Sleepy Tots

CATNAPPING

Do you have a serial cat napper on your hands?
Is your little one consistently waking up 30-45 minutes on the dot? Are they tired and grumpy from having these short frequent naps?

Well, if this is sounding all too familiar, then let’s touch more on this topic below!👇🏻

☁️ Catnaps are typical for newborns through to 12 weeks of age.
☁️ They most commonly occur between 3-4 months as this is when sleep cycles begin to mature and those distinctive 45 minute day sleep cycles emerge.
☁️ Beyond 4 months, catnaps can occur when little ones are dependent on you or another association to settle them off to sleep. For example: Motion such a bouncing or rocking, patting, feeding or using the dummy.
☁️ Some little ones can independently start achieving longer naps as they get older, whilst others will need some support and assistance for them to learn this skill.
☁️ Although catnapping is developmentally appropriate for little ones under 6 months, this is not to say that your little one is incapable of achieving longer naps, as this too is developmentally appropriate.
☁️ If your 5/6 month old is continuing to catnap and finding it challenging to consolidate their day sleep cycles, you might find that their night sleep that could be surprisingly going well considering, start to become fragmented with more additional wakes.

✨ When it comes to consolidating naps, it’s just a matter of identifying the culprit/s and making a few small tweaks. If you feel as though you have tried it all to help your little one achieve a consolidated nap and catnapping yet continues to occur, then now could be the right time for an extra pair of eyes on your situation.
If you feel ready for change, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support. I'd love to help! 🫶🏻

Please TAG and SHARE this post with families of little ones who are loving to catnap. Or if you have any questions about catnapping, drop them below for me to answer. x

AGE-APPROPRIATE ROUTINE GUIDES

Have you been looking for some guidance around how to structure your little one’s day?

Maybe you have been wondering:
❓What awake windows to follow?
❓When and how long naps should be occurring throughout the day?
❓What is an appropriate bedtime?
❓When could meal and milks feeds occur to better support sleep?
❓When to expect a nap transition?

If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, then my routine guides will be just what you need! They will provide you with all the information you need to know on how to structure your little one’s day from start to finish and everything else in between.

There are two routine guides available:
⭐️ 3 weeks - 16 weeks
⭐️ 4 months - 3 years

🔸 Within both guides, you will find two different nap routines for each age. Allowing more opportunity for families to find a routine that will better suit their little one and their family lifestyle.
🔸 Our guides are based on science and have proven results!
🔸 They are designed to help get little ones sleep on track, so they can become well rested! This will then result in them being much happier during awake times, have a regulated appetite, be easier to settle for naps and bedtime and aid in achieving lovely consolidated sleeps!

Head to the link in my bio to purchase my 'Age-Appropriate Routine Guides’ (along with my Nap Transition Guide) in the Sleepy Tots shop!

✨ Comment below ‘SLEEP’ and I will DM you a sneaky discount code ✨⬇️ x

WHAT TO EXPECT: 9 MONTHS

Our little ones are constantly growing, learning and changing almost daily as it feels, especially in their first year earth side!

With all these changes, their sleep needs are also forever changing. So, to help you navigate through this time, we have put together a quick mini guide for you to refer to that shows the age-appropriate sleep guidelines at 9 months of age.

✨ SWIPE to learn more.

If you would like more information on age-appropriate schedules, including suitable nap times and durations, then my routine guides are what you need! Follow the link in my bio to purchase your copy.

*Please remember, every little one is different, and they each have unique sleep needs. These are just guidelines and they many not suit your little one.

Do you have a question about your 9 month olds sleep? If so, please don't hesitate to let me know. Be sure to TAG or SHARE this post with another family who has a little one this age or are soon approaching!

DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS

Here is your guide and everything you need to know about the upcoming changes when daylight saving ends.

When: Sunday April 7th 2023
How: Clocks move back one hour at 3am

Whether you like to plan ahead, make changes after the time change or simply go with the flow, we have got you covered either way!

✨ SWIPE to read more!

Be sure to comment below any questions you may have and TAG or SHARE this post with other families who may find this guide helpful. x

Who would have thought this backwards mum math would be our reality!

