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Sleep Success for a 6 Year Old: It's Never Too Late to Learn Sleep Skills
Clients often believe that if their child is older than two years old, that there is “no hope” to improve their child’s sleep struggles. I want to shout from the roof tops that it is never too late to create the right circumstances and the right environment for your child to learn their sleep skills so they will benefit from healthy life long sleep habits. I just finished working with a family with a 6 year old daughter and this mom wanted to share her experience on how we achieved easy bedtimes and peaceful naps and brought harmony back to her household. Listen to this mom’s story about her 6 year old!
“Bedtime was always stressful for my 6.5 year old daughter and she would wake 5-6 times a night. I was skeptical that sleep coaching wouldn’t work for us, but I committed 100% to the process and guess what…it worked. Now bedtime is easy and she is asleep around 8pm. She sleeps 10 hours in her room and her self confidence has gone way up. Now I have time for myself. I can watch a show with my husband and spend quality time and read to my older daughter. I am now tremendously well-rested. We could not have done it without you!“ - Mary F. Child was 6.5 years at time of coaching
Get Your Life Back...It Starts with Sleep!...Sunlight & Sleep
Photo by Unsplash
Did you know that getting proper amounts of sunlight to produce Vitamin D is what helps you sleep better and improve your mental and physical health! Listen for the science that shows you why morning sun is especially important!
In this Facebook Live I talk about the connection between Sunlight & Sleep
What are the benefits of sunlight?
Spending time in the sun has mental health benefits.
1. Sunlight reaches our eyes
2. Photoreceptors in your eyes send messages to your brain.
3. Serotonin levels rise.
4. Boost in mood
Spending time in the sun has many Physical Health Benefits.
1. Sunlight Penetrates our skin
2. Triggers the release of a skin cholesterol body uses to produce vitamin D.
3. Vitamin D is used for serotonin production
4. Proper serotonin and vitamin D levels play a part in your DNA health. “Serotonin plays a big role in setting your body's circadian clock, which manages your sleep and hunger cycles, and also ties into your cell health, hormone production, and other biological functions." , and
5. Sunlight reaches our skin.
6. Nitric oxide, (stored in the outermost layers of your skin), reacts to the sun's UV rays by widening your blood vessels
7. Your blood pressure drops, your heart rate slows.
8. You feel more relaxed. Better mental performance.
Why do you need sunlight for proper sleep?
Without enough sun exposure, serotonin levels fluctuate erratically, knocking your circadian clock out of whack. That could leave you feeling sleepy during the day, wired at night, hungry at odd hours (or all the time!), and unable to think clearly.
Serotonin plays a big role in setting your body's circadian clock, which manages your sleep and hunger cycles, and also ties into your cell health, hormone production, and other biological functions.
Best practices
Exposing your eyes to sun-strength light for at least 20 minutes in the morning is your best bet in aligning your wake-sleep clock with daytime hours. You also want to avoid bright light at night, which fools your brain into believing it's daytime.
Can’t get outdoors?
Sitting close to a window or within a few feet of bright sunlight will trigger serotonin-producing reactions. Studies have also shown that a light box that mimics the sun can boost serotonin levels.
How much sun is recommended for proper vitamin D?
Nutritional sources are not enough to get the recommended amount of Vitamin D. It is recommended to get 10-15 minutes of midday sunlight on bare arms, legs and shoulders. Hold off on the sunblock for that time.
What can I do to get sunlight during Winter months?
Up to 80 percent of the world's population is vitamin D deficient during the colder months. Taking a 1,000 IU vitamin D supplement during the winter can ward off disease and depression.
Overall if you want to improve your sleep you might want to start a sunlight ritual.
Benefits of the Sun Summary:
Mood improvements
Immune system support
Lowered blood pressure
Better brain function
Vitamin D boost
If you want to learn more review the article links below.
Learn the "SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS" of when to "SAY YES TO HELP"
Families call me everyday about their child's sleep concerns. They are hoping for a "magic bullet" to help their baby sleep better so they can stop living in a sleep-deprived haze.
In the video below I explain the "SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS" of when you would know it is time to "SAY YES TO HELP" by accessing one-on-one support from a sleep coach to help you solve the sleep problems once and for all, so finally EVERYONE is your family can be well-rested.
