NAPTIME CHECKLIST   Hands down the number one topic I get asked about is naps.  The notorious 30-45 minute nap has so many parents stumped and desperate for help.  When I work with familes, naps are always a focus not only because parents need that break in the day, but also because proper daytime sleep sets baby up for success for the longest possible stretch of nighttime sleep.  When we’re talking about naps, we go through this checklist to be sure baby has everything he or she needs for a restorative daytime rest: Reasonable Expectations –  If you have a newborn or even a baby under 3 months of age, it’s very reasonable for baby to have naps that last just one sleep cycle (30-45 minutes).  As your baby hits the 3-month mark and gets closer to 4 or 5 months, naps will start to lengthen, especially if you’re implementing the elements in this post.  [...]

The Dreaded 4 Month Sleep Regression… We all have been warned and whether you are a first time parent or a seasoned veteran we all know that around 3-5 months there is a definite change in your baby’s sleep. The good news is it does not last forever, there are ways to manage through it and even though you may feel like you have a newborn again- your baby is old enough to not only learn and practice independent sleep, they are also capable of self regulating and putting themselves to sleep and back to sleep without needing mom or dad.   What does it look like? I like to also refer to regressions as “sleep interruptions”- changes that are going on in your baby’s tiny body that are interfering or interrupting sleep. It doesn’t mean your baby is incapable of sleeping, it doesn’t even mean that they have forgotten how to sleep, it just [...]

  Naps. Never has something been so loved and hated among mothers. After all, a solid nap allows mom some downtime (and maybe the chance to drink a hot cup of coffee!) but a nap spent crying – well, it’s enough to pull your hair out.   As we’ve discussed in other posts, there are a number of reasons your child (baby or toddler) may be fighting his naps. However, it is important to note that just because he doesn’t want to nap does not mean he is ready to drop a nap.   Keep reading to learn more about how many naps a baby should have per age and why.   0-8 weeks   At Sleep Shop, we believe you can start baby on a routine very early on. At this age, it means feeding baby at set 2.5 – 3 hour intervals. Side note: if baby is hungry, feed him, regardless of how [...]

Sadly COVID-19 has affected all of us, some worse than others. Praying for all those families who have lost jobs, lost money, had delays, had friends or family infected with the disease, and simply have had their lives flipped upside down. As a Nurse Practitioner, I strongly agree with adhering to the recommendations by the CDC. Here are some steps to protect yourself and your family: 1.  Clean your hands often Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds - after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 2.  Avoid crowds and close contact with people who are sick or if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. 3.  Stock up on supplies to have at [...]