Although maths isn’t typically my strong point, this type of maths is and I LOVE working with families, coming up with contingency plans for those days where everything seems to fall around sleep times.

It’s important to know that you can prioritise your little ones sleep, without feeling as though you are stuck at home all day, everyday and have to miss out on certain activities due to your little ones schedule.

If this resonates with you and you are finding this process overwhelming and would love some support to navigate those busy days, please reach out! I’d love to help ✨

ESTABLISHING A SUCCESSFUL BEDTIME

When it comes to a successful bedtime, there are 3 steps that i believe should be introduced to enable your little one the best opportunity of settling to sleep with ease and of course sleeping well.

These 3 steps are to utilise a flexible bedtime window, provide your little one with a consistent pre-sleep routine, and offer plenty of 1:1 connection time! 🫶🏻

SWIPE ➡️ to read more.

If you have a little one challenging you at bedtimes, try including these 3 steps and let me know how you go!
If you have any questions, please comment them below or send me a message. x

SOLIDS AND SLEEP

Did you know there are necessary nutrients that are conducive to sleep and will better fulfil and sustain your little one throughout the day and importantly overnight!

These nutrients are:
🥣 Iron
🥣 Tryptophan
🥣 Protein and Carbohydrates
🥣 Magnesium and Calcium

SWIPE ➡️ to read more!

It is important to provide your little one with a well balanced diet to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients their little bodies need for optimal growth, development, and, of course, a restful night's sleep.

Has your little one started on solids? How are they going with the introduction of foods?

3 SLEEP TIPS FOR 3-4 MONTH OLDS

Have you got a little one around 3-4 months of age or maybe they are soon approaching?

SWIPE ➡️ across to read my 3 sleep tips i recommend introducing or improving to support your little ones sleep.

Please TAG or SHARE this post with any fellow Mumma’s with little ones this age, and as always if you have any questions be sure to comment them below. x

SICKNESS & SLEEP

With sickness forever occurring around us (aka daycare 🦠), let me share my top tips on how to manage your little one’s sleep whilst they may not be feeling their best.

🔕 Please do not stress about your little ones routine. Although it is good to use as a rough guide to help prevent them from becoming overtired, just know when unwell it's not too important.

💤 Sleep is great medicine when it comes to recovery. Always follow your little one’s lead and trust your gut, if you feel they need to go down earlier or sleep for longer than usual, then allow them.

🫶🏻 If your little one is requiring more assistance when going to sleep, don't hesitate in offering the extra support.

👃🏻 If your little one is struggling with some congestion, prior to feeds and sleep times use saline nasal spray to help brake up their mucus then follow with a nasal aspirator.
I loved our snotty boss from when my girls were younger and were unable to blow their nose.

💧 Ensure your little one is having adequate fluid intake. Some little ones can demand more milk feeds, whilst others may not.
If your little one is refusing their fluids and you are concerned, please don’t hesitate consulting with your family doctor.

Overall, it is completely normal for your little ones sleep to derail whilst they are unwell. Thankfully it is only temporary and once they start to feel better again, go back to using your consistent routine and settling approach and within 3-5 days, you will absolutely get sleep back on track!

Have you got any additional tips that has helped your little one when unwell? If so, l'd love for you to share them below. x

Highlighting the support packages I offer here at .

For the new families who are discovering my page and those families that have been with me for quite some time, these posts will be an opportunity to show you the variety of support I can offer you and your family.

I understand that each little one and their family are unique. Your lifestyle, parenting style, your little ones temperament and the sleep troubles you are experiencing, are all important factors when it comes to providing specific sleep solutions that are perfect for YOU!

✨ Up next is for families local to Bendigo and surrounding areas, it’s my:
DAY OR NIGHT IN-HOME SUPPORT PACKAGES

Similar to my Comprehensive support package, these packages have been designed for little ones from newborn up to 5 years of age. These package are perfect for parents who are looking for more 1:1 in person guidance and ongoing support when troubleshooting their little ones sleep.