Signs and Symptoms to look for:
Anxiety and distress over “cry-it-out”—and desire for an alternative method
Worried lack of sleep is impacting your child’s growth and development
Difficult and long bedtime routine that leaves everybody drained
Multiple night wakings that leads to broken and non-restorative sleep
Disagreement & Discord between parents in managing an appropriate approach to child’s sleep challenges
Relentless self-doubt and guilt about current sleep situation & how to solve it
Desire to eliminate night feeding—and guidance on how to do it gently and compassionately and in a way that honors your nursing goals and nursing relationship
Exhausted from child waking too early in the morning sometime between 4-6am
Worry over best strategies when going back to work after maternity leave
Difficulty in re-establishing healthy sleep habits after arrival of new sibling, travel, holidays, or lifestyle changes
Overwhelm and Confusion about how to solve the sleep changes with lasting results
Trepidation over transition from co-sleeping to a crib, or from a crib to a toddler bed
Short or non-existent naps or nap transitions—resulting in crabby, overtired child
Helplessness in the face of child’s night terrors
I hope my video helps you to with determining when it is time to "SAY YES TO HELP."
Anyone that experiences any of the above household sleep situations can benefit from the expert guidance and step-by-step approach of a trained and certified sleep coach:
Talk to a Sleep Expert: Sleep Strategy Session
Apps That Make Life Easier for First-Time Parents
Photo by Pexels
Being a first-time parent can seem daunting, but don’t stress. You have all the resources you need right at your fingertips with your handy smartphone. With the assistance of some of the best apps for first-time parents, you can give your little one the best possible care.
Is your child struggling with sleep deprivation? Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching is here to help you and your family become well-rested. Contact us for gentle sleep coaching services here.
My Baby Today
Do you want to track your baby’s development day by day, and see at a glance how much your baby has grown? The My Baby Today app is the only all-in-one guide you’ll need, and you can access a wealth of information about your baby’s health, growth, and development. Resources include breastfeeding dos and don’ts and all the baby essentials. You’ll be able to create handy checklists, set reminders, and snap photos in the app to capture all your favorite moments. The calendar feature will give you daily tips on infant care, and you’ll learn about health and safety, best exercises for parents, and meal ideas.
The My Baby Today app also gives you access to a community of first-time parents, and you can compare notes, ask for advice, and find support as your baby grows. Wondering what formula to use, or how to transition to solid food? Trade ideas with other new parents, and find out how other first time parents tackle sleep schedules, feeding problems, and bath time.
Milk Maid
If you’re planning to pump to feed your baby breast milk, the Milk Maid app will take the stress out of pumping. The app lets you keep track of the milk you’ve left at the daycare center, at your mother’s house, or in your fridge. You can track how many bottles of breast milk you have in each place, as well as monitor the age of stored milk so you can use the oldest milk first.
The Wonder Weeks
Another tracking app first-time parents love is The Wonder Weeks app. This app keeps track of your baby’s mental development and tells you what stage of development your baby is in each week. You’ll be able to track the leaps in development, and know when to expect the fussy periods, as well as taking notes on each phase of your baby’s first weeks of life.
Home Repair Apps
While they're not exactly parenting apps, home-related apps like Angi give you easy access to local home pros should you need any home repairs done. By using these apps, you can ensure that the job is done fast and efficiently, so you have more time to care for your little one. For instance, an appliance repair service can take care of just about any appliance-related issue from a dishwasher leak to the fridge not cooling the food properly (which is bad if you're storing breast milk in it!). Home pro databases like Angi can make searching for a local appliance repair service less overwhelming by providing a list of the top companies in your area. You can also see details at a glance like the business’s description, recent reviews, coupons (if offered), and important display icons like awards and certifications. Be sure to check for local deals to help you save on service costs!
Choosing the Right Smartphone
Is your current smartphone up to date? If your phone can’t support the latest upgrades, store all the photos of your new baby, or let you download the apps you need to monitor your little one’s development, then it’s time for a new device. As a first-time parent, your phone is going to be a lifesaver, and you’ll use it to find out more about your baby, track your little one’s mental and physical development, and take photos you’ll cherish for life. Your phone will also function as your handy calendar, ebook, portable movie player, and music player, which can help as you and your baby spend time together at home, as well as out and about at friends’ houses or shopping. When you're away from home, make sure you have a car charger, which will quickly boost your phone's battery life so you never miss a beat while on the go.
Check out these apps and enjoy the newest addition to your family. You’ll love sharing time with your baby, being able to monitor their health and development, and avoiding the stress of one more thing to worry about if you’ve got a top-notch device in your pocket.
Father's Day! Dad's need Good Sleep too!
Father's day is Sunday, June 20th. It's time to celebrate all the wonderful Fathers, Grandfathers, and Father-figures we have in our lives!
Dad’s need good sleep too! You have got to watch this video!
https://youtu.be/iv5VsYHVAWA
Good sleep should be a priority for Dad too! This means 7-9 hours a night for a healthy adult.
