What is it about you having a lousy night’s sleep that makes everyone else so awful?

It seems that way, doesn’t it? You have a night of broken, interrupted, just plain lousy sleep. The next day, people are driving like they’ve been lobotomized, humming and hawing about their Starbucks order in front of you and asking you the same stupid question at work that you’ve already answered half a dozen times.

Seriously, is the universe just messing with you? Is there a hidden camera somewhere and a group of sadistic YouTube pranksters sending these cretins into your path?

Maybe. I’m not saying that’s not a possibility, but a more likely explanation is that your lack of sleep is making it impossible for you to react rationally to frustrating situations. 

Researchers from the University of Arizona released a study in 2006, which I discovered last week, showing that people deprived of sleep over a 55-hour period had...

• An increased tendency to blame others for problems
• Reduced willingness to alleviate a conflict situation by accepting blame
• Increased aggression
• Lower desire to behave in ways that facilitate effective social interaction

I know this might not seem like especially earth-shaking news, but it speaks to a broader point. 

So, let’s imagine that you and your partner are the proud parents of a new baby. Your lives are undoubtedly blessed, but let’s not kid ourselves; a new baby is a mammoth responsibility, and they require their parents to make, on average, one million decisions a day. (I’m estimating there, but it’s for sure in the ballpark. Let’s say a million-ish.)

And for every decision that has to be made, you and your partner need to come to some sort of an agreement that it’s the right way to go. 

• What time should we put him to bed? 
• What do we do when he starts crying? 
• Are we going to breastfeed? Are we able to? 

Those are all questions that need to be agreed upon and then reevaluated if things aren’t going smoothly. Those are just three of an infinite number of choices you’ll make in the first few weeks alone. 

And every one of them presents an opportunity for disagreement.
Now, you and your partner may have a great method for resolving your disputes. You may have already agreed on a lot of these questions before you even got pregnant. Still, as any parent knows, all of those decisions are up for renewal the second things start going off the rails. 

​So here you are, faced with all of these decisions, all of which need to be approved by you and your partner; you’re frustrated because things aren’t going smoothly, to begin with, and to top it all off, your ability to recognize and respond to each other in a rational, civilized manner has been seriously compromised.

Two people are forced to debate the most critical decisions they’re likely to make in their lives, and they’re psychologically primed to blame one another, get angry, and be less likely to play fair or accept responsibility. 
Nightmare, right? 

On top of that, couples who don’t get enough sleep are less likely to show gratitude towards each other and significantly more likely to feel unappreciated, according to Amie Gordon, a doctorate candidate in social-personality psychology at UC Berkeley. 

And as though that’s not enough, consider the fact that lack of sleep decreases libido, which means you won’t be having sex as often, if at all. Many of the parents I’ve worked with have told me they’ve stopped having sex altogether since one of them is sleeping on the couch or sleeping next to baby, and in those rare opportunities where they get the chance to fool around, they both say they’re too tired and just not in the mood.

Loads of couples get through this period in their lives with their partnership intact, and I’m not trying to suggest that sleep deprivation is going to be the end of your relationship. A baby who isn’t sleeping isn’t necessarily going to result in divorce, but I can say without reservation that it certainly won’t help.

​Babies are amazing, right? I mean c’mon. What can possibly compare with those first few months when you and your partner stand over the crib together and look down on that precious new life that the two of you created together? It’s the most romantic experience I can envision, and it’s a period in your life that deserves to be cherished. That’s not so easy to do if you and your partner are constantly fighting against each other because neither of you is getting enough sleep.

There are so many reasons to make your little one’s sleep a priority when it comes to their well-being. Still, I’d ask you to take a selfish little detour for a moment and consider what it can mean for you, your partner and your relationship. After all, if there’s one gift your kids always appreciate, it’s seeing their parents happy, united, and in love. 

So before you commit to couples therapy, before you move to separate bedrooms, before you even get into one more heated argument over which route to take to daycare, try taking a week to commit to getting your little one sleeping through the night and see how you feel once you’re all getting the rest you need.

The results, I promise you, are nothing short of amazing.

