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From Fear to Freedom: How One Family Conquered Sleep Regressions—Twice

When this family first considered sleep coaching, their son was just 7 months old. Sleep wasn’t perfect—but it felt manageable. What stopped them from seeking help wasn’t uncertainty about sleep itself; it was fear.

Fear fueled by misinformation.

“We actually tried approaching sleep training at 7 or 8 months… but there was a lot of misinformation with the cry-it-out method, and that really scared us.”

So they waited. Like many parents do.

They relied on what worked in the moment—rocking, bottles, pacifiers, co-sleeping. Over time, though, those supports stopped working. By 15 months, their son was waking every 30–45 minutes, needing a bottle each time to fall back asleep.

“There was no sleep at all for those 3–4 months… He was drinking so much milk at night that he wasn’t even hungry for solids in the morning.”

They were exhausted, discouraged, and ready for an option that aligned with their values.

Gentle Sleep Coaching at 15 Months: The First Breakthrough

When we began working together, one thing mattered most to them: this could not be cry-it-out.

We moved slowly and intentionally. I explained the science behind sleep, how sleep pressure and circadian rhythm work together, and why reducing sleep crutches doesn’t mean abandoning a child.

Joanna was very systematic. She made it clear this was not cry-it-out. It was a slow transition. We had to trust the process—and we did.”

And it worked.

Their son learned how to fall asleep independently.
He slept through the night.
He ate better during the day.
He woke up joyful.

“Now we see him waking up with a smile and going to bed happily. I can’t imagine life before this stage.”

What Causes Toddler Sleep Regression? Illness, Travel, and Big Changes

Just when things felt solid, life threw everything at them at once:

  • Hand, foot, and mouth disease

  • A new pregnancy

  • A major relocation

“All those sneaky sleep crutches we had completely eliminated—boom, they were back.”

At 22 months, they were facing frequent night wakings, bottles overnight, and a very overtired toddler. Even though they had already succeeded once, starting again felt vulnerable.

But this time, something was different.

“We made a whoops and a boo-boo and needed help again. But our confidence level was sky-high.”

Why the Second Sleep Reset Was Faster and Easier

Because they already understood the process, the second round of sleep coaching moved quickly—even with travel and mom being very pregnant.

“It was like sleep training an entirely new baby… but we had the process, so it was easier.”

Within days:

  • Sleep consolidated

  • Naps returned

  • And their son began asking to nap

“He literally walks to his bedroom, says ‘nap time,’ and asks to go into the crib.”

Life on the Other Side

Today, bedtime and naps are calm and predictable:

  • No bottles

  • No rocking

  • No resistance

Dad is fully involved.
Grandparents can handle bedtime confidently.
Everyone is sleeping—including mom, just weeks from delivering another baby.

“We finally get to eat together again. We hadn’t seen a movie in two years.”
“It feels like a privilege to put him to bed.”

Watch their full video story here:

Sleep Regression Doesn’t Mean Sleep Training Failed

If sleep unraveled after it was working, you didn’t fail—and neither did your child.

Regression during illness, travel, developmental leaps, or major life changes is normal. The key is knowing how to respond without panic and without undoing the skills your child already has.


How to Reset Sleep Gently (Without Cry-It-Out)

A Sleep Strategy Session is a 60-minute Zoom call where we:

  • Assess your child’s sleep history

  • Identify what caused the regression

  • Decide whether you need a reset or deeper support


Already Sleep Trained—but Stuck?

I created a Sleep Regression Guide specifically for families whose children already have good sleep skills but need a refresh during:

  • Illness

  • Travel

  • Developmental changes

  • Big life transitions

Download the Sleep Regression Guide

You’re not back at square one.
You’re just at a reset point—and support makes all the difference.

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It’s travel season! Be prepared with a What to Pack List!

TL;DR- Traveling doesn't have to ruin your child's sleep. By recreating your child's sleep environment, maintaining key parts of your routine, and packing a few strategic sleep essentials, you can help your baby or toddler sleep well while traveling and return home with sleep habits intact.

It's travel season! For families that FINALLY have their kids taking predictable naps and are enjoying BEAUTIFUL, BLISSFUL SLEEP the thoughts of “messing it up” by stepping out of their routine can be stressful. For families that are already sleep-deprived and struggling with getting the child to sleep at home, the idea of having to handle this while traveling can be overwhelming. Managing your child’s sleep while on vacation is possible and I am going to give you some tips to make everything easier! 

Think ahead while packing what you need to maintain your optimal sleep environment! 

Download my free Summer Travel: What to Pack checklist!

  • Bring a white noise machine or small fan! This will help maintain your child’s routine at home and help them be more comfortable in their new environment. It is also a great way to drown out background noise if you are room sharing.

  • Does your child have a favorite lovie, stuffed animal or blanket? Make sure to pack these!

  • If your child is used to sleeping in a crib, call ahead to see if there is one available or bring a pack and play. You can also consider using a baby equipment rental company at your destination. If your child is sleeping in a bed, there are some great options for child air mattresses! **

  • Getting a child to sleep in bright rooms can be tricky while away! There are some great products available that ensure a quick and easy fix. Check out the Snooze shade or Slumberpod! These are also a must-have if you are room sharing while away! Check out my interview with the Creator of Snoozeshade

  • If your child is used to a sleep sack or swaddle make sure to pack them (plus some back ups).

  • What is your sleep routine with your little one? Do you read the same book every night or sing songs? Pack whatever you will need to maintain this routine as much as possible. Consistency helps children feel comfortable and know what to expect.

Remember being consistent does not mean never changing the schedule or routine. It's important to be flexible and most importantly ENJOY YOUR TRIP! Don’t feel guilty if you need to offer your child a little more support while traveling to make them feel comfortable! When you get home, you can return back to your normal schedule and routines!

Download my free Summer Travel: What to Pack checklist to help make sure you are prepared!

You can also check out my video on Holiday Travel Tips and blog post 7 Family Travel Tips for Summer 2021 for more travel tips!

If you are sleep deprived and struggling with getting the child to sleep at home and the overwhelm is taking the joy out of travel planning, hope and help are available. 

The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM Sleep Strategy Session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.

Contact Me

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.

Blissful Baby Beliefs

The Gentle Sleep Process

The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep

Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.

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