Sleep Tips for Dad
Get 7-9 hours a night of sleep
Stick to a sleep schedule every night (even weekends).
Choose a supportive mattress and quality pillow.
Turn off electronic devises at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Limit caffeine intake
Exercise regularly
Give Dad the Gift of Sleep this Father's Day. Gift Certificates are available.
Listen to a few of our incredible fathers talk about how getting beautiful blissful sleep changed their life!
https://youtu.be/iv5VsYHVAWA
Beyond the benefits for the child, Gentle Sleep Coaching has provided Father's with:
Increased bonding and more meaningful interactions between child and father
Relaxed evenings
Time for themselves and their partner
Restored marriages
Ability to schedule date night and vacation trips
Energy to exercise
A predictable schedule
A focused mind for work productivity
More love and patience so they can enjoy all the moments that matter!
You are one click away from giving the Father in your life one of the most life changing gifts they can receive.
At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, we provide parents with guilt-free, gentle sleep coaching to help reduce their overwhelm and get them back to life. If you are wanting your child to learn healthy sleep habits please Contact us today to learn more.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's get you more!
Joanna
7 Family Travel Tips for Summer 2021
It’s been more than a year since the announcement of the novel Coronavirus, and another travel season is upon us. It’s only natural to feel confused, have lots of questions, and wonder what the heck is going on. This is especially true for families with young children, most of whom already required detailed vacation planning before the pandemic.
Thankfully, since the vaccination has been released and distributed, the world seems to be regaining some semblance of a new normal. Travel restrictions are lifting, mask mandates are being relaxed, and businesses are opening up again. It seems like 2021 will be the year for vacations, travel, and reconnection. In this article, we’re sharing some of the most important tips for parents to keep in mind during the summer season. Then, we’re discussing ways they can keep their families happy, healthy, and rested through any travel plans.
Tips for Staying Safe and Having Fun in Summer 2021
Health and safety are still a priority in 2021. Indeed, the vaccination has already been distributed widely, but Coronavirus prevention is still fresh in everyone’s mind. Life may never go back to the way it was before, so we should all learn to adapt to this new way of doing things. Here are the seven most important summer travel tips for families living in the new normal.
1. Only Book Travel Plans That are Refundable
It’s impossible to predict the way things will go, especially during a global pandemic. Lockdown and safety measures seem to change in response to the current happenings, and an untold number of events have been canceled or postponed because of this. Learn from past mistakes, and plan for the unplannable. Purchase tickets with insurance and book rates that are refundable. Prevention is the best way to protect your wallet and itinerary.
2. Stay Flexible
It’s rare for an entire vacation to go according to plan, even under normal circumstances. Cut yourself some slack and stay flexible during your travel this summer. If you’re willing to go with the flow, instead of forcefully sticking to the agenda at hand, your family will enjoy themselves so much more. Make sure you are considering flexible sleeping arrangements so everyone sleeps well. I personally love the SlumberPod as the BEST way to create a “room within a room” so your child has quiet, dark, private space to take great naps and sleep all night. This opportunity for travel should be a time of enjoyment, fun, and self-care.
3. Appreciate the Covid-Safe Businesses
You work hard to keep your family healthy and safe; go out of your way to show some appreciation for the businesses that are doing the same. The only way for leaders to know that health and safety continue to remain a priority is for people to show them that they still care. Look for companies prioritizing public health and safety, and those still using Coronavirus prevention techniques. Show them your support and thank them for continuing to care.
4. Spend Lots of Time Outdoors
Throughout the entire pandemic, the outdoors has remained one of the safest places to be. It’s easy to maintain a distance, and the wide-open spaces disperse particles from our breath quickly. Spending time outside is one of the best ways to enjoy yourself this summer. And there are many family-friendly ways to do it. Some great ideas for having fun outside with kids are to:
Take a walk
Fly kites
Paint together (less mess!)
Make mud pies
Search for bugs
Climb trees together
Go geocaching
5. Have Lots of Snacks
Prevent the onset of hanger! It can be tough to squeeze in full meals and restaurant trips when you have small kids, which is why it’s so important to stay prepared with snacks. Having easy food ready to go also allows you to control the kinds of foods your kids are eating on vacation, preventing their eating habits from getting too crazy. Bento boxes, snackable containers, and reusable pouches are perfect for these situations, and will definitely help save your sanity.