This package includes:
🔸 A pre-assessment sleep questionnaire
🔸 Either 2 hour in-home consultation, present for nap routine and settle OR 3 hour in-home consultation, present for bedtime routine and settle
🔸 A personalised sleep assessment and plan for your little one that aligns with your parenting style, family, and lifestyle. The topics covered but not limited to are sleep environment, sleep expectations, age-appropriate routine or guideline, settling techniques, milk and nutrition.
🔸 Review of sleep environment and demonstration on swaddling techniques (if age appropriate) and gentle settling methods
🔸 Two weeks support provided by text, calls and daily check-in's through an activity log
🔸 A ‘Where to from here' email sent at the conclusion of our support period. This includes upcoming sleep changes, an age-appropriate awake time guide and additional tips and tricks to help you navigate the months ahead.
🔸 One follow-up email to be used within 3 months for the support period ending.

If you would like to discuss this package and your little ones sleep situation in more detail, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or book in a FREE discovery call through my website - following the link in my bio. x

TEETHING AND SLEEP

Let's talk teething! 🦷 How does teething affect sleep and what can we do to help?

Teething can certainly have a temporary impact on sleep and it does affect each little one differently. Research supports and suggests that the 3-5 days prior to a tooth eruption are the most painful.

Although, before teething is blamed for all your little ones sleep troubles, it is important to look at their whole day as teething does not only occur at nighttime.

So, how do you know if teething is causing those sleep troubles? Some questions to consider are:
🦷 Has your little one got a great sleep foundation?
🦷 Do they usually and consistently sleep well?
🦷 Has their eating patterns changed? Have they gone off their food or wanting more milk feeds?
🦷 Are they more unsettled and grizzly during the day?
🦷 Can you see the tooth about to erupt?
🦷 Has their sleep only been disrupted over a few days to a week?

If you feel your little one is struggling with pain from teething, you can try:
🧊 Cold/frozen face washers, teething toys or foods to soothe sore gums
🔺Pain relief such as panadol/nurofen (under your health practitioners advice of course)

Overall sleep should only be disrupted for a few days to a week and once the tooth has erupted sleep should return to normal. If there is prolonged sleep troubles, I would recommend getting your little one checked over by their GP. If given the all clear, you then can start to review their sleep environment, routine, associations and settling method to get their sleep back on track.

Be sure to save this post to refer back to later, or tag and share with another family to help their little one who may have started teething. x

WHAT TO EXPECT: 8 MONTHS

Our little ones are constantly growing, learning and changing almost daily as it feels, especially in their first year earth side!

With all these changes, their sleep needs are also forever changing. So, to help you navigate through this time, we have put together a quick mini guide for you to refer to that shows the age-appropriate sleep guidelines at 8 months of age.

✨ SWIPE to learn more.

If you would like more information on age-appropriate schedules, including suitable nap times and durations, then my routine guides are what you need! Follow the link in my bio to purchase your copy.

*Please remember, every little one is different, and they each have unique sleep needs. These are just guidelines and they many not suit your little one.

Do you have a question about your 8 month olds sleep? If so, please don't hesitate to let me know. Be sure to TAG or SHARE this post with another family who has a little one this age or are soon approaching!

BABY MASSAGE

Have you considered giving your little one a massage in the evenings before bedtime?

Baby massage is incredibly beneficial and
is a perfect addition to your bedtime routine, either after a bath or before putting on your little ones pyjamas.

Some benefits of Baby Massage are:
🧴 Increases parent/baby bond
🧴 Releases tension
🧴 Helps calm fussy and irritable babies
🧴 Reduces discomfort due to gas and colic
🧴 Helps circulation and digestion
🧴 Improves sleep! Massaging is a soothing ritual for relaxation and can promote your little one to have a more restful sleep.

Have you tried baby massage before? Let me know your experience below! x

NIGHT TIME SLEEP CYCLES

Did you know that around 16 weeks of age, your little ones Circadian Rhythm will emerge. This will see their sleep cycles change to become more like ours as adults.

SWIPE ➡️ to see what occurs during a nighttime sleep cycle.

After each sleep cycle (approximately 2-4 hourly) little ones will enter a light sleep phase, where they will either settle back into another cycle independently or wake up and may require external support to help them return back to sleep.