-Erin Neri, BA. Psychology, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Infant Mental Health, Integrated Feeding Specialist

​Kahn-Greene, E. T., Lipizzi, E. L., Conrad, A. K., Kamimori, G. H., & Killgore, W. (2006). Sleep deprivation adversely affects interpersonal responses to frustration. Personality and Individual Differences, 41(8), 
1433-1443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2006.06.002

Gordon, A. M., & Chen, S. (2014). The Role of Sleep in Interpersonal Conflict: Do Sleepless Nights Mean Worse Fights? Social Psychological and Personality Science, 5(2), 168–175. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550613488952

​

​So even if you manage to focus on what you’re learning and acquire the information, without sleep, that information won’t be properly stored in the brain. When called upon to access it, you’ll find yourself drawing a blank and making that face. You know the one your husband gets when you ask him to communicate his needs more often? That one.
​
Now, I’m a firm believer that learning and education should be a lifelong pursuit, but once we’re out of school, learning becomes substantially more optional. For your kids, though, learning is their primary responsibility for the first 18-20 years of their lives, so considering how much they need to retain, the importance of a healthy sleep schedule is hard to overstate.

People who regularly get between 7-9 hours of sleep see significantly lower rates of obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, infections, depression, diabetes, inflammation, hypertension, heart disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. They also report higher satisfaction with their sex lives, better performance at work and take fewer sick days than people who
typically sleep less than 7 hours a night. (3)
​
So, there’s no question that sleep, while it remains mysterious, is definitely an essential part of a healthy and happy lifestyle. But that all changes when you have a baby, right?

​I mean, you’ve brought a new life into this world, and you’re expected to sacrifice your sleep for a few years, maybe six or seven at the most, in order to respond to your baby’s needs, which, for some reason, they seem to have in spades in the middle of the night.
​

​I’m going to get a little out of my comfort zone for this blog and do something I wouldn’t typically do. 
I’m going to speculate. 
I’m going to hypothesize. 

If you read my blog regularly, you know I’m a big believer in studies, data, and established credible scientific facts, but today, today I’m free-styling.
​
So, in most parental relationships, as you probably know, one parent takes on most of the responsibilities regarding the kids. I’m not talking about the antiquated idea: “Mom feeds, dresses, changes, teaches, nurtures, and raises the kids, and Dad goes to work and kisses them goodnight when he gets home in time.” But most of the families I’ve worked with have had one parent who takes on a little more of the baby-related responsibilities. It might be split 75/25 or 45/55, but there’s usually someone who has the role of primary caregiver.

And that parent, more often than not, is usually the one who handles two main things: feeding baby and putting baby to bed.

Getting your baby to sleep through the night relies heavily on breaking that dependence on their sleep prop so that when they wake up after a sleep cycle (which we all do, even as adults, several times a night), they can get back to sleep on their own. They don’t need to call for a parent or caregiver to come and feed them so they can conk out again. They develop the skills to go from awake to asleep independently.


But like I say, that’s a skill, and skills take time to develop. So while they’re learning how to do this, you’re likely in for a few nights where the baby will be tired but unable to get to sleep. They’re going to want that “prop,” and they’re probably going to get frustrated that you won’t give it up. 


It’s confusing, and understandably so. Personally, I need a glass of water by my bed and my favourite pillow in order to comfortably fall asleep. If someone took it away from me one night and didn’t explain why, I’d be pretty frustrated, too.


So, what we’re aiming to do is minimize that confusion. We won’t be able to alleviate it completely on night one, but we can take it down a peg or two. And if your baby is typically nursed or bottle-fed to sleep, then I strongly suggest you put the parent who doesn’t handle the feeds in charge of bedtime. ​

If your baby has suddenly started waking more often at night, skipping naps, or fighting bedtime like never before, you might be in the thick of the 8-10 month sleep regression. And I know how exhausting that can be. As a certified pediatric sleep coach, I’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this exact phase—and I want you to know: you’re not alone, and this doesn’t have to derail your sleep forever.
​
Let’s walk through what’s really going on during this stage, why it’s happening, and what you can do to survive—and even thrive—through it.

The 8-month sleep regression (which can happen anytime between 8 and 10 months) is a totally normal, developmental stage where your baby’s sleep suddenly becomes disrupted. This might mean:

• More frequent night wakings
  
• Shorter or skipped naps
  
• Fussiness at bedtime
  
• Early morning wake-ups
  
• Clinginess or separation anxiety
  

Sound familiar? You're not imagining things. This phase can feel like a major backslide, especially if your baby was previously sleeping well.

