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Desperate at 3 A.M.? From 3 a.m. “Playdates” to Full Nights of Sleep
From 3 a.m. “Playdates” to Full Nights of Sleep: Sean & Joanna’s Story of Hope, Grit, and a Well-Rested Baby
What happens when you're so sleep-deprived that a three-hour wake-up in the middle of the night feels normal? For Sean and Joanna, that was rock bottom—and the moment everything started to change.
Let me tell you about a family who reminds me why I do what I do.
Sean and Joanna were living what many tired parents would call “the fog.” Their 13-month-old son was waking multiple times a night—sometimes for hours—and they were running on fumes. Joanna, a physician, was disheartened by the fact that all her medical training did not provide her with the knowledge and tools to solve her own child’s sleep struggles”.. Sean was full-time at home dad and feeling the emotional and physical weight of crappy naps, long nights and trying to care take an active baby boy. By the end of the day, Dad was “ready for the hand-off” of baby to mom so he could get an break.
This couple was trying SO HARD to be present and engaging for their son, hold it together for each other, and survive their days on broken sleep and coffee. Sound familiar?
Until one night… when they had a “3 a.m. playdate”with their toddler. Not planned. Not fun. Just… wide awake. For hours.
“That was it,” Sean said. “I hit a wall. I went online and searched for help. That’s when I found Joanna.”
Yep. That’s me.Most families do indeed land on my website between 1am and 5am out of sheer desperation to end sleepless nights.
🎥 Watch Sean and Joanna share how sleep coaching transformed their family life.
(Click to watch their story—it’s heartfelt, honest, and under 5 minutes!)
☁️ The Turning Point: A Gentle Plan Built for Their Family
When we started working together, I knew we had a few important pieces to honor:
Mom was still nursing, and that nursing bond and relationship mattered deeply.
They were committed to a gentle, responsive approach.
Their son was what we call a “tough cookie”—in other words, he had opinions. 🙂
We went slow. We got strategic. And we stayed consistent. Sean was 100% all in and ran the coaching plan like a champ. Joanna supported with trust and patience while juggling a full-time job. And I was right there with them—making sure we paced everything just right.
Was it instant? Nope.
Was it worth it? 1000%.
“We followed your word like it was the gospel,” Sean told me. “Now he sleeps through the night. I can’t give a better recommendation than that.”
🌙 The After: Calm Evenings, Joyful Mornings, and One Rested Family
Today, their son:
Goes to bed around 7:30–8 p.m.
Sleeps peacefully through the night until 6 or 6:30 a.m.
Turns off the light himself (!), plays quietly, and puts himself to sleep with a smile
Let’s pause right there: That’s not just sleep. That’s confidence. Security. Peace. Independence.
And the ripple effect? Huge.
Joanna is now sharp and efficient at work. Sean and their son enjoy their days together again—playing outside, connecting with joy instead of frustration. They’ve even taken an overnight couples trip while a relative babysat—something they never imagined possible a few months ago.
“There’s so much more joy now,” Joanna told me. “We’re not surviving anymore—we’re living again.”
✨ Real Talk for Exhausted Parents
If you're in that fog right now, here’s what I want you to know:
You are not failing. You are not alone. And you do not have to figure this out by yourself.
I’ve been a certified pediatric sleep coach for 14+ years, and I’ve helped hundreds of families just like Sean and Joanna’s. The truth is—sleep is learned. And with the right strategy, the right support, and a plan rooted in science and compassion, things can change.
Because when your child learns to sleep—you all get your lives back.
🎯 Let’s Make Sleep Happen for You
If you’re nodding along to Sean and Joanna’s story, and you're ready to say goodbye to 3 a.m. chaos...
➡️ Ready for your own transformation? Let’s talk.
Let’s start with an easy first step, schedule a Sleep Strategy Session so me, you and your partner can have an 1 hr long zoom session so I can properly assess the sleep situation and determine if you need one-on-one sleep coaching support.
Let’s get your baby sleeping—and get YOU your sanity back.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
The 2 to 1 Nap Transition: A Gentle Sleep Coach's Guide
The 2 to 1 nap transition is a significant milestone in your child's sleep journey. As a certified Gentle Sleep Coach and founder of Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, I've guided countless families through this change. This transition can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth process for both you and your child. In this blog, I'll share expert tips and strategies to help you navigate the 2 to 1 nap transition with ease.
Understanding the 2 to 1 Nap Transition
The 2 to 1 nap transition typically occurs between 15-18 months, but every child is unique. Some signs that your child may be ready to drop from two naps to one include:
Consistently fighting the afternoon nap: If your child resists the second nap or takes it very late, it might be time to transition.
Difficulty falling asleep at bedtime: An extended afternoon nap can interfere with bedtime.
Shortening morning nap: If the morning nap becomes shorter or skipped entirely, your child might be ready for just one nap.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Adjust the Morning Nap Gradually: Start by pushing the morning nap later by 15-30 minutes every few days until it aligns with the desired single nap time, usually around midday.
Keep a Consistent Schedule: Consistency is key in sleep training. Stick to a routine to help your child adjust to the new nap schedule.
Create a Soothing Nap Environment: Ensure your child's nap space is conducive to sleep. Use blackout curtains, white noise, and maintain a comfortable temperature.
Watch for Sleep Cues: Pay attention to your child's sleep cues don't let them get “over tired” or they will fight the nap. Overtired signs are rubbing eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy.
Offer a Quiet Time: During the transition, if your child skips the nap, offer a quiet time to rest. This can help prevent overtiredness, 45 minutes is ideal.
Be Patient and Flexible: The transition can take a few weeks. Be patient and allow some flexibility in the schedule as your child adjusts.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Overtiredness: During the transition, your child may become overtired. To combat this, consider an earlier bedtime to compensate for the lost nap time.
Inconsistent Nap Length: Initially, the single nap might be shorter than expected. Encourage your child to extend the nap by keeping the environment calm and minimizing disturbances.
Do you wonder how much sleep your child should be getting? When they should nap? Have you asked yourself “is this is normal”?
You will love my Ages and Stages Daily Sleep Requirements Freebie! This guide breaks it down in an easy-to-follow chart! These charts will show you sleep averages of how much daytime sleep and nighttime sleep children need. They can help you create some kind of routine, avoid overstimulation and add some predictability to your life! As your child grows up, you can refer to these charts to see when you may need to drop a nap or change bedtime.
When to Seek Help
If you find the transition particularly challenging or your child is struggling with sleep, it might be helpful to consult with a gentle sleep coach. At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, we offer personalized support and strategies to help your child achieve healthy sleep patterns.
The 2 to 1 nap transition is a natural part of your child's development. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can help your child smoothly adjust to this new sleep schedule. Remember, every child is different, so it's important to follow your child's cues and make adjustments as needed.
For more expert tips on sleep coaching and transitioning your child's naps, visit Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching. Together, we can ensure your child gets the restful sleep they need for healthy growth and development.
Need help with this transition? Let’s Do This.
If you’re thinking, “Okay, I kinda-sorta-maybe want to try this, but I still have questions,”—that’s what I’m here for.
Let’s start with an easy first step, schedule a Sleep Strategy Session so me, you and your partner can have an 1 hr long zoom session so I can properly assess the sleep situation and determine if you need one-on-one sleep coaching support.
Let’s get your baby sleeping—and get YOU your sanity back.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!