Often it’s around this 4 month mark, when some families will start experiencing frequent overnight wakes from their little one, for some these can occur almost 2 hourly. If you have noticed these frequent wakings, you could consider introducing some independent settling skills to help support and encourage your little one to achieve longer and more restorative stretches of sleep throughout the night.

✨ If this is sounding familiar and you are experiencing wakings like these from your little one, please don’t hesitate to reach out and send me a message. There are so many gentle tools we can use to help support and teach your little one these independent settling skills. Let me help you regain more restful and restorative overnight sleep. x

WHY A SHORT MORNING NAP?

Have you been considering how to structure your little ones day?

SWIPE ➡️ to see THREE reasons why you should consider offering your little one a short morning nap.

To see this short/long routine in more detail, with age appropriate timings to suit your little one -
✨ Comment below your little ones age and I will send you a message with a routine to suit.

If you would like my full guide containing routines for all ages up until 3 years of age, follow the link in my bio to purchase your copy from my website. x

INTRODUCING SOLIDS

Introducing solids to your little one for the first time is such an exciting milestone.

With this new chapter, you may find yourself having a few concerns or questions, such as:

🥦 How to know when/if your little one is actually ready?
🥦 What meal or meals do you begin with?
🥦 Maybe you are concerned about the changes to your little one's diet and it having an negative impact on their good sleeping habits
🥦 Or could you be hoping that introducing solids will be the answer to solving all your little ones sleep troubles?

SWIPE ➡️ through and let's navigate this milestone together!

Is your little one starting solids soon or maybe they have done so recently? Let me know below, along with any solid and sleep related questions you may have. x

NEW YEAR & MORE RESTFUL SLEEP

As the holiday season comes to an end for many families, now can be the perfect time to get back on track with regular routines and sleep for your little ones.

Often the holiday season can bring longer days, shorter naps, later bedtimes and with that comes additional wakes and a perpetual cycle of disrupted sleep all round.

This doesn’t have to be your new norm and often with a few tweaks, we can see your previously good sleeper return! 💤

If you are after some additional support to see this happen, then my once-off MINI PHONE CONSULTATION is for you! ✨

The Mini Phone Consultation Includes:
🔸 A pre-assessment sleep questionnaire
🔸 Phone consultation (up to 30 minutes)
🔸 An email summary of our phone consultation along with any supporting handouts if required
🔸 One follow-up email that can be used within 2 months of our phone consultation

Some example of the topics i can guide you through are; a current sleep regression, sudden catnapping, sudden early rising, nap transitions, cot to bed transition, etc.

❗️Please note this consultation does not include a personalised sleep assessment and plan or further follow up advice.

If you would like to discuss this package and your little ones sleep situation in more detail, please don't hesitate to send me a message or comment 💤 below. x

WHAT TO EXPECT: 7 MONTHS

Our little ones are constantly growing, learning and changing almost daily as it feels, especially in their first year earth side!

With all these changes, their sleep needs are also forever changing. So, to help you navigate through this time, we have put together a quick mini guide for you to refer to that shows the age-appropriate sleep guidelines at 7 months of age.

✨ SWIPE to learn more.

If you would like more information on age-appropriate schedules, including suitable nap times and durations, then my routine guides are what you need! Follow the link in my bio to purchase your copy.

*Please remember, every little one is different, and they each have unique sleep needs. These are just guidelines and they many not suit your little one.

Do you have a question about your 7 month olds sleep? If so, please don't hesitate to let me know. Be sure to TAG or SHARE this post with another family who has a little one this age or are soon approaching!

ABOUT BRIDGING NAPS

Bridging naps are such a handy tool to have and implement when your little one is rising early in their early months.

SWIPE ➡️ through to learn all about them!

Have you ever tried a bridging nap with your little one? How did you find it went? If you have any questions on this topic, be sure to let me know below.

DAYTIME SLEEP CYCLES

It isn't until around 12-16 weeks of age where your little ones natural daytime sleep cycles emerge and will become approximately 45 minutes in length. This is where catnapping will become the new normal for many little ones.

SWIPE ➡️ to see what occurs during each sleep cycle.

From this time is when you might start to consider helping your little one learn the skills to independently settle and resettle in order for them to achieve longer and more restorative day naps.

