Hiring a Sleep Consultant – 7 Signs You Need Professional Help Managing Your Child’s Sleep

DIY or hire a sleep consultant? When is it possible to tackle baby and toddler sleep problems, schedules, and regressions alone and when should you call in the professionals? Stop guessing! Here are 7 signs you need professional help!

1. You’ve tried “sleep coaching” and found it too overwhelming or difficult to follow through with

2. Your baby is intense, persistent, or slow to adapt

3. You don’t have time to read umpteen books on baby/toddler sleep

4. You’re the parent of multiples or have two children under the age of 3

5. You prefer to understand the “why” behind your child’s sleep problems

6. You’re the parent of a child with special needs or health concerns

7. You need help determining which method is best suited for you and your child

Sound familiar? Read on!

1. You’ve already tried sleep training.

Perhaps you’ve already experimented with “drowsy, but awake,” pick-up-put-down or even CIO and quickly realized sleep training can be a real doozy! Many parents who turn to The Baby Sleep Site® for expert help aren’t “newcomers” to sleep coaching; they may have attempted sleep coaching once, twice, or even three times before. If you’ve been unsuccessful in the past, it’s usually a sign the method (or perhaps the timing) was “off.” Sometimes it takes an outsider’s perspective to help you decide when is the right time to sleep train, where to start, and which method is best.

2. Your baby’s temperament is anything BUT adaptable!

While some babies are accurately described as being “easy-going” or “adaptable,” not all babies are so laid back; they may be very persistent, difficult to soothe, or easily upset by changes to their routine. While persistent and intense babies can sometimes be difficult to parent, it’s fair to say these babies grow up to be some of the most successful adults! So, what’s a tired parent to do whilst waiting for their strong-willed child to grow into future leaders? Sometimes, persistent babies and toddlers need a very different approach to managing their sleep problems. We’re not strangers to helping parents of intense or persistent children; if you’re convinced your child is not the type to “sleep through the night” after 3 nights of sleep training, we’ve got just the right tools and tips for you!

3. You don’t have the time or energy to read all. the. books!

How many books are there on baby sleep anyway!? We can think of at least a dozen… but, with so many conflicting opinions and eyes so tired you can’t keep them open, who has the TIME or the ENERGY to sift through it all? Surely, a professional sleep consultant can help you escape the confusing and overwhelming “textbook” solutions and help you implement the right plan for YOUR unique child.

4. You’ve got your hands full.

Oh, baby! Moms of multiples or a toddler AND a newborn surely could use a helping hand! Whether you have twins, triplets, or a 2 or 3 year old and an infant, trying to divide your attention, juggle each child’s schedule, and individual sleep needs sure can be overwhelming. With the help of a professional sleep consultant, you can devise a plan and schedule that helps pave the way to a better night’s sleep (and maybe even synchronized naps!!) for the entire family.

5. You’re a thinker and a planner.

Would you describe yourself as “analytical” or having a strong preference for evidence-based recommendations? If so, a DIY approach to sleep coaching may be difficult. So many parents who choose The Baby Sleep Site® for expert sleep help appreciate the insight our team of professional sleep consultants can glean from personally assessing a child’s sleep history and tailoring recommendations based on the qualities that make your child unique.

6. Your baby has health concerns.

Whether your baby lives with reflux, allergies, sensory disorders, or has spent time in the NICU before coming home, these concerns are always considered when working with The Baby Sleep Site®. Recommendations made for children without reflux (just as an example) aren’t suitable for babies who require special care. This can make sleep coaching difficult or downright impossible when going it alone.

7. You just aren’t sure!

After hearing what worked or DIDN’T work for your friend’s baby, you may be questioning which is the best method for YOU and YOUR baby. After all, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training and your child’s age, temperament, specific sleep issues, not to mention your parenting style all play a very important part in how well sleep coaching will or won’t go. Perhaps your baby is neither “adaptable” or “intense,” but somewhere “in between;” does this mean a “no-cry” sleep training method would be best? Sometimes it’s hard to guess at which method to try and you may be so paralyzed by fear of choosing the “wrong” method that you decide not to do anything at all. If the fear of sleep coaching is resulting in feelings of frustration for you or missed naps and sustained night wakings for your baby, perhaps you owe it to yourself (and your baby) to consult an expert.

Whether you decide you’re ready to do-it-yourself or hire a professional sleep consultant to help you teach your child healthy sleep habits, know we’re rooting for you! DIY-ers, be sure to browse our Do It Yourself center for eBooks, members-only sleep plan guides, tele-seminars, and our signature Express Sleep Plan™. And for those who found themselves nodding “yes” to the 7 signs you need professional help solving your child’s sleep problems, let us help you choose the right consulting package for you and your family!