Renewed Rhythms Sleep Consulting

10/01/2024

Did you know, bed sharing isn’t as awful as it’s made to seem?

Bed sharing does pose a risk, but so does caregiver sleep exhaustion. Bed sharing is not for everyone.

Tips for safely bed sharing.

1. Be intentional. Bed sharing is most dangerous when it’s done out of exhaustion and desperation. Intentionally plan your bedspring, communicate with your partner about how to safely bed share, and only continue if EVERYONE is sleeping better with baby in the bed. 

2. Breastfeeding. Human milk has sleep inducing beta-casomorphin proteins with an opioid effect. Dairy formula has the same proteins but with twice the level of opioid-like beta-casomorphin peptides which creates a longer, deeper sleep. This sounds great for exhausted parents, but it’s also one theory for why formula is a risk factor for SIDS.

3. Back Sleeping: Sleeping on their back keeps their airway clear, even if baby spits up during sleep. Once baby get roll onto their belly by themselves, it is okay for them to stay in that position. 

4. NO Smoking, Alcohol, or Drugs for anyone in the bed. To be clear, drugs also refers to prescription medication that causes drowsiness or otherwise alters you or your partners ability to respond to baby. Smoking during pregnancy and exposing baby to second hand smoke after birth can alter brain and lung development. 

5. Only co-sleep on your designated safe co-sleeping space. Co-sleeping on a couch, comfy chair, or other soft cushioned area increases the risk of entrapment and suffocation. 

6. Keeps older siblings and pets out of the bed. 

7. The US is one of the few countries that scares parents away from bed sharing. In fact, in the UK, SIDS is commonly referred to as “Cot Death” or “Crib Death” because most cases of SIDS are babies who don’t bed share.

For more information, visit https://llli.org/news/the-safe-sleep-seven/

10/01/2024

What is sleep counseling?

Holistic- your baby is unique. We get to know your baby and your family to ensure your personalized sleep plan is sustainable and in line with your breastfeeding goals, crib or bed sharing goals, and your parenting values and goals.

Responsive: We won’t be recommending a method where baby is left to cry in a room alone. While there is no evidence that this would create trauma of any kind, we believe there are better ways to support baby in learning to sleep.

Educational: We answer the “why” questions, explain the flaws in common sleep training methods, and educate you on biologically and developmentally appropriate sleep for your child.

Family centered: sleep counseling is finding the harmony in meeting everyone’s needs.

09/26/2024

Newborn sleep is an adjustment for the whole family. Newborns are born without the knowledge of day vs night, which can lead to frequent night wakings. During the first three months, their circadian rhythm is developing and they'll begin sleeping longer stretches at night. While their cicadian rhythm will develop naturally, you can assist in its development by exposing them to natural sunlight during their wake periods- go for a walk, sit outside, open the curtains, etc. Added bonus, being outside is great for parental/caregiver mental health!

Download your free nap guide at the link in my bio.

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09/18/2024

Baby and toddler sleep help from certified sleep experts. Sleep training made simple, personalized for each child and family.

06/02/2022

With summer quickly approaching, school ending, and daylight extending far into the evening, it's tempting to throw the bedtime routine out the window. Late nights of fireworks, block parties, BBQ's, sleepovers can lead to night wakings, early rising, and overtired meltdowns. Finding the balance between summer fun and sleep will be the key to success.

Sleep Tips:
-Early bedtime: Having an extra early bed time following late nights can help kiddos make up that sleep debt. Don't worry, this won't make them wake up any earlier than usual!
-Black out curtains: Falling asleep with the sun still shining in through the window can be very difficult. Black out curtains, or even taping black trash bags over the windows will be essential.
-Bedtime Routine: Kids thrive on routine. Avoid the bedtime battles by keeping the routine short, simple, and predictable: bath, book, bed. If it's late, skip the bath, read a quick book, and say good night.
-Set reasonable expectations: You know your kids best. If you know multiple late nights in a row is too much for your kids, it's okay to skip things or leave early.

05/26/2022

Did you know that humans make noise when they sleep? Babies are no different. Sometimes you might hear baby cry out or grunt or giggle. Before you rush over to check on baby, pause.
Pause for a moment to see if baby is actually awake or just making noises in his sleep. Often when we rush over, we end up waking a sleeping baby!

05/25/2022

Feel familiar? Baby and toddler sleep issues impact the whole family. When the kids don't sleep, you don't sleep. At renewed rhythms, we work one on one to create a personalized sleep plan that meets the needs of the entire family.

05/20/2022

Does your baby cry every time they’re being swaddled? Mine did too. It can be so stressful listening to baby cry when all you’re trying to do is help relax them. Crying during swaddling does not mean that baby doesn’t like the swaddle, it just means he doesn’t like the process of being swaddled. Once baby is swaddled, pick him up and rock, sway, or bounce him. Gently “shhh” baby or use a white noise machine.

Why should I swaddle baby? During gestation, baby develops a startle reflex, the moro reflex. This involuntary reflex sticks around until baby is between 3 and 6 month old. By swaddling baby, you’re helping keep his little arms from waking him up when his startle reflex kicks in. Studies also show that swaddling can help calm colicky and fussy babies as it mimics the safe and secure feeling of being in moms womb.

When should I swaddle baby? Baby should be swaddled from birth to about 4 months, or when baby shows signs of rolling, whichever comes first. Once baby can roll, swaddling is no longer safe. Baby should be swaddled for all sleep times. If baby is colicky or fussy, you can also swaddle then to help him feel more safe and secure.

What swaddle should I use? There are so many different swaddle options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Using a designated velcro or zip swaddle is recommended, as swaddle blankets can come loose during sleep and pose a suffocation risk. It is also recommended to use a hands down swaddle opposed to a hands up swaddle.

05/19/2022

In the first few months of a newborns life, they won't have much of a schedule on the clock. They'll only be awake for. 30-45 minutes at a time during their first month, and then slowly increase to about 90 minutes at a time until around 4 months old. Knowing exactly when baby is ready to head off to bed can save you lots of tears! While your baby is unlikely to show all of these signs, knowing some thing to look for can help you get baby down for a nap before she becomes overtired.

Common sleepy cues:

-Zoning out, less interested
-Rubbing eyes
-Pulling on ears
-Turning head from side to side
-Quieter and calmer

05/18/2022

There are many variables that can affect sleep: sun peeking through the blinds early in the morning, the neighbors dog barking, a toilet flushing, older children playing, heat, the television, etc. While some of these things can't be controlled, there are ways we can make baby's room as conducive to sleep as possible.

Dark: Adding blackout curtains or taping black trash bags over the windows are easy ways to make the room pitch black.

Sound Machine: For young babies especially, a white noise machine creates a soothing environment that also blocks outside noises. Place the sound machine 3-6ft from baby's crib and turn it about as loud as a shower.

Cool Temperature: Keep the room nice and cool, between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Consistent Sleeping Area: Baby's and kids love predictability. You know that feeling of falling asleep in your own bed after being on vacation? Creating a personal, comfortable, predictable sleeping area for baby and child can minimize sleep anxiety, help with night wakings, and help kids fall asleep easier.

05/18/2022

Ever wonder what a sleep consultant actually is? I'm sure many of you have heard of it. I'm sure you've also heard about "cry it out" to teach your baby to sleep on their own. I'm sure you've seen the books about it too. So why hire a sleep consultant with Renewed Rhythms?

-One on one baby, toddler, and child sleep support
-Personalized plan to fit your parenting style, your baby's needs, and your family
-Several different methods to choose from because "cry it out" isn't for everyone!
-Tools to set healthy sleep habits for the whole family
-Nonjudgemental coaching from someone who has experienced the sleepless nights, the prolonged bedtimes, the midnight wakes, the extra early mornings, time changes, flights across time zones

Still not convinced? Visit our website to schedule a complimentary call to see if sleep training is right for your family!

05/18/2022

One of the biggest struggles surrounding bedtime is a lack of bedtime routine. Similar to a 5 minute warning before leaving the playground, a bedtime routine signals that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This routine can (and should!) be started right from birth, but it's never too late to start one! Keep the routine short and simple.
For those with busy older children, late daycare schedules, or have other commitments that make bath time difficult in the evenings, don't worry! Preserving an early bedtime is more important than an evening bath.

Bedtime Tips:
-Provide plenty of outdoor time and exposure to natural sunlight during the day
-Turn off all screens at least an hour before bedtime
-Create a simple, quick bedtime routine
-Make sure the bedroom is pitch black and use a white noise machine to block out household sounds