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What Gets in the Way of Success with Sleep Coaching?
Many families come to me after they've tried and struggled with various sleep solutions—whether it's books, DIY methods, or even other sleep coaches. It's common to feel frustrated or as though you've hit a wall, but it's important to remember that these challenges aren’t a reflection of failure. Most of the time, families are missing some essential elements that can make all the difference in achieving sleep success.
When there are ongoing sleep struggles, it's usually a family system issue, not just about the child lacking sleep skills. It’s sometimes about routines, strategies, how this parent does it versus the other parent. It’s about trying to navigate multiple family schedules, older children, younger children, all of that. For families struggling, it’s crucial to look at the bigger picture and consider all of that when creating a sleep plan.
Sleep Coaching Obstacles
Here are the most common obstacles that get in the way of success with sleep coaching:
1. Lack of a Clear Sleep Plan
Many families try to tackle sleep issues without a structured plan, often resorting to trial and error with different techniques. Without a clear strategy, it’s easy to fall back on inconsistent patterns, which makes it difficult for your child to develop solid sleep skills.
Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching offers a customized plan, tailored to your child and family’s specific needs and goals.The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep™process starts with gathering information about your family. I gather detailed sleep logs, client history, and temperament assessments on you and your child. This includes your parenting aspirations and wish list, also known as your Sweet Dreams.
2. Lack of Agreement Between Parents or Caregivers
One of the biggest hurdles I see is when both parents or caregivers aren’t on the same page about the sleep coaching approach. If one parent is following a gentle sleep coaching method while the other is doing something completely different, it can create confusion for the child. This inconsistency can hinder progress and make it harder for sleep skills to take root. Both partners need to agree on the approach, stay consistent, and support one another.
If you and your partner both want to solve the sleep struggles, it’s crucial to remember something I always say: “Don’t disagree on something you already agree on.” At the end of the day, you both want the same thing—better sleep for your child and a more harmonious household. I’ve seen many families face this struggle and come out of the process stronger, working as a team and supporting one another. The key is to find a way to honor both of your perspectives while keeping your shared goal in focus. Together, we can create a plan that respects each of your wishes and brings you closer as partners on this journey.
3. Inconsistency in Sleep Coaching Approach
For sleep coaching to be effective, consistency is crucial. Whether you’re using a gentle method or looking for alternatives to cry it out, switching techniques too soon or being inconsistent with bedtime routines can make it difficult for your child to learn proper sleep habits. Sleep coaching is not a one-night fix; it requires a commitment to a plan for at least two to four weeks. This consistency provides the structure needed for your child to feel safe and confident as they learn to self-soothe and develop sleep independence.
At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, I provide a supportive environment that helps families stay consistent and focused. My coaching packages include regular follow-up calls that are designed to keep you on track. These check-ins offer personalized support, allowing us to troubleshoot any issues or scenarios that may arise during the process. By providing ongoing guidance, I ensure that you’re never left feeling uncertain or alone—giving you the tools and reassurance needed to maintain consistency and achieve long-term sleep success for your family.
4. One Parent Shouldering the Responsibility Alone
Often, one parent takes on the bulk of the sleep coaching responsibility, leading to burnout and frustration. For long-term success, it's important that all caregivers—including partners, grandparents, or even nannies—work together as a team. This unified approach ensures that your child receives consistent cues about sleep, regardless of who is putting them down for the night.
The Family System Approach: A Team Effort
Sleep coaching is about more than just teaching your child to sleep—it’s about creating a system where everyone in the family is aligned and committed to the same goal. Successful sleep coaching involves a team effort, where every caregiver follows the same plan and communicates effectively.
Sleep coaching isn’t about restriction—it’s about creating freedom. With healthy sleep habits in place, you’ll be able to travel with ease, knowing your child can sleep well no matter where you are. Grandparents or babysitters can confidently put your little one to bed without struggle, allowing you the flexibility to enjoy your time away.
Rather than being a disruption, sleep coaching gives your family the gift of consistency and adaptability. When your child has strong, portable sleep skills, life’s adventures—whether it’s a weekend getaway or a night at Grandma’s—become seamless and enjoyable for everyone.
Ready to Sleep Again? 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!