Several major developmental leaps happen between 8 and 10 months, and they can all impact sleep. These include:

• Crawling, pulling up, cruising: Your baby is mastering big physical milestones, and their brain is busy processing new skills—even during sleep.
  
• Cognitive development: Object permanence is emerging, which means your baby is starting to understand that you still exist even when you're not in the room. This can lead to increased separation anxiety.
  
• Nap transitions: Some babies begin transitioning from three naps to two around this age, which can temporarily disrupt daytime and nighttime sleep.
  
• Teething: It’s not always the primary cause, but if teeth are coming in, discomfort can make sleep even harder.
  

Most sleep regressions last around 2 to 6 weeks. But here’s the key: how you respond during this regression matters.
Without support or structure, short-term sleep struggles can become long-term habits.
If your baby is suddenly waking multiple times a night and you're rocking, feeding, or bouncing them back to sleep each time—understandably just trying to survive!—they may start to rely on those responses going forward. That’s why many families reach out to me during regressions: to stay on track and avoid forming habits that stick around long after the regression ends.

​Here’s what I recommend:

1. Stay consistent with bedtime routines
   Predictability helps your baby feel secure and can ease separation anxiety.
   
2. Offer lots of daytime practice
   Let your baby crawl, pull up, and move as much as possible during awake time so they’re not trying to “practice” at 2 a.m.
   
3. Stick to an age-appropriate schedule
   Most babies this age thrive on a 2-nap schedule, with around 3 hours of awake time before bed.
   
4. Avoid forming new sleep associations
   If your baby didn’t need to be rocked or fed to sleep before, try not to introduce that now (easier said than done, I know!).
   
5. Be responsive, but not reactive
   It’s okay to comfort your baby. But respond in ways that support long-term sleep goals, rather than creating new sleep crutches.
   

​Sometimes, what looks like a regression is actually a sign of an underlying sleep issue—like an overtired schedule, a reliance on sleep associations, or an inconsistent sleep environment. If your child has never been a good sleeper, or things were already tough before this regression hit, it’s worth asking:
Is this truly a temporary phase—or has sleep been a struggle for a while?

If you’re not sure, I invite you to book a 30-minute Ask Me Any Thing Call with me. We’ll talk through what’s going on and figure out whether your little one is experiencing a short-term regression… or if it’s time to get personalized support.
👉 Book Ask Me Anything Call

If this is definitely a regression and your baby was sleeping well before—it’s still tough, but there’s good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone.

My Sleep Regression Solution Guide is designed to walk you through the
8-10-month regression and prepare you for future ones, too. It’s packed with gentle strategies for getting sleep back on track, and tools to stay consistent even through the toughest nights.
👉 Grab the Sleep Regression Solution Guide
(Perfect for 4, 8-10, 12, 18 and 24-month regressions!)

Sleep regressions are hard, but they don’t have to break your progress—or your spirit. With the right strategies and support, you can help your baby (and yourself) get back to restful, consistent sleep.
​
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you. 💛
— Erin, B.A. Psychology, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Infant Mental Health, Integrated Feeding Specialist

​If your newborn was sleeping great for long stretches and then--bam—suddenly starts waking up constantly, taking short naps, and fussing at bedtime, you may be dealing with the dreaded 4-month sleep regression.
As a certified pediatric sleep consultant, I can tell you: this is one of the most common and confusing sleep challenges parents face. It feels like it comes out of nowhere—and it’s completely exhausting.
​
Let’s unpack what the 4-month sleep regression is, why it happens, how long it lasts, and what you can do (right now) to survive it—and come out stronger on the other side.

The 4-month sleep regression is a permanent developmental change in how your baby sleeps. Around 3.5 to 4.5 months, your baby’s sleep cycles mature and begin to look more like an adult’s—moving between lighter and deeper stages of sleep.
As a result, your baby now experiences partial arousals between sleep cycles—every 45 minutes during naps and every 2-4 hours overnight. If they don’t know how to fall asleep on their own yet, they’ll wake fully and cry out for the same conditions they had at bedtime (like rocking, feeding, or bouncing).

