F A Q

I have a four-year-old. Is it too late to sleep train?

No, it's never too late to sleep-train your little one! I offer support for children up to 6 years old. Sometimes, when babies become toddlers, their desire for ndependence and boundary-pushing can disrupt their sleep routine.

Do you offer “no cry” methods? / Will you ask me to let my little one cry it out?

 Our definition of the CIO method is when you put your child down awake, shut the door, and don’t return until morning. I don't feel comfortable using that technique and will not recommend it! But let's be honest: finding a method without any crying is a challenge we haven't conquered or found yet. If someone claims to have it, they're likely not being truthful! When you disrupt your little ones' routine, it's completely natural for them to protest and shed tears. It's their primary way of communicating, and we always have a plan to step in and provide comfort. In fact, I offer multiple options for you to choose from and help you adjust any methods if needed to ensure you are comfortable and ready to help your little one learn valuable life lessons, such as how to sleep!

What happens during the Mini Consultation?

During our initial consultation, we will have the opportunity to chat and get to know each other. This can be done over the phone or on Zoom. You can tell me more about what's going on at home with sleep and what your goals are. I will provide some basic advice, and we will discuss what it would look like if we worked together. I will also answer any questions you have. It's a chance for you to get to know me and understand how I can help your family.

I’m not located in the Bay Area or Central Valley, California, but can you still help me?

Yes! While I would be thrilled to meet with you in person, we can also arrange to meet via phone, Zoom, or email. The in-person option may only be feasible if you are in the Bay Area to Modesto areas. You can still pick from all the services, D.I.Y +, Hold the Phone (virtual 2 weeks of support), or even my Hold Your Hand bundle as an on-demand Zoom bed and naptime support (2 weeks of support). I will be there to walk you through it, just on Zoom instead of in your home

What happens if I hire you but it doesn't work?

I have yet to have a family who is unable to achieve their sleep goals. I can guarantee positive changes! However, achieving "perfect results" depends on your expectations and willingness to put in the work. Parents play a huge role in the success of our process. I do everything in my power to help you reach your goals, but I can't do it all. Mistakes and misunderstandings can happen from time to time, but these slip-ups" are not what we are talking about. As long as you follow the customized advice, are open to gradual changes, and genuinely want your little to sleep better, we will help you and your child get the sleep you all need!

What will communication look like?

During business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 7 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 1 pm Pacific time, I will respond almost immediately or no more than 75 minutes later. If it is after business hours, I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible, which could be immediately or the following business day during open hours.

Will sleep training force me to stop breastfeeding?

Absolutely not! I'm a passionate advocate for breastfeeding. It's important to know that breastfeeding and healthy sleep habits can absolutely go hand in hand. Let me guide you through this journey!

What type of training and experience do you have?

Vanessa has been working with early childhood-aged children for 15 + years. Helping 100s of little ones drift off to dreamland in different settings, including in their homes. I am a certified sleep consultant through The Center for Pediatric Sleep Management. I have two degrees in both Child Development and Early Childhood Education. Among other certifications and my daily love for continued education. I can guarantee you are in good hands with a compassionate sleep and early childhood professional.

We are expecting a new baby!

If you already have one child in the family bed or want to make room in the crib for another one on the way, you're in the perfect place! Unfortunately, older siblings' sleep tends to get worse after a new sibling joins the family. It's best to begin teaching your little one healthy sleep habits before your new little bundle
arrives. I also suggest not transferring a toddler to a big kid's bed, especially if they are two or under.

How do I know when it’s time to drop a nap?

I always advise clients and friends to hold off on dropping a nap until it’s really obviously time to do so. Knowing when to drop a nap can vary depending on your baby's age, individual sleep needs, and developmental stage. Here are some signs that it might be time to drop a nap: Consistently resisting or shortening a nap
Difficulty falling asleep at bedtime
Extended wakefulness between naps
Shortened nighttime sleep
Consistent schedule changes
Be aware that sleep regressions occur around the 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months. Regressions can disrupt sleep and take a few weeks to work out. If you believe your little one is having a sleep regression, hold off on making the switch.

When should I transition my child from their crib to a bed?

It's best to delay transitioning your child from a crib to a bed for as long as possible. If your child is happy and sleeping well in their crib, there's no rush to make the change. However, if your child is climbing out of the crib, it is recommended to move to a bed. It's recommended not to transition a 2-year-old, as they don't understand the invisible boundaries at that developmental stage. A few days before the significant change, talk to your child and involve them by letting them pick out new bedding or a new lovey. Keep the crib in the room with the big kid bed for a few days to give them a choice, if able.

What is the recommended age for teaching a baby to sleep independently?

The older your little one gets, the more protesting you may encounter. Don't be discouraged! Late is better than never, especially when it comes to better sleep! The best time to start sleep training is typically between 12 to 20 weeks. However, establishing healthy sleep habits can begin at birth; it is never too late!

My baby falls asleep at bedtime but has difficulty staying asleep through the night Can you help?

 Absolutely. Whether your problem is with naps, repeated night wakings, early morning rousings, transferring your baby to a crib, or a seeming hatred for a crib, all of the above, we will fix it.

Can you help me with my child who keeps leaving their bedroom?

Of course! Little ones are well-known for either stalling at bedtime or repeatedly leaving their room. I can assist you in establishing a strategy to create a more enjoyable bedtime routine (for everyone involved) and encourage your little ones to remain in their rooms throughout the night.

We have a trip coming up Is it the wrong time to start working on sleep?

 You may make minor adjustments, but it varies. You should be fine if your trip is two weeks from your start date. Keep in mind that there will be some readjustment once you return. This should be a smoother transition than the initial sleep coaching. If your destination does not allow you to maintain a regular sleep schedule with positive sleep signals during your travels, we suggest waiting to start your support after your return.

How do you handle sickness, teething, travel, etc.?

It's entirely possible for your child to fall asleep on their own even when they are unwell, experiencing teething discomfort, or on a trip! Don't automatically assume you must help your child sleep for these reasons. If your child is teething or feeling unwell, consider giving them some pediatrician-approved Tylenol or Advil, along with some extra cuddles at bedtime. When traveling, ensure your child has time to adjust to their new sleep environment before bedtime! However, if your child is struggling and your instincts tell you to provide more help than usual, please do so. Just be prepared to get back on track after any illness or travel.

SEND HELP NOW!

Yes, I want your, 5 Simple Strategies for Better Sleep Tonight!

Message me for your copy! Learn simple changes you can make today to improve sleep quality for both you and your little one. Find out how to establish predictable routines, encourage daytime physical activity, and discover much more. Get a restful night's sleep with our easy-to-implement tips!
Write "Freebie" in the message section =)

Send Message

Get social with us!