6. Squeeze in Naps Wherever You Can
Hungry kiddos aren’t the only ones you have to worry about. Those who missed naptime, or are otherwise feeling sleepy, can also be quite difficult - especially on vacation. Before leaving on vacation, try coming up with a schedule. Families with tiny ones might even benefit from choosing destinations that are slower in pace and supportive of a baby’s sleep. Aim for at least one good nap per day, and prioritize it. A rested child is a happy one, and this makes everything easier.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Have Fun
As important as it is to juggle all the different aspects of your trip, it’s important to know that not everything will go according to plan. It never does. Have fun anyway, and enjoy yourself. Your children won’t remember the times you forgot the snacks or almost missed your flight. They will remember laughing on the beach with their mom or swimming in the hotel pool with their dad. Make as many happy memories as you can and smile through the obstacles that come your way.
At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, we know that a happy vacation is a well-rested one. And that means all members of the family get enough sleep. We provide parents with guilt-free, gentle sleep coaching to help reduce their overwhelm and get them back to life. Dozens of parents have changed the way they look at sleep, thanks to the Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching way. If you go on a trip and things have regressed upon your return, then please know I always offer Sleep Triage Sessions. Or if you are wanting your child to learn healthy sleep habits before your trip, then please Contact us today to learn more.
Mom Deserves The Gift of Sleep
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate all the women in our lives who raised us, or are currently raising their littles. It’s a great day to make moms feel special and how much we appreciate all they do for us whether they are moms, moms-to-be, grandmothers, friends, temporary guardians or relatives that are playing the role of mom.
So I am here to celebrate all Women that are raising children and I appreciate all you do every day!
But here is the deal, for all that you do every day, YOU NEED BEAUTIFUL, BLISSFUL SLEEP!
Sleep is a gift you can give mom that will have lasting effects WELL beyond Mother’s Day weekend!
So if you feel you need some EXTRA TLC and your family is still looking for the perfect gift for you, you can gently remind everyone you need the GIFT of SLEEP.
Good news, Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching has gift certificates available for Sleep Coaching!
"Sleep is the gift that keeps on giving! 7 Months after successful sleep coaching, you’re always still on my morning gratefulness list. Thank you!" N. Fanning, Nebraska, Child was 6 months at time of Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep Coaching
Sleep for your child creates the momentum and focus you need to feel more like yourself. Our promise is that you will reclaim your life and family vision:
Time for yourself and your partner
Energy to exercise
A predictable schedule
A focused mind for work productivity
More love and patience so you can enjoy all the moments that matter
“The wife and I both get 8 hours of solid sleep. We are able to do chores when the baby naps or is asleep. We feel like we have our lives back when she goes down in the evening. We can go back to actually having a nice romantic dinner together. We can have a glass of wine and catch up on our favorite Netflix show. All because of Joanna's sleep coaching.” Jim A. South Carolina, Child was 15 months at time of Guilt Free-Gentle Sleep Coaching
Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching is a No-Guilt Gentle Sleep Coaching Solution. We reject age-old ‘cry-it-out’ methods and approaches because we’ve seen a better way. We believe in protecting the physical, mental, and emotional health of every parent-child bond when it comes to creating lifelong healthy sleep habits. Parents trust us with their hope to achieve drama-free bedtimes, peaceful nights, reliable naps, confident parenting, and a well-rested, harmonious home.
You are one click away from getting the most life changing gifts of all. BLISSFUL SLEEP!
“I just want to thank you for what you've done for our family. I remember talking to some of your past clients over 2 months ago and still being skeptical that anything was going to change. That client told me that their experience was life changing. I thought..."man it would be really nice to tell someone else someday that we had a life changing experience too", but I had zero expectations and had resigned myself to accepting the fact that our life was going to suck for the next 18 months or so. We are two months in and it truly has been life changing!!!” Ken M, California, child was 10 months at time of Guilt-free, Gentle Sleep Coaching
For the Mama’s to be or newborn Mama’s we have a Sleep Preservation package that teaches promoting good sleep habits while your baby is a newborn—or even before he or she arrives.
If you are ready to join the 1,000’s families and their babies and children I have helped to claim great sleep click here to buy now!
The Dad's Guide to Celebrating Mother's Day
For moms with young kids, Mother’s Day is an extra-special holiday. This season in her life is a time when motherhood is still new, fresh, and exciting. It’s also the period where she has the least amount of time for self-care and carries the most stress. Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to remind her of the fact that she’s doing a great job. But, unfortunately, the kids probably didn’t get the memo.
That’s where you come in.
This article serves as the dad’s guide to helping that wonderful woman in your life feel admired on Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is a Holiday Worth Celebrating
In the family, the mother is indispensable.