Do you have a crib climber? Considering a switch to the big-kid bed?
A crib climber is not necessarily a child who is ready for a big-kid bed. In fact, moving to a toddler bed too early often creates new sleep challenges. Before making the switch, focus on safety, understand the developmental phase your child is experiencing, and consider alternatives that may allow your child to remain safely in the crib longer.
Do you have a child trying to climb out of the crib?
Do you wonder if they are ready for a toddler bed because they are trying to climb out of their crib?
It is typical for children between 18 months and 2.5 years of age to start climbing out of the crib. Climbing out of the crib does NOT mean that they do not like their crib. Climbing out of crib does NOT mean that they are ready for a toddler bed. All it means is that they are practicing their newfound climbing skills. During this important physical developmental leap, it is important for children to practice their climbing skills during the daytime shift at the park. We do not want them practicing this skill in the crib at night. After all, SAFETY FIRST!
Technically, children are not ready for a toddler or a “big bed” until they are 3 or 3.5 and moving them out of the crib sooner than they are ready leads to massive sleep regressions. My recommendation is using anti-crib climbing pajamas and/or a crib tent to keep them safe in their crib.
If you are experiencing this problem, then you will absolutely want to download my free guide on Sleep regression guide to help guide you through this difficult developmental phase.
There are also 2 products that can be helpful to stop the climbing behavior at night time. Sometimes parents only have to use these products for a short period of time until their child moves through the climbing phase.
My first recommendation to guarantee beautiful blissful sleep is to implement the crib tent.
Order your crib tent today!
Ages: 18 months and up
What is it?
A see through protective pop up tent with plenty of room for child to move around. This inhibits children from climbing out of the crib.
Why I love it?
Give all moms peace of mind; protect your child from climbing out of the crib.
With a high-end 55" x 52.5" x 28" baby safety net, your child stays safe all night long.
Designed in the USA by Pro Baby Safety
The highest quality construction available on Amazon. 100% satisfaction guarantee—no strings attached.
The other option is to try anti-crib climbing pajamas. Sometimes this can be the perfect solution, especially if your child uses their legs to climb out of the crib!
Order your Little Grounders today!
Ages:
What is it?
Little Grounders™ are patent pending climb-limiting pajamas for babies and toddlers that help keep little ones from climbing out of the crib.
Why I love it?
The one-piece pajamas have a flexible piece of fabric connecting the legs together. This limits the ability to lift the legs to climb while still providing enough flexibility to comfortably walk and play. They can no longer climb out of the crib so you know they are safe!!
Remember, it is normal to have sleep regressions. It sure is nice to know what it is and how to solve it. I think you will like my Sleep regression guide.
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Not necessarily.
Many toddlers begin climbing because they are practicing a new developmental skill—not because they dislike the crib or are ready for the freedom of a big-kid bed. Physical ability and developmental readiness are not the same thing. In my experience, moving a child too early often leads to bedtime battles, sleep regressions, and repeated trips out of bed.
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Every child is different, but many sleep experts recommend waiting until at least age 3, and often closer to 3½ or 4 years old when possible. By that age, children have more impulse control and a better understanding of boundaries, making the transition much smoother.
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It can.
Many children experience temporary sleep disruptions after moving from a crib to a bed because they suddenly have the freedom to get out of bed, explore their room, or seek out their parents. The transition is often easier when it happens at the right developmental stage and when parents have a clear plan in place.
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Safety is the first priority.
Before transitioning to a bed, consider strategies that may help keep your child safe while remaining in the crib, such as adjusting sleepwear, lowering the mattress, removing climbing opportunities, or discussing other safety options with your pediatrician. Many children move through the climbing phase relatively quickly.
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Look for emotional and cognitive readiness, not just physical ability.
Children who are ready are typically able to understand and follow simple bedtime expectations, remain in bed with reminders, and show genuine interest in making the transition. Readiness is often more about maturity than age.
Ready for a Big-Kid Bed?
Not necessarily
Usually not by itself
Possibly
Good sign
Good sign
Often yes
Not automatically
Behavior
Climbing out of crib
Turning 2 years old
Asking for a big-kid bed
Following bedtime rules
Staying in bed during naps
Age 3.5–4 years
New sibling arriving