☀️ If you are finding your little one is waking earlier at around the 30-40 minute mark, then they commonly could have been over or under tired when they were initially settled to sleep.
In this case, it would be beneficial to review their awake time and see if it is still age-appropriate for them.

☀️ If your little one is sleeping beyond 45 minutes, then they have most likely mastered the ability to independently resettle after a sleep cycle.. YAY!
With that said, please don’t be disheartened if they do not achieve a resettle at each nap, we don't expect every nap to be a long one. Just remember, the more opportunities your little one has to put their resettling skills to practice, the quicker they will master the skill overall.

Do you have a catnapping little one? Do you feel as though you have tried it all to break the cycle with little luck? If so, and you are wanting support to get this resettling skill mastered, send me a message - I’d love to help!

REVERSE CYCLING

Have you heard the term 'reverse cycling' before?

Swipe ➡️ to find out what it exactly means, the common causes and how to break the cycle!

If you suspect your little one may be reverse cycling, let me know below along with any questions you might have on this topic.

CHRISTMAS UPDATE

As the Christmas and New Year holidays are fast approaching, I thought I would do a quick update on my consulting availability.

I understand that this time of year can be very busy for many families, with hosting, traveling, and catching up with loved ones. However, it can also provide families with much-needed downtime and the opportunity to work on their little ones sleep, with fewer interruptions and more support.

While I will be reducing the number of families I work with one-on-one during the holidays, I will still be offering Comprehensive Support Packages for those who need it. Additionally, Mini Phone Consultations will be available in a limited capacity.

If your little ones sleep has been on your mind, and this holiday season presents an opportunity for your family to work on it, then please don't hesitate to reach out. Visit my website through the link in my bio to view my support packages and book a FREE discovery call. Alternatively, simply send me a message. Please remember, space are limited. 🎄❤️

#2023

WHAT TO EXPECT: 6 MONTHS

Our little ones are constantly growing, learning and changing almost daily as it feels, especially in their first year earth side!

With all these changes, their sleep needs are also forever changing. So, to help you navigate through this time, we have put together a quick mini guide for you to refer to that shows the age-appropriate sleep guidelines at 6 months of age.

✨ SWIPE to learn more.

If you would like more information on age-appropriate schedules, including suitable nap times and durations, then my routine guides are what you need! Follow the link in my bio to purchase your copy.

*Please remember, every little one is different, and they each have unique sleep needs. These are just guidelines and they many not suit your little one.

Do you have a question about your 6 month olds sleep? If so, please don't hesitate to let me know. Be sure to TAG or SHARE this post with another family who has a little one this age or are soon approaching!

Highlighting the different support packages I offer here at .

For the new families who are discovering my page and those families that have been with me for quite some time, these posts will be an opportunity to show you the variety of support I can offer you and your family.

I understand that each little one and their family are unique. Your lifestyle, parenting style, your little ones temperament and the sleep troubles you are experiencing, are all important factors when it comes to providing specific sleep solutions that are perfect for YOU!

So, with that said let’s begin with my most popular package, the COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT PACKAGE ✨

This package has been designed for little ones from newborn up to 5 years of age and is perfect for families who are looking for more guidance and ongoing support when troubleshooting their little ones sleep.

This package includes:
🔸 A pre-assessment sleep questionnaire
🔸 Phone consultation (up to 45 minutes)
🔸 A personalised sleep assessment and plan for your little one that aligns with your parenting style, family, and lifestyle. The topics covered but not limited to are sleep environment, sleep expectations, age-appropriate routine or guideline, settling techniques, milk and nutrition.
🔸 45-60 minute phone consultation, to walk you through your personalised plan, answer any questions and set you up for success
🔸 Two weeks support provided by text, calls and daily check-in's through an activity log
🔸 A ‘Where to from here' email sent at the conclusion of our support period. This includes upcoming sleep changes, an age-appropriate awake time guide and additional tips and tricks to help you navigate the months ahead.
🔸 One follow-up email to be used within 3 months for the support period ending.

If you would like to discuss this package and your little ones sleep situation in more detail, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or book in a FREE discovery call through my website - follow the link in my bio. x