALL the options and will steer you to the one that will give you the results you’re looking for.
Not only this, but they will coach you to the finish line, I actually GUARANTEE you results. Many give up before they even start or after a few days think it’s not working and resign themselves to “wait it out”. Please don’t do this!
Sleep is not intuitive, it’s something that we have to learnt about and navigate. A sleep consultant has the education, has read and done all the research for you and has the experience having worked with hundreds babies and families before you. So they know what to expect and what to do to navigate sleep easily. The internet is full of opinions and many are not based on science. A sleep consultant can help provide accurate information, not based on “Karen’s” personal beliefs.
A sleep consultant can provide you with a customized plan. Created from a very detailed intake questionnaire and call, that takes into account all of your families unique needs. Something no generic plan can do.
The biggest thing however, is support. Daily support and communication, because tired moms don’t have the energy to do this on their own. They will give you the motivation and push that you need to help you achieve your goals. If something is not working for you, they know how to tweak plans to get them working and back on track. There is nothing like that on the internet.
Why not invest in your health? Hiring a sleep consultant is an investment, but it’s the best kind of investment. It’s an investment in your mental health and your physical and emotional wellbeing. It’s in an investment in your baby’s health, growth and sleeping is a human need just as important as eating and drinking. However, it’s not always treated as such.
As you can tell, I’m very passionate about this as I see lots of money being spend on baby equipment and gadgets and although that is totally okay, there needs to be investments made in our health and wellbeing. Because material goods will depreciate and so will health, family life and happiness.
Which is worth more in the end??
Reach out to see how I can help with the best gift you can give your family. REST!
Lil xx
