Sleep coaching usually begins when your baby is a minimum of 4-6 months old and once your pediatrician approves it. The signs that indicate that your baby may need sleep coaching are frequent night wakings and a general inability to fall or stay asleep on his/her own. The whole sleep coaching process usually takes between 4-14 days, and promotes healthy sleep habits. This will benefit the whole family.

If your baby has already completed the process of sleep coaching, he/she has acquired an essential life skill that will benefit everyone long-term! Your baby already knows how to fall and stay asleep on his/her own, but the above reasons may cause a temporary regression. In rare cases a refresher with a shorter sleep coaching session can help get your baby back on track. You can try this on your own or a Sleep Consultant from Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny would be happy to help you. We are just a phone call away. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, bed sharing can be dangerous and even life-threatening to your baby. It is important to have your baby sleep in his/her own bed and establish this routine from the start. This is easier than trying to break the habit of bed sharing later down the line.  

Yes.  As babies grow and develop they may experience some nights with more frequent wakings.  Babies may wake more often when they are overtired, teething, sick, experiencing a growth spurt, traveling, or with the introduction of new routines.  

No. There is no evidence to suggest that sleep coaching causes any physical or emotional harm to babies. In fact, studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics have shown that sleep plays a fundamental role in child development. Lack of sleep during childhood is associated with physical and mental health problems. Sleep deprivation can also cause major health problems including a weakened immune system later in life.

No. Many babies do not need sleep coaching. The gradual process of sleep conditioning by your Newborn Care Expert will prepare your baby for a lifetime of sound sleep, without the sleep coaching process. There are some babies, however, who may not show signs of learning to self-soothe through sleep conditioning. They may need a more structured sleep coaching program in order to sleep through the night on their own. If you find your baby waking several times a night or is unable to consistently fall asleep on their own, you may benefit from a sleep consultation to see if coaching is recommended. Most babies who complete our sleep coaching program learn the essential skills of falling and staying asleep on their own quickly. We will help every step of the way!

Yes. With your pediatrician’s approval, the Newborn Care Experts at Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny are able to gently lengthen the time between feeds overnight to prepare your baby to sleep for longer stretches. This is called sleep conditioning. There are no tears involved and it is a gradual process which often leads to your baby sleeping through the night on his/her own. Remember, every baby is different, and their sleep habits are no exception.