What Is a Baby Sleep Consultant? How To Choose a Reputable One
If you’re a tired parent of a baby or toddler who just won’t sleep, you may be wondering whether to use a sleep consultant, what the process is for using one, and how to choose a reputable one.
In this blog I wanted to answer some of the questions that I often get asked by sleep-deprived parents looking for effective and evidence-based advice.
What is a Baby Sleep Consultant and what do they do?
A good consultant will:
Work with a family to improve a baby’s sleep disturbance, without judgement
Give you education around what is happening with the sleep disturbance - explain the science of what is happening
Provide reassurance to the family that they aren’t doing anything ‘wrong’ and their baby isn’t broken
Provide evidence based advice that comes from research studies or scientific fact
Give you choices for resolving the sleep disturbance based on your preferences and child temperament
Why should I use a Baby Sleep Consultant?
Unfortunately parents often use a baby sleep consultant when they’ve got to the end of their tether and are desperate for sleep. You may feel like you have tried everything and nothing seems to be working, or that you are doing something 'wrong'.
If you are experiencing sleep disturbances with your baby or toddler, a sleep consultant can take a holistic look at everything in your baby's world via a comprehensive questionnaire and sleep diary to understand why the disturbance might be happening. In my questionnaires I ask about everything including diet, family dynamics, birth experience, and much more so I can shape my advice to best fit the family.
What is the process for using a Baby Sleep Consultant?
Most consultants offer online consultations, some also have online guides and programmes. Some allow you to book a consultation online, however there will likely be some paperwork to fill out beforehand so they can review your current situation before booking you in. Once the paperwork is complete a consultation will be booked in, where the consultant will share their recommendations via a comprehensive sleep management programme, and answer any questions. At this point some consultants will offer ongoing support via email to answer any questions while you implement the sleep programme - I offer 2 weeks of email support so you have a certified Baby Sleep Consultant at the end of the phone when you need me.
How do I choose a reputable Baby Sleep Consultant?
Anyone can call themselves a baby sleep consultant without any relevant experience or certifications, so I'd suggest:
Using a certified baby sleep consultant who provide evidence-based advice and follows safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust.
Online reviews and testimonials - Recommendations from other parents is one of my biggest lead generators - parents just like you have used a Bay Sleep Consultant and are now well-rested
Ensuring they are aligned with your parenting style and values - for example some will offer ‘quick fixes’ that may involve cry-it-out or methods you’re not comfortable with, some will specialise in SEN children, some will just offer an initial call rather than any follow up etc.
Many consultants will offer a free discovery call so you can meet them and find out more about their approach and methods before you commit to a consultation.
How do The Good Snooze Company fit in with all of this?
I provide no-nonsense but responsive sleep support methods to families via 1:1 consultations, downloadable sleep guides, blogs, free guides and an email newsletter
Find out more on the About Me page.
I offer a free 15 minute discovery call so you can meet me before committing to a consultation
I am a certified Paediatric Sleep Practitioner (currently studying Level 6 - the highest certification as a specific baby/toddler sleep consultant)
I have completed the Lullaby Trust Safe Sleep certification
I am a member of the World Sleep Society and International Association of Child Sleep Consultants
I keep up to date with new sleep research studies
I have 5 star reviews from happy and (now well rested!) clients
I have two young boys who have been champion sleepers from day one
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