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With October here and Halloween just around the corner, many little ones are surrounded by pumpkins, costumes and spooky stories, which can sometimes lead to extra bedtime worries.
It is also a time when words like nightmares and night terrors are often mentioned, and while they might sound similar, they are quite different both in what they look like and how parents should respond when they happen.
One aspect of the Little Dreams programme that immediately appealed to me was their approach to working with newborns. While we offer a comprehensive antenatal package, we don’t engage in sleep coaching for the first four months. Instead, we focus on providing invaluable advice to help new parents navigate the early stages of parenting and sleep. It isn’t about strict routines at this stage but about building gentle habits that benefit both parents and baby.
Travelling with a newborn is such an individual decision. For some families, travelling in the early weeks feels right and manageable, while for others, staying close to home and settling into life with their new baby is their preference. In this blog post, I discuss my top tips for travelling with a newborn!
Planning a long car journey with little ones can feel like a military operation. As a parent of three (two boys and then my daughter), I know first-hand how quickly a peaceful road trip can descend into “are we nearly there yet?” But with a bit of preparation and some simple strategies, long drives can be much smoother and even enjoyable.
As a parent (and as a sleep consultant), I know that travel can feel exciting, but also a little daunting when you’re wondering:how on earth will my little one sleep? Whether you’re off for a family holiday, visiting grandparents, or taking a long-haul adventure, a change in routine doesn’t have to mean a complete disruption to sleep.
Whether or not to use a dummy with your baby is such a personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong answer. I always say to families—go with what feels right for you. Some babies take great comfort in sucking and settle beautifully with a dummy, while others just aren’t interested (and that’s completely OK!)
As we head into the summer term, many families will be returning to baby and toddler classes — music sessions being a favourite of mine. They’re fun, lively, and full of developmental benefits, such as supporting language, listening skills, and social interaction. But sometimes, all that excitement can have an unexpected knock-on effect when it comes to sleep.
In this ever-growing world of social media and outside influences, it can feel increasingly muddled for parents asking themselves, “What do I do?” or “I just want to get it right.”
This blog is about navigating that noise and finding your own way through the parenting journey.
We all know that food and drink can influence our energy levels. A morning coffee gives us a jolt of alertness, while a hearty roast dinner can leave us feeling sluggish. This is because certain foods contain compounds that affect our body’s natural rhythms. Caffeine, for example, disrupts brain chemicals that regulate our circadian rhythm, causing a temporary energy spike. In contrast, large meals rich in carbohydrates and protein can make us feel lethargic as blood is diverted to aid digestion.
During my years as a paediatric nurse, I saw first-hand how difficult it can be for children—and their parents—to get the rest they need in hospital. Whether it’s a planned stay or an unexpected admission, sleep can be a real challenge. Children struggle to settle in an unfamiliar environment, while parents face exhaustion from keeping vigil at their bedside. Meanwhile, medical teams do their best to balance essential care with the need for rest, but the reality is that hospitals are busy places where sleep is frequently interrupted.
