PARENT HACKS // sleep training tips from the pros
You may have met our local sleep training expert, Mary Grace Pinkard with The Cradle Coach at one of her in-person workshops at the coffee shop. We recently interviewed her for a series of tips when it comes to sleep training and get her view as both an expert and mother herself.
01
Give us a brief definition, in your own words, what sleep training is:
So many negative connotations come along with the term “sleep training,” and most usually connect in some way to the false notion that crying it out is the only option. In no way does sleep training mean “close the door and leave!” Sleep training is, simply put, teaching our children to sleep independently — ensuring they get the rest their little bodies need to grow and thrive.
Sometimes, this involves breaking certain habits we, as parents, have created in our endless efforts to get our little ones to go back to sleep in the middle of the night. Still, there are gentle approaches to creating healthier sleep habits. We have sleep training methods that involve picking your baby up, staying in the room with your child until he dozes off, or entering the room for various checks with reassuring words or a comforting touch.
02
When is the best time to start sleep training? ...and is it ever too late to begin?
It’s never too late to make a change! My company, The Cradle Coach, works with children ages 0 to 4 years old. We start as early as 4 months old — or 12 pounds. Honestly, though, the best time to start is when a parent is 100% ready and committed to following through with a plan. Consistency is everything when it comes to sleep training, and that takes true dedication!
03
What would you say to the parent who might think sleep training isn't for them or for those who don't want to live around a sleep/nap schedule?
If sleep training isn’t for you, that’s okay! I’m a firm believer in the life changing sleep training can do, but I’m also a firm believer in allowing parents to make the decisions they feel are best for their individual family. Same goes for schedules. Ironically, many parents we work with actually find that the schedules we build actually give them more freedom. They are no longer second guessing every decision they make in regard to their child’s sleep, and making plans becomes more simple because of the predictability of their days.
04
Do you have any nap time tips for parents with say, a baby and a toddler?
My first piece of advice would be to keep those naps as long as you can! Don’t even start to consider dropping the nap until your toddler is 3 years old, if at all possible. Other than offering naps at consistent times, ensuring the room(s) is absolutely as dark as possible is key. And when it comes to room sharing, or simply having little ones who nap at different times, sound machines are YOUR FRIEND.
Lastly, the cure for a bad nap day is always an early bedtime. Sleep begets sleep. A later bedtime will NOT help your child sleep later in the morning, unfortunately.
05
Tell us why you got started in sleep training and helping others with their baby sleep needs?
I hired The Cradle Coach when my oldest daughter was 5 months old. I had never even heard of a sleep consultant before I became a mom and learned what true exhaustion really is! Our lives were quickly changed. When my daughter started sleeping better, we were all happier. She was a happier baby, and I believe I was able to be a better mother.
I had so much admiration and respect for the women and the company that helped us get there. So, I was beyond thrilled to apply when they announced they were looking for a new social media director. After 2 years of managing The Cradle Coach’s social media, I made the decision to become a certified sleep consultant simply because my passion for the company and services we offer made that the logical next step.
It’s an honor to serve families all over the world, watching parents go from surviving to thriving in a matter of days. Best job I’ve ever had!
The Cradle Coach is a team of certified sleep consultants serving families all over the world. We offer custom sleep plans for children ages 0-4, along with the encouragement and support parents need to help their little ones get the rest they need. To learn more about our plans, you can visit thecradlecoach.com or follow us on Instagram!