Top Ten reasons you may need a Sleep Expert

Top Ten - 

1. Your toddler says goodnight and you are the one going to bed.

2. You find yourself on the Elmo potty at 3am because you're afraid to leave your kid's room.

3. Your husband has found you crying on the bathroom floor 3 out of the past 4 nights.

4. You tell people that your baby just doesn't need alot of sleep.

5. You have brought your baby into your bed so often that now when you go in to get him he's ready with an overnight bag.

6. You do an army crawl out of your baby's room so you are sure not to step on the creaky floor boards.

7.You are so exhausted from nighttime feedings your husband is wearing one of these...

8.3 min, 5 min, 10 min and 12 min intervals means something to you.

9. The Master Bedroom is referred to as "Daddy's Room" by your kids.

And last but certainly not least...
10. You would rather sleep than do ANYTHING else.

Bedtime Battles

It seems that so many parents think that hating sleep is just a normal part of being a baby. Well, this is definitely not true!! Babies and toddlers can learn to appreciate the quiet and relaxation that comes with bedtime just as adults do. When a baby feel as though they are going to a  safe, comfortable and happy place, they enjoy to go up to their little nest. Their friends are there, and they are exhausted, to them it feels as though they have been playing for days even if they just got up two hours ago.
I find that when a child's room becomes a place of punishment  that is when they to do not get the chance to focus on the good and become overwhelmed by the bad. When a sleep space is used in a threatening tone such as, " if you don't behave you will go to bed early," how is a kid ever supposed to associate their room with happiness and a sense of calm, and surprisingly that idea stays with them for years.
 Even an infant is able to understand the fact that when they are getting into trouble or they are exploring a little too much they are put into their crib like it is a  pen, but at bedtime they are supposed to embrace this place??
 I am the disciplinarian in my home but one thing I can tell you is that I have never sent my kids to their room or bed early as a punishment, and when they are ready, my kids grab their blankies, Gus gets his monkey and my daughter Olive gets her Lamb and off they go.
Bedtime does not need to be a battle.For all those mini wars we fight with our little ones' throughout the day we just need to keep their sleep space out of it. If you treat it like a sanctuary so will they.

Storm Survival Guide

The sounds of crashing thunder accompanied by the bright flashes of lightening can be enough to keep a child from sleeping for days. I thought I would give a few suggestions for keeping your toddler's fears at bay and maybe even add some fun to those scary storms, so everyone can get a good night's rest.

- Many sound machines have "Rain" or "Storm" sounds, but if yours does not you can get a Storm Sounds CD. Play these sounds loudly a couple of times a week in between the storms so that your little one gets used to the noise and it does not seem so unusual.

-Also, preparing a child for the storm can make them feel in control. Show them on the computer or TV that the storm is coming and have a fun 'storm plan.' If the bad weather is during awake hours make it an event, with movies and forts in the living room. If the storm is due to come in the middle of the night, have your child wear their new "magic'" storm PJs, that protect them from the scary sounds and sights while giving them a storm survival kit to have in their bed. This could include a flashlight, a special toy and anything else that may give your him a little extra comfort.

Sunday Snooze Seminar!!!

Sunday Snooze Seminar!!!
 Visit Jessica Gleason Infant Sleep Consultant on Facebook and join our LIVE Q&A from 8pm to 10pm.
So gather all your infant and toddler sleep questions and be sure to invite all your friends and family who may have a sleep dilemmas in their homes. Hope to see you there!.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Gleason-Infant-Sleep-Consultant/183793565074723

Illness

Many of my clients contact me with questions about their children's change in sleep habits when they catch the flu or even a common cold. While the advice I provide can vary, one thing I always remind them is that sleep is the best preventative against illness. The immune system, especially in children, is designed to protect us from sickness, however exhaustion causes the immune system to function improperly, and consequently cause more sleepless nights.

Travel

You may notice that your older infants and toddlers no longer snooze through more than one sleep cycle (30-45mins) on those long family car trips. So here are a couple of tips to get baby's nap to last a little longer. 
-Keep the car cool and give your little one a blanket to cozy up to as well as their favorite bedtime friend
-Crack a window in the back to create a white noise effect that will mimic your at home sound machine
-Turning the radio on a staticy station can also be used to create white niose and works quite well if turned up loudly when baby starts to fuss.
Wishing everyone Happy Travels:)

Independent Play

We have all had those moments, a few minutes after putting baby down for bed you hear them making alot of noise and wonder whether or not you should go in. This alone time for baby is actually very important to the development of baby's sense of independence, confidence, and allows them to get out that last bit of energy that may be lingering from the day. 
So placing one or two age appropriate toys in your little one's crib fulfills that need for independent play and allows mom or dad a few extra minutes in the morning.