How much does sleep coaching cost?

The cost of sleep coaching is different when choosing package options, from $199 per 30-minute virtual consultation to $899 as long as two weeks of 24/7 support.

When should I start sleep coaching?

Starting sleep coaching around 4-6 months when babies develop regular sleep patterns is ideal. Look for signs like frequent night waking or irregular naps. Establish consistent routines and ensure parental readiness. Consult a pediatrician if necessary. Personal preferences also matter.

Patience and responsiveness are key during the gradual process of sleep coaching. If unsure, seek guidance from a sleep consultant for personalized advice. 

Can I sleep train my 2 month old?

Sleep training a 2-month-old is generally not recommended by most pediatricians and sleep experts. At this age, babies are still adjusting to life outside the womb and have not yet developed mature sleep patterns. Their sleep-wake cycles are still irregular, and their nutritional needs often require frequent night feedings.

Instead of sleep training, focus on establishing healthy sleep habits and routines for your baby. Encourage daytime naps in a conducive environment and create a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. However, be prepared for frequent night awakenings for feeding and comfort, as it's developmentally appropriate at this stage.

As your baby grows older and approaches 4-6 months of age, you can gradually introduce gentle sleep training methods if needed and if your pediatrician gives the go-ahead. Always prioritize your baby's well-being and consult with healthcare professionals for guidance tailored to your child's individual needs.

How long does it take to gentle sleep train?

The duration of gentle sleep training can vary depending on several factors, including your baby's temperament, age, previous sleep habits, and consistency in implementing the chosen method. In general, gentle sleep training methods typically take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to see significant improvements in your baby's sleep patterns.

During the gentle sleep training process, you may notice gradual changes in your baby's ability to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. It's essential to be patient and consistent with the chosen approach, as consistency is key to success.

While some babies may respond quickly to gentle sleep training methods, others may require more time and patience. It's important to adapt the approach to your baby's individual needs and comfort level, ensuring that the process remains gentle and supportive throughout.

Remember to prioritize your baby's well-being and monitor their progress closely. If you encounter challenges or if your baby's sleep patterns do not improve as expected, consider seeking guidance from a pediatrician or sleep consultant for personalized advice and support.

What age is sleep training most effective?

Sleep training is typically most effective when initiated around 4 to 6 months of age. At this stage, many babies have developed more regular sleep patterns and are developmentally ready to learn self-soothing techniques. They have also usually outgrown the need for frequent night feedings, which can make sleep training more feasible. 

What should I look for in a sleep consultant?

When selecting a sleep consultant, consider the following criteria to ensure you find the right fit for your family:

Qualifications and Experience: Look for a sleep consultant with formal training in pediatric sleep and relevant certifications, such as a background in nursing, psychology, or child development. Experience working with children of various ages and sleep issues is also valuable.

Approach and Philosophy: Understand the consultant's approach to sleep training and whether it aligns with your parenting style and beliefs. Some consultants may specialize in gentle methods, while others may advocate for more structured approaches. Choose a consultant whose philosophy resonates with you.

Client Testimonials and Reviews: Research the consultant's reputation by reading client testimonials and reviews. Positive feedback from previous clients can provide valuable insights into the consultant's effectiveness and professionalism.

Communication and Support: Ensure that the consultant offers personalized support and clear communication throughout the sleep coaching process. They should be accessible for questions and concerns and provide ongoing guidance as needed.

Customized Plans: Look for a consultant who tailors sleep plans to meet your child's individual needs and your family's preferences. A one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective for every child, so personalized recommendations are essential.

Follow-Up and Continued Support: Inquire about the consultant's policy regarding follow-up support after the initial consultation. Continued support can be beneficial as you implement the sleep plan and address any challenges that arise.

Cost and Accessibility: Consider the consultant's fees and availability, ensuring that their services fit within your budget and schedule. Some consultants offer in-person consultations, while others provide remote support via phone or video calls.

Is the Ferber method gentle?

The Ferber method is generally considered to be a moderately gentle approach to sleep training by many parents and experts. It involves gradually increasing intervals of comforting your baby while they learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. However, opinions on its gentleness may vary depending on individual perspectives and beliefs about sleep training. 

Is paying for sleep training worth it?

Totally depends on your situation! If you're losing more sleep than a night owl during exams, it might be worth shelling out a bit for some expert help. Think of it like investing in your sanity – getting some solid zzz's could make all the difference. But hey, if you're feeling confident in your DIY sleep training skills, you do you! 

Is sleep training covered by insurance?

Ah, it's a bit hit or miss in New Zealand. Some private health insurance plans might cover a portion of sleep training costs if it's deemed medically necessary, like for serious sleep disorders. But for regular ol' sleep training for your average bub, chances are you're on your own for footing the bill. Always worth checking with your specific insurance provider though – you might get a pleasant surprise! 

What age can I let my baby cry it out?

The "cry it out" method, also known as extinction sleep training, is typically considered suitable for babies who are around 6 months old or older. By this age, most babies have developed the ability to self-soothe to some extent, and they may not require frequent nighttime feedings.

However, it's essential to consider your baby's individual needs, temperament, and readiness before attempting this method. Always consult with your pediatrician to ensure that your baby is developmentally ready for sleep training 

What is the gentlest form of sleep training?

The gentlest form of sleep training often involves methods that prioritize responsiveness and gradual adjustments, aiming to minimize distress for both babies and parents. Some examples include:

Fading Method: Gradually reducing parental involvement in soothing your baby to sleep over time. This method involves slowly withdrawing from your baby's sleep routine, allowing them to learn to self-soothe gradually.

Pick-Up/Put-Down Method: This method involves picking up your baby when they cry and putting them back down once they've calmed, repeating as necessary until they fall asleep. It emphasizes comforting your baby while still encouraging self-soothing.

Chair Method: In this approach, a parent sits in a chair near the crib and gradually moves the chair farther away each night until the baby can fall asleep independently. The parent offers verbal reassurance and physical presence without picking up the baby.

Bedtime Fading: Adjusting bedtime gradually to match your baby's natural sleep patterns, allowing them to fall asleep more easily. This method can be particularly helpful for babies with trouble falling asleep initially.

The Sleep Lady Shuffle: Similar to the chair method, this approach involves staying in the room with your baby while they learn to self-soothe. Parents gradually move farther from the crib each night until they are outside the room.

These methods prioritize the comfort and emotional well-being of the baby while still encouraging the development of healthy sleep habits.