​You might be noticing:

• More frequent night wakings
  
• Naps suddenly getting shorter (30–45 minutes)
  
• Fussiness or resistance at bedtime
  
• Increased crankiness or clinginess during the day
  
• More feeding overnight (even if they weren’t before)
  

It can feel like everything is unraveling—but here’s the key: this isn’t a temporary phase like other regressions. The 4-month sleep regression marks a permanent change in how your baby sleeps.
Which means… this is the perfect time to teach healthy sleep habits that last.

​If no changes are made, the struggles can continue indefinitely. Some babies start waking every hour and stay stuck in that pattern for weeks or even months.
But the good news? With the right guidance, your baby can learn to connect sleep cycles and fall asleep independently.
​
That’s why so many families reach out to me at this stage—because this is one of the most impactful points to shape lifelong healthy sleep.

​Here’s what I recommend to my clients:

1. Start putting baby down awake
   If you’re rocking, nursing, or bouncing your baby to sleep, begin practicing drowsy-but-awake or fully awake at bedtime. This helps your baby learn to self-settle when they wake between cycles.
   
2. Create a consistent bedtime routine
   A calming, predictable wind-down routine tells your baby it’s time for sleep and helps them feel secure—even during this big transition.
   
3. Use age-appropriate wake windows
   At 4 months, babies can typically handle 1.5 to 2 hours of awake time before needing sleep again. Overtiredness leads to more night wakings and short naps.
   
4. Keep the sleep environment dark, quiet, and cool
   A dark room, white noise, and optimal sleep temperature (68–72°F) all support better, deeper sleep.
   
5. Be consistent—especially at bedtime
   The way your baby falls asleep at bedtime sets the tone for the entire night. Start there, and you’ll see progress ripple into naps and overnight sleep.
   

If you’re in the thick of the 4-month sleep regression and want expert support to make sure you’re on the right track, book an Ask Me Anything Call with me.
This 1:1 call is perfect if:

• You’ve read the Sleep Regression Solution Guide and want help applying it to your child
  
• You’re unsure if this is just a regression or something more
  
• You need a short-term strategy tailored to your specific situation
  

This isn’t a full sleep training plan, but you’ll walk away with clarity and confidence on how to move forward.
👉 Book an Ask Me Anything Call here

My Sleep Regression Solution Guide is your go-to toolkit for navigating the most common sleep setbacks—without creating new habits you’ll have to undo later.
Inside, you’ll find:

• Clear explanations of what’s happening at 4, 8–10, 12, 18, and 24 months
  
• Age-appropriate, step-by-step strategies to help your baby or toddler sleep better
  
• Scripts, bedtime routines, and nap schedules
  
• Gentle techniques to handle separation anxiety, bedtime battles, and nighttime wake-ups
  
• Guidance on sleep props, fear-based stalling, crib-to-bed transitions, and more
  
• Tips to adjust sleep routines with confidence—and avoid burnout
  

👉 Download the Sleep Regression Solution Guide and feel confident no matter which regression shows up next.
​

You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through this stage. With the right tools and support, your baby can sleep beautifully—and so can you. 💛
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.
— Erin, B.A. Psychology, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Infant Mental Health, Integrated Feeding Specialist

​“There are two things in this world that life doesn’t prepare you for. Twins.”

You’re the proud parent of twins! Congratulations! And my sincerest respect and empathy for the challenges you’ll likely encounter. Twin babies, especially for first-time parents, are a massive amount of work, but one of the most valuable investments in your whole family’s well-being is to get them sleeping well.

That’s typically going to be a little more complicated than teaching one baby some solid sleep skills for all the obvious reasons that come to mind. If one baby wakes up crying, you’re pretty much guaranteed that the other will be right behind them, and soothing two babies at the same time is just objectively tougher than one.

To further complicate the situation, twins are often premature, and preemies are very sleepy babies. And because one baby crying is likely to wake the other, parents of twins are often quick to rush in and soothe a crying baby back to sleep by any means necessary, which can lead to stronger feed/sleep associations. 

​So I’m not going to sugarcoat it, but imparting those awesome sleep skills on your twins won’t be a walk in the park. It will require double the determination and discipline on your part, but it’s absolutely achievable, and once your little ones have got the hang of it, you, as the parent, will have a much easier go of things.

Think about it; what would you do with the extra time you’d have once both your babies are napping on the same schedule and sleeping through the night? How much would that ease your parenting burden? It’s an absolute game-changer for most parents of one baby, so multiply that by two and you get… a double game-changer? Two game changers? Whatever. You get my point. 

So, it will be tricky, but if you’re ready, let’s dive into some strategies to maximize your chances for early success.

First off, let’s look at their sleeping arrangements. I usually suggest putting both babies in separate rooms if you have the space. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be a bedroom. You can set up a pack-and-play in your office if that’s available. It’s not necessary, mind you. This can be done with both babies in the same room, but if one of them starts making some noise, having them in separate rooms can help prevent one from waking up the other. It’s just a temporary setup while we get those skills honed, so don’t worry about giving up a room permanently. You should be able to move them into the same room in a couple of weeks.

​You’re also going to want to keep them on the same schedule. The great thing about twins is that their sleep needs will be pretty much the same, so putting them on the same nap/bedtime schedule is effective for both of them. 

Now, you’ll likely run into a situation where one baby sleeps longer than the other, and that’s fine up to a point. I set the limit at about 30 minutes before you should wake up your other baby to prevent them from getting too out of sync. When nap time rolls around again, just ignore that extra 30 minutes and put them down at the same time.

For obvious reasons, having both babies going down and waking up at the same time is also pretty important for mom’s sanity. Having a little time to yourself during the day can make all the difference in the world when you’re dealing with twins. Once they’ve adapted to their new schedule, you’ll have much more time to take care of the other responsibilities of having two babies. You might even get a little “me-time” in there. 

As for nighttime, I mentioned earlier that mothers of twins are a little more likely to respond quickly when one of them wakes up crying in the night and more likely to try to quiet Baby down with whatever method is quick and effective in order to prevent them from waking up their sibling. 

I will ask you to resist that impulse a little for the next seven to ten days. Obviously, I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t soothe a crying baby, but if your usual response is to rush in and offer a feed, a pacifier, or rock baby back to sleep, you’re probably impeding baby’s ability to develop those self-soothing skills, and letting them figure out how to fall asleep on their own is a vital part of the process.

It’s a big ask, I know, so plan to get started on a night when you don’t have to be up early or looking your absolute best the next day because the first few nights will likely be a little rocky. Just remember that you’re going through this rough patch in order to arrive somewhere wonderful on the other side.

As for the very likely scenario that one baby wakes up and the other doesn’t, this is where things can get a little tricky. We want to keep them both on the same schedule, but we also don’t want to interrupt their sleep if we don’t have to. My advice on this situation, outside of weight gain issues or specific instructions from your doctor, is to let your babies sleep. If one wakes up for a feed, don’t wake the other one and offer a feed as well. We will prioritize sleep for now and allow Baby to make up the calories during the day.

After three or four days, you’ll notice something magical start to happen. As those independent sleep skills start to develop, you’ll realize that one fussing baby won’t be nearly as likely to wake up their sibling. That’s because they’re spending more time in deeper stages of sleep, and as you’ve probably noticed, when a baby gets into a deep sleep, they can sleep through almost anything. 

The other benefit that will start taking effect is that sleep begets sleep. It’s a little counter-intuitive, but overtiredness fires up our cortisol production, which makes it harder for us to get to sleep, so as your twins start sleeping more, they’ll actually have an easier time getting to sleep and staying asleep long enough to get into that sweet, restorative, deep stage of sleep that we’re looking for.

Finally, make sure you’re ready before you get started. I see a lot of parents get started when they’re not fully committed to the process, only to quit a few nights in, which is thoroughly confusing for their little ones and typically teaches them that they need to fuss louder and longer in order to get mommy to come and nurse or rock them to sleep. So, if you’re not entirely sure that this is the time, that’s absolutely fine. Consistency is the key here, so don’t just “give it a try” if you don’t think you’re ready to commit. 

It’s going to be a lot of work, make no mistake, but I can promise you that it’s going to be so, so worth it, and I’m here to support you every step of the way once you decide it’s time to get those sweet little bundles sleeping through the night. 
​

Sleep is crucial for babies and young children. However, many parents struggle with putting babies to bed and poor sleep quality despite their best efforts. The problem often lies in the nursery itself. There are hidden sleep disruptors that interfere with your baby’s rest. These disruptors can be small details you may not notice at first. This article explains the hidden sleep disruptors in nurseries and how to fix them. By understanding and removing these disruptors, you help your baby sleep better. Creating a peaceful sleep space supports healthy rest habits that last.

What Might Be Affecting Baby's Sleep

Babies often have bad sleep because their sleep cycles and patterns are still developing. Their brains and bodies are learning how to regulate when to sleep and wake. Many factors can disturb this process, including hunger, discomfort, and overstimulation. One common disruptor is moving with your baby and changing the schedule. For example, rocking, carrying, or relocating your baby frequently can interrupt their ability to settle and stay asleep in one place. This movement can confuse their internal cues and delay their learning to self-soothe. As a result, inconsistent routines can make sleep more challenging for both the baby and the parents.

Baby Needs Routine the Most

Maintaining a consistent sleep routine is essential for helping your baby learn when it is time to rest. Regular patterns help your baby’s body and brain recognize sleep signals. When juggling bedtime routines, including frequent moving during falling asleep or sleeping in different places, your baby can become confused. Consistency provides security and supports the development of healthy sleep habits. This stability helps your baby feel secure and makes it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

​Here are some tips to maintain a consistent sleep routine and reduce disruptions from moving with your baby:

• Establish a regular bedtime and nap schedule.
• Use the same soothing techniques in the same place each time.
• Limit rocking or carrying your baby to sleep gradually.
• Keep the sleep environment calm, quiet, and familiar.
• Avoid changing sleeping locations frequently.
• Respond to your baby’s needs while encouraging self-soothing.

​

Lighting and Noise: Silent Sleep Saboteurs

Two major disruptors in nurseries are lighting and noise. Bright or inconsistent lighting confuses your baby’s internal clock. Harsh overhead lights or night lights that are too bright can delay sleep onset. Use blackout curtains to block outside light during naps and bedtime. Choose soft, warm lighting if a night light is needed.

Noise can also interrupt sleep cycles. Sudden sounds, like doors closing or loud voices, may startle your baby awake. Constant background noise, such as a fan or traffic, may also prevent deep sleep. Try using pink noise, white noise machines, or soft music to mask sharp sounds. Maintaining consistent quiet helps your baby settle faster and stay asleep longer. These are two common but often overlooked hidden sleep disruptors.

The Role of Temperature and Air Quality

Temperature and air quality significantly affect sleep quality. Rooms that are too hot or too cold cause discomfort. Experts recommend keeping the nursery between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 Celsius). Too many blankets or heavy clothing can cause overheating. On the other hand, dry or stale air can irritate your baby’s nose and throat. Use a humidifier in dry climates and ensure good ventilation.

Poor air quality may increase coughing or congestion, which interrupts sleep. Regularly cleaning dust and allergens from the nursery also improves air quality. These factors quietly disrupt sleep but are easy to fix once identified. Pay attention to temperature and air to avoid these hidden sleep disruptors.

Crib and Bedding: Comfort and Safety Matter

The crib and bedding are central to your baby’s sleep space. Uncomfortable mattresses or bedding materials can make it hard for your baby to settle. Choose a firm, flat mattress that fits the crib exactly. Avoid soft bedding such as pillows, quilts, or stuffed animals that pose safety risks and may disrupt breathing.

Fabrics that irritate sensitive skin or cause overheating can wake your baby. Use breathable, natural materials like cotton for sheets and sleep sacks. Regularly check for wear and tear on bedding and mattress covers. Comfort and safety together create a sleep-friendly environment free from hidden sleep disruptors.

Electronics and Screens: Invisible Barriers

Electronics are also one of the hidden sleep disruptors in the nursery. However, they are more obvious. Devices like monitors, tablets, or phones emit blue light that suppresses melatonin, the sleep hormone. Even if your baby doesn’t look at the screens, the light exposure affects their internal clock. Keep screens out of the nursery during sleep times.

Notifications or alerts from devices create sudden sounds or lights that disturb sleep. Consider putting devices on silent or turning them off at night. Using electronics only in common areas and keeping the nursery tech-free supports better sleep habits. These hidden sleep disruptors are easy to overlook but important to control.

Clothing and Diapering: Simple Changes That Matter

Your baby’s clothing and diapering routine can impact sleep quality more than expected. Tight or uncomfortable clothing restricts movement and causes fussiness. Choose soft, loose-fitting pajamas suitable for the season.

Nighttime diaper changes can also wake a baby fully if done improperly. Use dim lights and quiet movements during changes. Keep diapering supplies within reach to avoid prolonged disturbances. Clean and dry diapers prevent discomfort that may wake your baby. Small adjustments in clothing and diaper routines help minimize hidden sleep disruptors and improve overall rest.

Conclusion: The Hidden Sleep Disruptors Lurking in Your Nursery

Recognizing the hidden sleep disruptors in your nursery is the first step toward better sleep for your baby. Lighting, noise, temperature, crib comfort, and electronics all play roles. Additionally, how you move with your baby and manage clothing or diapering affects rest. Addressing these factors creates a calm and safe sleep space. This supports healthy sleep habits that benefit both the baby and the parents. By focusing on your nursery environment, you can reduce disruptions and help your child sleep soundly through the night.

Photos via:
Pexels
Pexels
Pexels
Pexels

Do you yell at your kids? 

Because, hey, full disclosure, I yell at my kids. I lose my patience sometimes. My kids can push me to the point where I snap. 
I’m never proud of it because I know I’m a better parent when I keep my cool. Yelling can be effective, no doubt, but it always leaves me feeling like I dropped the ball. It’s the polar opposite of that wonderful feeling I get when I manage to resolve a situation through a calm, rational analysis of the problem, followed by a few suggestions on how to solve it. My child quickly settles down and starts considering the potential solutions I’ve offered, and before you know it, the situation is entirely under control. 


Aren’t those moments just the best? Isn’t that just the hole-in-one of parenting?  ​

​There’s a lot to be said for keeping calm around our children, and it goes well beyond making us feel like we’re good parents.

A 2014 study in Psychological Science, conducted jointly between researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, and New York University, separated mothers and their infants for a brief period of time, then exposed the mothers to some mild negative stressors. Upon being reunited with their babies, the infants embodied the same negative stress their mothers had experienced. It’s not known exactly how those emotions were transferred, but even without being exposed to the stressor itself, the infants sensed that their mother was stressed and emulated those emotions.

Another study from the University of California, Riverside, showed that parents who remained calm while helping their kids undertake a frustrating laboratory challenge helped their kids stay calm and focused.

So what does that mean in layperson’s terms? It means that whether you’re stressed or calm, you’re probably passing those feelings onto your little one. Your emotions are, quite literally, contagious. 

​Now, stress is a part of a parent’s life. There’s no avoiding it. Unless we’re blessed with some kind of superpower, we’re going to go off on our kids once in a while. I’m not suggesting you should beat yourself up in those moments, only that we should strive to minimize them. We should always be aspiring towards those hole-in-one moments.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either in the midst of teaching your little one to sleep through the night or you’re thinking about getting started. If that’s the case, it’s a good bet you’re already sleep-deprived yourself. When we’re not getting enough sleep, we’re short-tempered, easily agitated, and more likely to raise our voices and give in to feelings of frustration. In short, we’re likely to be a little bit stressed out, and as we’ve seen, that stress permeates our kids, which stresses them out, which cranks up cortisol production, and there you have it. We’ve barely gotten started, and we’re already throwing up obstacles.

I’m not saying it’s easy, but before you even start the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep independently, I recommend you get yourself into a headspace where you commit to yourself that, no matter how tough things get, you’re going to try your absolute hardest to stay calm, cool and collected. Practice deep breathing exercises, meditate, do a little yoga, and do anything else you can think of to put you in a calm, tolerant, accepting state of mind. During sleep training it is so important to remain calm, cool, collected, a boring lump of confident zen with a little business sprinkled in.

​If you’re working with a partner, I suggest you do all of this together and discuss ahead of time who’s taking what shift so there’s no arguing during the night. And remember, if things go as expected, most babies start showing huge improvement by around night three, so relief is just on the other side of that hill.

And when the dust settles, and your little one is sleeping through the night, and you managed to get through the process without giving in to feelings of frustration and guilt, you’re not just going to feel like you hit a hole-in-one. You’re going to feel like you just won the World Parenting Championship. You’ll feel like the undisputed heavyweight champion of motherhood. 

Sleep-filled nights are right around the corner, mama! So be patient, be calm, cool and collected and it’ll all be behind you soon. 
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