She is responsible for completing so many different tasks and wearing so many different hats that it can sometimes be easy to take her for granted. In an effort to prevent this from happening, Anna Jarvis created the official holiday labeled “Mother’s Day” in 1905 to honor “the sacrifices mothers made for their children.”1
Since then, the tradition has been carried on each year, with the entire country joining in to express their respect and gratitude for their own moms.
6 Ways Dads Can Help Their Kids Celebrate
The only true way for kids to learn to cherish and treasure their mothers is by example. And, what a better opportunity for dads to lead by example than on Mother’s Day? It doesn’t have to be this all-out event with extravagant planning, but it is important to help them make her feel loved. Here are six of the best ways to do that:
1. Make Something for Her
There is nothing quite like a handmade gift that says “I love you, and I’m thankful for you.” Something like this will be more treasured than anything you can find in the store. Gather the kids sometime while mom is distracted and get crafty! It doesn’t have to be something Pinterest-worthy; a simple card or finger painting will mean so much on her special day.
2. Show Her Your Appreciation
It’s no secret that moms work hard. Between cooking, cleaning, and caring for the kids, there is a lot that goes in to everyday day routine. Remind her that she is noticed. Take over the cleaning for the day. Cook her favorite meal at home. Do something small that you know she’ll enjoy, and the feeling of love will make her entire day amazing.
3. Give Her Some Time Alone
Sometimes, amongst all the excitement and festivities, one of the best things you can do for Mother’s Day is give her some time alone. Book her in at the spa if you want to treat her to a real day of relaxation and self-care. However, all that effort isn’t required. She would be just as happy if you took the kids out for a few hours while she had a bath, binged her favorite show on Netflix, and was given time for a nap.
4. Enjoy Time Outside
One great method for encouraging the entire family to be engaged and excited about Mother’s Day is to get outside. The great outdoors has a unique way of connecting people through beautiful views and wonderful experiences. And it’s an awesome place to spend Mother’s Day, regardless of the outdoor experience you have. Consider going for a picnic or taking a walk on a local trail. It’s the perfect time to appreciate the warm weather and sights of spring.
5. Tackle the Morning On Your Own
Sleeping in late is not typical of a mom’s morning routine. Change things up this Mother’s Day by grabbing the kids before they’re able to wake her up. She will definitely appreciate the opportunity to wake up slowly (and on her own), and you might even have a chance to surprise her with breakfast in bed!
6. Give Her a Gift with Meaning
As we’ve already covered, motherhood can be hard sometimes. If you really want to get a gift for the mother of your children, choose something to make her job easier. This is entirely subjective for the woman you love. It could look like an annual pass to the local aquarium or a subscription to a parenting box. Maybe a baby sleep coach is the perfect gift for helping her adjust to motherhood. Whatever it is, make it something meaningful and worthwhile to her role as a mom.
Mother’s Day is the Perfect Opportunity to Make Mom Feel Loved
No matter what you and the kids decide to do for Mother’s Day 2021, the most important thing is that you show their mom how much she is loved. It may not be a holiday where you spend a lot of money or decorate the house, but there are plenty of ways to make her feel valued. And, moms should always feel valued.
References
The Perfect Mattress for Your Baby
As parents, safe and washable are 2 of the most essential qualities products can have. From blowouts, spills, spit-up, drips, and drops, accidents happen and it’s crucial to have the ability to easily sanitize just about everything babies and toddlers use.
Newton Baby has created a line of crib mattresses that are just that. The mattresses are:
Breathable
Chemical free
Firm
Supportive
Washable
The mattress consists of a core and a mattress cover. The core is made of Womenair, 90% air and 10% food grade polymer. The mattress cover on the mattresses are made of breathable and fully washable material.
This mattress takes away all of your concerns. You’re one click away!
The washability of the entire mattress is unmatched. The mattress cover is machine washable and the core can be easily rinsed and dried.
Newton Baby makes mattresses that are incredibly safe. They are free of harmful chemicals, Green Guard Gold certified, low VOC emissions, uses naturally-contained salts to meet federal fire retardant standards and 100% recyclable. The breathability of the design is especially beneficial when your baby begins rolling as it reduces the risk of suffocation.
The design of this mattress makes it exceptionally durable. It is high quality and can stand the test of time with babies and toddlers. The mattress is easily transitioned from a crib to a toddler bed. It’s also a great product that is clean and easy to pass on to future children or as a hand me down to friends.
With a mattress, support and comfort are fundamental. The core materials make the mattress supportive, safe and comfortable for babies and toddlers to sleep through the night. The breathable design of the mattress also helps keep babies cool.
If you are ready to make this great choice, click here to buy now!
Be sure to check out my Facebook Live where I review both the Newton Baby Mattress and Owlet Monitor:
